Discover Dallas’s Most Enchanting Homes: The ABPA Homes for the Holidays Tour
For two decades, the Armstrong Bradfield Preschool Association’s (ABPA) Homes for the Holidays home tour has stood as a beacon of community spirit, exquisite design, and educational support in the heart of Dallas. More than just a chance to step inside some of Highland Park ISD’s most breathtaking residences, this annual event is a cherished tradition that directly fuels vital programs for Armstrong and Bradfield elementary schools. Each ticket purchased, and every step taken through these gorgeously decorated homes, contributes to enriching the lives of young students – from funding the kindergarten Spanish program to providing essential instructional materials, books, teacher workshops, and innovative technology.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the ABPA Home Tour has firmly cemented its place among Dallas’s quintessential holiday experiences. Much like the festive Trains at NorthPark, the iconic tree lighting ceremonies, or the heartwarming queues for Santa, this tour signifies the beginning of the holiday season for many. It offers a unique blend of architectural appreciation, interior design inspiration, and philanthropic impact, drawing hundreds of families who seek both beauty and purpose during this special time of year.
The Heart Behind the Homes: Supporting Armstrong & Bradfield Elementary Schools
For those unfamiliar, the Armstrong Bradfield Preschool Association (ABPA) operates as a dedicated nonprofit organization, tirelessly working to support current and future families of Armstrong and Bradfield elementary schools. This support manifests through a diverse range of social, community outreach, and critical fundraising programs. The Homes for the Holidays Home Tour is, without doubt, the crown jewel of their fundraising efforts. An astonishing 97 percent of all proceeds generated from the tour are channeled directly back into the kindergarten and first-grade classes at these two esteemed schools, underscoring the ABPA’s unwavering commitment to early childhood education.
With a robust membership of over 400 families, the ABPA fosters a vibrant community dedicated to enhancing the educational experience for its youngest learners. The tangible impact of their efforts is clear: last year’s tour successfully raised an impressive $75,000. These funds were strategically divided, with half dedicated to bolstering the beloved kindergarten Spanish program at Armstrong Elementary, fostering early language acquisition and cultural understanding. The remaining half was invested in Bradfield Elementary, acquiring invaluable instructional materials, a diverse array of books, cutting-edge technology, essential math manipulatives, and facilitating crucial teacher workshops that empower educators with the latest pedagogical tools and techniques.
The success of this highly anticipated event is a testament to the dedication of its organizers and volunteers. This year’s tour was expertly co-chaired by Chelsey Baker, Nina Sachse, and Jane Wallingford, whose vision and tireless work brought the celebration to life. The tour took place on Friday, December 7th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering attendees a perfect morning to immerse themselves in holiday splendor. Tickets were priced at an accessible $25 in advance, with a slight increase to $30 at the door, ensuring broad participation while maximizing fundraising potential.
A Glimpse Inside Dallas’s Finest: Featured Homes of the Tour
The 20th-anniversary tour proudly showcased five magnificent homes, each offering a distinct architectural style and design philosophy, adorned with exquisite holiday decorations. Each residence provided a unique window into the artistry of home design, blending historical charm with contemporary elegance. We are delighted to offer an exclusive preview into four of these spectacular properties, alongside a more in-depth look at a fifth, revealing the captivating stories behind their walls and the families who call them home.
The Curnes Home on Maplewood: A Prairie-Style Masterpiece Reimagined
Stepping into Suzie and Bunker Curnes’ 1916 Prairie-style home on Maplewood Avenue is an experience steeped in history and a testament to passionate restoration. In 2017, the Curnes embarked on a monumental journey to breathe new life into a property that, at first glance, seemed beyond repair. Event co-chair Jane Wallingford vividly recalls the initial state: “When they stumbled upon this home in their search, they found a crumbling chimney, shattered windows, vines growing through windows and around the rooms like wallpaper, knob and tube wiring, and a bamboo and ivy forest in the backyard.” Despite these daunting challenges, the Curnes possessed an unwavering vision, recognizing the profound potential for this house to become their dream home.
Their restoration philosophy embraced the opportunity not merely to renovate, but to “bring back to life a home and give it another hundred years.” This commitment is evident in every meticulously restored detail. Visitors will discover finishes that are both historically inspired, honoring the home’s original character, and subtly influenced by the Curnes’ personal memories—echoes of favorite restaurants and cherished places encountered during their travels across the country.
The Curnes took immense pride in preserving the historical integrity of their residence. The beautifully restored windows, including the distinctive eyebrow transom windows, speak volumes of their dedication. The original wood floors, now gleaming, invite guests to trace the footsteps of a century. A particular highlight is the CFA Voysey reproduction wallpaper, a sophisticated nod to Suzie Curnes’ deep appreciation for Voysey’s iconic Arts and Crafts movement work, cultivated during her pursuit of an art history degree.
Wallingford advises tour-goers to “be sure to look up to see the chandelier” in the main living area. This striking light fixture, along with a similar one in the dining room, is believed to be original to the home’s construction period, confirmed by the telltale cloth wiring. The Curnes painstakingly had these tin chandeliers fully rewired and carefully reinstated to their rightful, prominent positions, ensuring their historic luminescence continued to grace the spaces.
The restoration process was also a journey of rediscovery. Beneath layers of drywall and shutters, the Curnes uncovered a forgotten fireplace and several original windows, adding unexpected treasures to their project. The dining room, remarkably, remains almost entirely unchanged from its original design, preserving its plaster walls and distinct floor. Here too, a restored chandelier and more Voysey reproduction wallpaper further enhance the room’s authentic ambiance.
While the kitchen represents a newer addition, it was thoughtfully designed to evoke the charm of an old restaurant or pharmacy, seamlessly integrating historic touches with modern functionality. An eyebrow transom window, perfectly matched to the home’s existing originals, ties the new space to the old. The custom dining table, designed by the Curnes themselves and crafted from wood salvaged from the property, exemplifies their commitment to sustainability and personal connection. Soapstone countertops offer both aesthetic appeal and practical durability for a busy family, while the unique tile floor draws inspiration from the Curnes’ memorable travels to the Wyeth Hotel in Brooklyn. Completing this culinary sanctuary, the striking copper vent hood pays homage to the homeowners’ beloved Seattle restaurant, Canlis, adding a touch of personalized elegance.
Every bathroom in the Curnes home is a miniature work of art, featuring Art Nouveau-style tiles in unique, distinct color schemes. The hexagonal floor tiles and rectangular border tiles were meticulously color-matched and expertly crafted by American Restoration Tile in Mabelvale, Arkansas, ensuring authenticity and visual harmony.
Perhaps one of the most unexpected yet captivating spaces on the tour is the Curnes’ laundry room. Originally a bedroom, this expansive area has been ingeniously transformed into a multi-functional hub for creativity—serving as a craft room, painting studio, sewing space, holiday gift wrapping station, and general creative sanctuary. Its most remarkable feature is the exposed backside of an interior plaster wall, carefully enclosed in tempered glass. This innovative design choice showcases the historic uniqueness of plaster walls, a feature often hidden. While not initially conceived as a structural art piece, when the plaster wall unexpectedly detached during renovations, the Curnes seized the opportunity to visually connect the past with the present utility of the space. Electrical and AV wires are discreetly routed through the wall, serving as a subtle yet powerful demonstration of how an antique house can be thoughtfully modernized to provide an ideal, technologically integrated dream home for a contemporary young family.
The Houghton Home on Turtle Creek Lane: A Kaleidoscope of Holiday Magic
If Jennifer and Steve Houghton’s residence on Turtle Creek Lane strikes a chord of familiarity, it’s likely due to Jennifer’s renowned interior design prowess, frequently showcased in her own home, particularly during the holidays, across the pages of Southern Living. Jennifer Houghton possesses an unparalleled passion for decorating, transforming her home into a festive wonderland for every holiday imaginable. Her boundless enthusiasm for seasonal decor has, on numerous occasions, captivated national audiences, leading to features in prominent magazines and online publications.
“The reason I go all out is ’cause I love it. I love the joy that it brings to my family,” she shared with Southern Living, encapsulating her decorating philosophy. “I just love to see other people happy.” This heartfelt sentiment shines through in every meticulously placed ornament and twinkling light. While Jennifer insists she never replicates a theme, visitors to the Houghton family home during the tour are treated to a fresh, imaginative display of holiday splendor. For those eager for a hint of her creative genius, her popular blog, Turtle Creek Lane, offers a delightful archive of her past holiday masterpieces.
Her approach to decorating is deeply personal and family-centric. “As I’m doing my decorations, I usually, honestly, have my kids in mind, but I just love that I can share what I love to do with my family and with my friends,” she explained. “I truly believe in making our homes a place where there’s joy, and where people want to be. Think about the people that you love most, and make it an environment for them, that they want to be at home.” This philosophy ensures that while her decorations are undeniably grand and magazine-worthy, they never lose their warmth, inviting feel, or family-focused charm.
Jane Wallingford perfectly captured the essence of the Houghton home during the holidays, describing it as “a winter wonderland, with sparkly decor and happy holiday scenes in every room, corner, and countertop of the home.” Imagine exquisite embellishments adorning an elegant spiral staircase, brilliant chandeliers casting a festive glow, and every surface meticulously curated to evoke sheer joy. For a sneak peek into the breathtaking scale and artistry of her previous holiday efforts, the following video offers a glimpse into the magical transformations Jennifer Houghton brings to her already gorgeous home.
The Allen Home on Lorraine Avenue: Mediterranean Grandeur with Modern Livability
The newly constructed Mediterranean-style home of Jeff and Heidi Allen on Lorraine Avenue is a stunning showcase of sophisticated design, masterfully brought to life by Traci Cornell Interiors. Utilizing the home’s natural oak elements, commanding beams, and sleek black metal windows as a foundational backdrop, Cornell and her team orchestrated a space that exudes a light-filled, soft, and distinctly modern ambiance. Every detail, from the grand flooring to the lofty ceilings, reflects an extraordinary level of meticulous attention and thoughtful curation.
The Allens collaborated closely with Cornell to craft a residence that perfectly balanced lush glamour with undeniable livability. The resulting interiors are a symphony of textures and finishes, deliberately chosen to evoke the warmth of the sun and the vastness of the sky through a sophisticated yellow and navy color palette. This harmonious blend creates an inviting yet luxurious atmosphere, ideal for both grand entertaining and intimate family moments.
As a true family home, durability was a paramount consideration. Although the Allens are empty nesters, their four grown children frequently return for joyous family celebrations and to gather for various sporting events. Recognizing this, the home was designed with resilient fabrics and rugs that are not only attractive but also robust enough to gracefully withstand the occasional spilled wine or sticky fingers, ensuring elegance is never sacrificed for functionality.
Beyond its overarching aesthetic, certain rooms within the Allen home serve as delightful reflections of the family’s individual personalities and shared passions. One particularly engaging space is dedicated to their fervent love for sports, with a special emphasis on the Dallas Stars. A wall proudly displays a collection of the children’s cherished trophies from their school days, transforming the room into a vibrant homage to family achievements and shared enthusiasm.
When describing the home as “attractive,” it’s truly an understatement. The living room is an exceptional space, defined by exquisite woodwork, a stately coffered ceiling, beautifully integrated built-in bookshelves, and elegant pocket doors that enhance both flow and intimacy. In the dining room, the ceiling itself becomes a captivating focal point, demanding admiring glances upward. The master suite offers an oasis of luxury, featuring separate his-and-hers bathrooms ingeniously connected by a spacious shared shower, with her bath boasting a lavish pedestal bathtub for ultimate relaxation.
The kitchen, a culinary masterpiece, features a custom tile backsplash, pristine marble counters, and classic white cabinets adorned with elegant silver hardware. An expansive long counter and a generously sized island provide ample workspace and maintain an open, fluid layout, perfect for both everyday meal preparation and large-scale entertaining. In favorable weather, the glass doors seamlessly retract, opening onto the inviting patio and sparkling pool beyond, dramatically expanding the entertainment possibilities and blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Even when the weather turns, the area remains a functional sanctuary—screens can be lowered and heaters engaged to create a cozy, enclosed patio, ensuring year-round enjoyment of this versatile space.
The Wilson Home on Drexel: English Tudor Charm with a Modern European Twist
A year ago, renowned designer Caitlin Wilson and her husband, Brigham, embarked on a significant renovation journey after purchasing their bright and beautiful English Tudor home on Drexel for their young family. Caitlin’s distinctive passion for vibrant color and captivating pattern immediately infused the residence, transforming it into a cheerful and chic sanctuary. Her designs brilliantly punctuate the home’s timeless Tudor backdrop, creating a happy, magazine-ready aesthetic imbued with a fresh, contemporary perspective and subtle hints of European inspiration. The result is a home that feels both classically elegant and utterly modern.
Wilson’s signature touch is evident throughout every room, where she artfully layered patterned wallpapers, luxurious hand-knotted rugs from her celebrated collection, and perfectly coordinated pillows. These elements collectively contribute to a cohesive yet dynamic interior that speaks volumes of her expertise and personal style.
While the painted brick exterior, complete with its characteristic Tudor windows and architectural details, signals traditional elegance, a striking, clean modern black door immediately announces a contemporary sensibility. Inside, bleached and whitewashed oak floors serve as a brilliant canvas, allowing natural light to bounce and fill the spaces. This fundamental design choice immediately conveys Wilson’s overarching vision: to take an outdated 1980s home and meticulously transform it into a luminous, functional, and joy-filled space where a young family can thrive and create lasting memories.
The true showstopper of the Wilson home is undoubtedly the kitchen—a harmonious blend of classic and daring. It boasts timeless white cabinetry, pristine marble countertops, and exquisite brass hardware. The pièce de résistance is a stunning French blue range and matching hood, which serves as a vibrant focal point, injecting a bold splash of color and personality. Beyond aesthetics, Wilson’s renovations were structural as well; she raised the living room floors and strategically dropped kitchen walls, enhancing the open flow and maximizing natural light. The master bathroom underwent a significant reconfiguration, emerging as a multifunctional space adorned with elegant blue and white marble floors, beautifully accented with warm natural woods, creating a spa-like retreat.
The children’s bedrooms and bathrooms are expansive, each thoughtfully designed with darling, whimsical themes tailored to the personalities of the four young residents. These spaces are brought to life through imaginative wallpaper selections and coordinating tiles, creating enchanting environments that spark joy and creativity. Wilson’s iconic signature palette of confident blues and cheerful pinks is masterfully woven throughout the entire home, ensuring a sense of unity and playful sophistication.
Once again, the laundry room, a space often relegated to an afterthought, demands attention in the Wilson home. Caitlin transformed this functional area by adorning its walls with her own exquisite floral wallpaper and incorporating playful pops of acrylic hardware. Brass accents and lighting fixtures are consistently carried from room to room, impeccably tying together the home’s aesthetic and harmonizing beautifully with the elegant brass stair handrail. Adorning the walls are original 19th and 20th-century paintings, adding depth and character, while plush Persian rugs from her personal collection grace the floors. The Wilson home stands as a splendid, inspiring example of livable luxury, perfectly tailored for a growing family.
The Simpton Home on University: Contemporary Comfort Meets Classic Charm
Rounding out the spectacular tour was the Simpton family home on University, a captivating residence that perfectly marries contemporary comfort with classic charm. This home, carefully selected for its unique blend of modern amenities and traditional aesthetics, offered visitors another inspiring perspective on Dallas luxury living. Featuring expansive living areas bathed in natural light and thoughtful design elements that cater to both entertaining and everyday family life, the Simpton home exemplified how elegance and functionality can coexist beautifully. Its inclusion provided a rich and diverse experience for all who attended the ABPA Homes for the Holidays tour, leaving a lasting impression of sophisticated style and welcoming warmth.
Join the Tradition: Support Education, Experience Elegance
The Armstrong Bradfield Preschool Association’s Homes for the Holidays Home Tour is more than just an event; it’s a vital tradition that weaves together the threads of community, philanthropy, and exquisite design. By participating, you’re not only granted exclusive access to some of Highland Park’s most stunning homes, but you’re also directly contributing to the foundational education of hundreds of children at Armstrong and Bradfield elementary schools. The funds raised have a profound and lasting impact, supporting crucial programs and providing essential resources that nurture young minds.
We invite you to mark your calendars for future ABPA Home Tours and become a part of this cherished Dallas tradition. Experience the beauty, gather inspiration for your own home, and most importantly, make a tangible difference in our local schools. For more information about the Armstrong Bradfield Preschool Association and their invaluable work, or to inquire about future event dates and ticket sales, please visit the official ABPA website. Your support helps create brighter futures for our community’s children.