Nestled in the vibrant heart of East Dallas, the residence at 6325 Vanderbilt Ave. stands as a testament to contemporary design and a unique vision. Home to Taylor and Nick Thurmond, this architectural marvel is one of the standout properties featured on the highly anticipated 15th annual White Rock Home Tour. From its carefully curated landscape to its distinctive hardscape, every element of this modern dwelling hints at the innovative spirit that defines its interiors, inviting visitors to experience a home that truly breaks the mold.
The Thurmonds’ Lakewood Heights home offers a refreshing contrast within a neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of architectural styles. What truly sets this property apart is its relatively recent completion, boasting clean lines, organic free-form landscaping, and an array of artistic touches that challenge conventional residential design. The couple, known for their distinctive building philosophy, shares a profound belief in originality.
“We won’t build something basic and normal,” Taylor asserts with her signature smile, a sentiment that extends beyond their personal abode to the other homes they’ve developed across Dallas. “We love different,” she emphasizes, underscoring their commitment to creating spaces that are both functional and profoundly unique.
Embracing Distinctive Architecture on the White Rock Home Tour
The Thurmond residence, a proud participant in the 15th annual White Rock Home Tour, is anything but a cookie-cutter house. Completed in 2021, the home was thoughtfully constructed around a cluster of mature, 100-year-old trees, preserving a piece of natural history on a lot where a previous structure, deemed “past saving” by the Thurmonds, once stood. This respectful integration of nature became a cornerstone of their design philosophy, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and timeless beauty.
Upon approach, visitors are greeted by a wide, flat entrance crafted from exquisite flagstone, a material Nick fondly refers to as “Oklahoma Brown.” This choice is not merely aesthetic; it carries a personal significance, referencing the couple’s meeting place at the University of Oklahoma. Beyond its visual appeal, this expansive flagstone area is designed with versatility in mind, capable of serving as additional parking or transforming into an inviting outdoor patio space, seamlessly blurring the lines between arrival and outdoor living.
The selection of plantings around the home reflects Taylor’s meticulous attention to detail and a deeper ecological consciousness. All perennial, these plants were specifically chosen for their resilience and connection to the local environment—either native to Texas, well-adapted to the state’s climate, or notably fragrant. A harmonious blend of grasses, sage, rosemary, and elegant Japanese maples adorns the front of the home, creating a soft, organic contrast to its clean architectural lines. “I’m kind of picky,” Taylor admits with a playful smile. “The grasses soften the hard lines of the architecture. I don’t like anything normal,” a statement that perfectly encapsulates her design ethos of intentional uniqueness.
A series of carefully placed concrete steps lead visitors towards a welcoming porch, distinguished by precisely arranged circular patterns that subtly guide the eye to the front door, thoughtfully set back and partially hidden from street view. This deliberate approach creates an engaging journey, an experience of transition designed to bridge the gap between the external environment and the internal sanctuary. “It’s trying to bring the natural into the inside,” Nick explains. “In leading you up to the front door, you have this experience of transitioning from outside to inside, setting the tone for the entire home.”
One of the Thurmonds’ primary design goals was to artfully blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. This vision is realized through the abundant natural light that floods the entire house, streaming in through expansive 10-foot windows that grace every room. The home, featuring four bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and two half baths, offers generous and light-filled spaces. Oversized sliding-glass doors act as versatile partitions, effortlessly connecting the dining area with the spacious backyard, thereby facilitating an easy and inviting indoor-outdoor lifestyle—a cherished attribute in Dallas’s pleasant climate. “Why have a wall, when you can have a window?” Taylor quips, perfectly articulating their preference for openness and natural integration.
An underlying Asian aesthetic permeates the house, lending it a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. This influence is strikingly punctuated by an iconic Noguchi light sculpture, which elegantly descends from the living room ceiling, serving as a captivating focal point. The motif of circles, introduced in the exterior hardscape, continues subtly throughout the interior—from the sculptural concrete balls nestled in the fireplace, to the sphere-shaped pillows adorning the sofa, and the sleek circular marble cocktail table. These recurring elements create a sense of harmony and continuity. Taylor affectionately describes this holistic design as her “big wabi-sabi Texas welcome,” blending Eastern principles of appreciating imperfection and natural beauty with the warmth of Southern hospitality.
Underfoot, polished concrete floors provide a durable, minimalist foundation that complements the home’s modern aesthetic while offering practical benefits such as thermal mass. Ample storage is seamlessly integrated throughout the residence, featuring bespoke white oak cabinets and closets that add warmth and texture to the neutral palette. Many of the interior walls are finished with hand-troweled waterproof plaster, providing a subtle, artisanal texture that further enhances the home’s organic appeal. Vertical design elements dominate, with tile and wood laid in patterns that intentionally deviate from the norm, creating visual interest and reinforcing the Thurmonds’ “love different” philosophy. “We sometimes say we like warm modern,” Nick summarizes, perfectly capturing the home’s unique blend of contemporary style and inviting comfort.
A Perfectly Imperfect House Reflecting a Vibrant Family Life
While a sophisticated palette of neutrals defines the majority of the Thurmond home, a burst of personality emerges in the children’s wing, where Oliver, 12, and Eleanor, 10, have been given the freedom to infuse their rooms with their individual characters. Oliver’s space showcases his impressive Lego creations proudly displayed on custom shelves, complemented by shower lights that cycle through different colors, reflecting his playful spirit. Eleanor, meanwhile, has chosen soft lavender walls, shimmering iridescent bathroom tiles, and a vibrant confetti-colored area rug—a particularly special spot, as it’s the favorite napping place for Penny, the family’s beloved three-legged dog. “She’s like our house,” Taylor says fondly of Penny. “Things aren’t perfect, and that’s perfectly fine.” This sentiment of embracing the beautifully imperfect resonates through the entire home, creating an environment that is both elegant and authentically lived-in.
Designed with entertaining in mind, the Thurmond home effortlessly accommodates gatherings of all sizes. A baby grand piano, rescued and given a new life from an abandoned country club, occupies a cozy corner, often filled with the melodies of neighborhood kids invited to play. The outdoor kitchen stands ever-ready for use during Dallas’s beautiful weather, making al fresco dining and barbecues a regular affair. Upstairs, the dedicated game room is a hub of activity, having hosted countless birthday parties with its large-screen entertainment, arcade games, a classic ping pong table, and an always-ready Monopoly game, ensuring fun for all ages. These thoughtful spaces highlight the Thurmonds’ desire for their home to be a welcoming place for family, friends, and the wider community.
A Thoughtful Partnership with Far + Dang Architects
The Thurmonds embarked on the journey of building their dream home in collaboration with the renowned architect Bang Dang, a principal at the esteemed firm Far + Dang. Their praise for his work is effusive and genuine. Taylor commends his meticulous approach, stating, “He’s so thoughtful, and he honors the neighborhood and gets you what you want, within your budget.” This harmonious partnership ensured that the home not only reflected the Thurmonds’ unique vision but also respected the architectural context of Lakewood Heights, all while adhering to practical considerations.
Ultimately, the most significant aspect of the Thurmond home isn’t its innovative design or luxurious materials, but its profound connection to the neighborhood. Their Vanderbilt Avenue home marks their third residence in this beloved pocket of Lakewood Heights, underscoring their deep roots and affection for the community. For Taylor and Nick, the vibrant shared experiences—Halloween festivities, spontaneous snow days, and joyous birthday parties with their friends and neighbors—hold far greater importance than the brick, mortar, or concrete that compose their physical structure. “It’s all about the neighbors,” Taylor affirms, articulating a philosophy centered on human connection and community spirit.
East Dallas is undeniably where the Thurmonds thrive, finding a profound sense of belonging and freedom. “We love it,” Taylor muses, reflecting on the unique atmosphere. “You’re kind of free to be whoever you are here. I think the people are welcoming, free, and easygoing.” This sense of liberation and acceptance is not just a backdrop to their lives but an integral part of what makes their modern, perfectly imperfect home a true sanctuary and a hub of community in the heart of Dallas.
daltxrealestate.com is a proud media sponsor of the 15th annual White Rock Home Tour, an event benefiting Hexter Elementary, taking place from noon to 5 p.m. on April 22-23. Tickets are currently on sale for $25. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the Thurmond family’s “big wabi-sabi Texas welcome” firsthand, along with four other fabulous properties, by purchasing your ticket here. Discover the innovative design and community spirit that defines these exceptional Dallas homes.