Seeing is Believing
Nestled along the shores of Lake Grapevine, Lakeside Village blends nature, dining, shopping, and living into one vibrant destination. Stroll the trails and take in the waterfront views, discover a mix of boutique shops and local favorites, gather with friends at restaurants that turn meals into memories, or make your home here at one of our thoughtfully designed residences. everything awaits at our water’s edge
The Place You Call Home
Every day, we pass through spaces that reflect our tastes, our routines, and the rhythms of life we hold dear. But what makes a house a true home is not simply wood and stone, color and texture. It is the heartbeat of the people who live there and the community that surrounds them.
This March, we are celebrating home in every sense of the word—the spaces you have curated with intention, and the places where connections are formed, traditions are shared, and memories take root. Our homes provide comfort, stability, and sanctuary. Our communities give us belonging and purpose.
Within these pages, you will find inspiration to elevate the spaces you live in through thoughtful design, trusted experts, and ideas that support the way you truly live. Just as important, you will meet the neighbors, business owners, creators, and leaders who make our community feel familiar, welcoming, and deeply connected.
Home is found in the everyday moments. A friendly face at a local shop. A neighborhood gathering that brings people together. The quiet pride of living in a place that feels right. These moments are what transform a city into something personal and meaningful.
Home is not static. It grows with every shared meal, every helping hand, and every story passed from one generation to the next. It exists in the comfort of favorite rooms and in the relationships that extend far beyond our front doors.
As you turn these pages, we hope you feel inspired to enhance your home and deepen your connection to the community that makes it special.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of the place you call home.
March 2026
PUBLISHER
Angi Burns | angi.burns@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Valerie Merrick | valerie.merrick@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Deborah Dove | debie.dove@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kathy Moreno | kathy.moreno@citylifestyle.com
SALES MANAGER
Britt Barber | britt.barber@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Ashton Ullrich Burns | ashton.burns@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITERS
Fatima Durrani, Ayesha Durrani
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
TinTin Wynn Photography & Films
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Missy Phipps, Hope Freeman, Olivia Barr, Heather Spinks, Angela Broockerd
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Chad Hatcher, Olivia Barr, Landon H Williams, Dan Jenkins, Amanda Proudfit
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Run
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1 - 7: Fort Worth Stock Show was a success for the Lewisville FFA and the Ag Mechanics Show Team. Please congratulate the members who walked away with awards. Ethan Elias - LHS (Custom Offset Smoker Trailer): Blue Ribbon for quality of work and presentation and 3rd place in the Towable Cookers Class. Levi Ross - MHS (18’ Open Deck Car Hauler): Blue Ribbon for quality of work and presentation. John Graybiel - FMHS (CNC Plasma Table): Blue Ribbon for quality of work and presentation. Daniel Barraza - LHS (2 Ton Bulk Cattle Feeder): Blue Ribbon for quality of work and presentation. Photography by Lewisville FFA
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business monthly
Thrive Pilates Now Open in Flower Mound
Thrive Pilates celebrated the grand opening of its Flower Mound location at 2311 Cross Timbers Rd., Suite 311, Flower Mound, TX 75028. Designed as a sanctuary for holistic wellness and transformative movement, Thrive Pilates offers a reimagined approach to traditional Pilates with innovative class formats and personalized instruction. The studio welcomes both experienced practitioners and those new to Pilates, providing expert guidance to support strength, balance, and overall well-being.
Start Your Engines!
Premier 1 Auto Care celebrated the opening of its Lewisville location at 1901 S. Stemmons Fwy., Lewisville, TX 75067, marking the company’s first expansion into the DFW area. Originally based in San Antonio, Premier 1 Auto Care is known for transparent service, expert technicians, and a customer-first approach. The new location is proud to serve the community as a trusted destination for reliable, honest automotive care.
Experience Something Great
The Great Greek celebrated the opening of its Lewisville location at 1079 FM 3040, Suite 150, Lewisville, TX 75067. The restaurant features a contemporary take on classic Mediterranean cuisine, with dishes prepared daily from authentic family recipes using fresh ingredients. From savory grilled skewers and tender gyros to crisp salads, wraps, appetizers, and desserts, The Great Greek brings timeless flavors to the local dining scene.
Photography by Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce
Photography by Lewisville Area Chamber of Commerce
Photography by Lewisville Chamber of Commerce
Nonprofit of the Month
Where Love Lives: Ally’s Wish Redesigns What “Home” Means for Families Facing Life-Threatening Illness
Home is more than four walls. It is where laughter echoes, where children feel safe, and where memories quietly take root. For families facing a life-threatening illness, home can also become a place of fear, exhaustion, and uncertainty. Ally’s Wish exists to gently redesign that experience—creating intentional moments of beauty, connection, and peace when families need it most.
Founded in North Texas, Ally’s Wish is a nonprofit organization dedicated to granting meaningful wishes to mothers with life-threatening illnesses who have young children. These wishes are not extravagant displays but carefully designed experiences rooted in what each family needs most: time together, relief from daily burdens, and memories that will live on.
The organization was born from the belief that thoughtful design—of time, space, and experience—can change how families navigate the hardest seasons of life. Sometimes that design takes the form of a family vacation where medical appointments are replaced by laughter. Other times it looks like transforming a home into a sanctuary for celebration, rest, or togetherness. Each wish is custom-crafted, reflecting the family’s values, rhythms, and definition of home.
ARTICLE BY MISSY PHIPPS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ALLY'S WISH
Most past grantees wanted time to make memories with no doctors—just fun time together—so many past wishes granted have been family vacations to Hawaii, Disney World, the Grand Canyon, Alaska, the beach, or the mountains. Another said, “I would love to have a tree house to spend time with my sweet babies in, and when that day comes, they can have a place to go back to and know I was there and will always be.”
At its core, Ally’s Wish understands that when a mother is facing an uncertain future, the way moments are arranged matters. The placement of joy. The intentional gathering of loved ones. The creation of spaces where children feel secure and seen. Ally’s Wish deliver these moments so families can simply show up and be present.
The local impact of Ally’s Wish can be felt throughout North Texas and beyond. Since its founding, the organization has served families from across the region, partnering with local vendors, designers, planners, and volunteers to bring each wish to life. These collaborations not only support families but also strengthen the community, inviting businesses and individuals to use their talents in service of something deeply human.
Volunteers often describe Ally’s Wish as an organization that pays attention to details others might overlook—the favorite colors of a child, the comfort of a familiar space, the importance of one last holiday celebrated at home. These details transform wishes into lasting legacies.
In a world focused on productivity and speed, Ally’s Wish slows time down. It creates room for families to reconnect with what makes a house feel like a home: shared meals, bedtime routines, inside jokes, and moments of joy that linger long after the wish itself has ended.
Getting involved with Ally’s Wish is an invitation to provide hope. Supporters can participate by donating to fund future wishes, volunteering time and skills, hosting small gatherings to introduce the mission to others, or partnering as a business or sponsor. Each act of involvement helps build experiences that remind families they are not alone.
As Ally’s Wish looks toward the future, its mission remains beautifully simple: to design moments that matter, in the places that matter most. Because home is not just where we live—it is where love lives.
To learn more about Ally’s Wish or to get involved, visit www. allyswish.org. Donations, volunteer opportunities, and partnership information are available on the website, along with stories of the families whose lives have been touched through this heartfelt mission.
WHERE WATERS Run Blue
ENSURING YOUR POOL IS SWIM-READY AT ALL TIMES IS AN INVESTMENT WORTH MAKING
ARTICLE BY FATIMA DURRANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TINTIN WYNN PHOTOGRAPHY & FILMS
In Texas, outdoor living is a year-round experience. And nothing defines a backyard retreat more than a beautiful pool. Imagine crystal-clear blue water, smooth rocks with cascading waterfalls, and native stones that mimic the feel of your own private lagoon. Shade from tall plants or pergolas and cabanas help create distinct zones for cooking, dining, and relaxing, extending your living space and creating an oasis where you can relax or entertain.
A well-designed pool adds undeniable value and can become an extension of the home, reflecting a homeowner’s unique personal style. However, pool ownership comes with responsibility. There’s no worse feeling than getting that urge to dive in on a hot day but realizing that your pool water is cloudy. Or prepping for guests to enjoy a pool day with a barbecue but sensing that water levels keep receding, indicating a larger problem may be at hand.
A routine water maintenance service helps homeowners stay on top of issues concerning water clarity and pool cleanliness. Testing the water chemistry is necessary for the health of a pool, much like performing blood work is for humans. However, deeper maintenance is also required, because long-term pool care goes beyond weekly services. Just like humans go in for an annual physical, your pool also needs an annual tune-up.
“Owning a pool is like owning a house,” reflects Christie Pruitt, CMO and director of Southwest Pools. ”We know it’s costly to maintain, but neglecting that maintenance is even more costly. A small problem can turn into a big one if it’s overlooked.”
Most times, homeowners don’t even know what to look for. Does your pool have aging materials? Cracked tile joints? Clogged or dirty filter liners? Worn or outdated sealers?
That’s why calling in a pool professional that’s well versed in equipment maintenance and automation is key. A trained pool technician can assess equipment performance, service valves, evaluate energy efficiency, establish a consistent maintenance plan, and document pool records. This allows homeowners to enjoy peace of mind—and their pool.
Image Courtesy of Southwest Pools
A professional annual pool tune-up is equally important for people who are hands-on and take care of their own pools.
“It’s about protecting your investments,” adds Corey Nichols, CEO and founder. “A pool is like a third vehicle; it still needs its oil changed and filter replaced even though you’re not driving it around.”
Together, Pruitt and Nichols lead Southwest Pools, a niche, female-owned design-and-build firm serving North Texas homeowners. The company was founded on the belief that clients and employees alike deserve a voice throughout the entire pool-building experience.
Owning a full-service design company means doing everything from conceptualizing and planning to design and construction. “Most pool people only do design or they manage pool projects, but we do both—design and build. It’s analogous to the architect and the home builder working together,” says Pruitt.
As co-founders, they’ve built a business that reflects this integrated approach. They are keenly tuned in to the desires and needs of homeowners, and this feedback loop informs them about what customers want. In 2026, one of the biggest trends they foresee is tying outside living to indoor living. The aim of this trend is to eliminate or minimize separation and allow for a free flow of space.
For example, rather than treating the pool as a separate feature, designs now follow patio lines and green spaces, creating
an easy flow from inside to out while retaining the functionality of the pool.
“We create this flow often by using materials that are visible inside the house, yet work well outside too, such as stack stone on an indoor fireplace that matches the stone on a raised water feature in the pool,” says Nichols.
Whether your pool needs repair, you simply want to upgrade an outdated look with new features, or you want an all-new modern, straight-lined pool or a free-formed pool, everything added to the outdoor living space should complement the rest of the surroundings. This emphasis on continuity aligns with another growing trend: simplicity.
In 2026, builders, interior designers, and landscapers across North Texas are trying to keep it simple. While a customized living area can have unique fireplaces with soft accent lighting, clean lines, and light-colored materials, it doesn’t have to be bulky or complicated. Gone are the days of ornate designs, heavy materials, and overcrowded spaces.
If you’ve been dreaming of a backyard retreat anchored by a clear, inviting pool—or simply want to ensure your existing one is operating at its best—now is the time to “dive in.” Contact Southwest Pools at 2081 Hutton Dr. Suite 101 Carrollton Tx. 75006, 469-328-0155, swpoolsdfw.com.
Image Courtesy of Southwest Pools
ARTICLE BY OLIVIA BARR
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF OLIVIA BARR
HOME IS Where YOU ARE
Treating Places Like Home, Even When Traveling
There’s a moment that happens when you travel enough—not when you arrive, but when you slow down. When you stop seeing a destination as a backdrop and begin noticing how it functions. How people live. How they move through their days. How your presence fits into their world.
That’s when travel shifts from consumption to consideration.
The most meaningful journeys begin with a simple understanding: when we travel, we are stepping into someone else’s home.
A Simple Question That Changed How I Travel
On a recent trip to the Caribbean, I found myself doing what many American travelers do without thinking twice: paying in U.S. dollars. The USD is widely accepted across many islands and often preferred because of its strength. It feels easy. Familiar. Efficient.
But one afternoon, I asked my taxi driver a question I had never asked before: “Do you prefer being paid in U.S. dollars or local currency?”
He paused before answering, and what he shared stayed with me. While U.S. dollars are accepted, they aren’t always preferred. When locals receive USD, they often have to step away from work to exchange it into local currency. That means travel time, long lines, and exchange-rate fees that quietly reduce their earnings. What felt like convenience for me created extra labor for him.
That small exchange reshaped how I think about financial support while traveling. Supporting a destination isn’t just about spending money; it’s about how that money circulates. Using local currency keeps funds moving immediately within the community, respects people’s time, and preserves value where it matters most.
Sometimes, being a thoughtful traveler starts with asking better questions.
Cultural Awareness Is More Than Courtesy
Respect for a destination also means understanding its rules, customs, and history, especially when they differ from home.
In several Caribbean countries, for example, civilians are prohibited from wearing camouflage clothing. This isn’t a fashion preference; it’s rooted in respect for the military and national security. Travelers unaware of this law can face fines or confiscation, but more importantly, they risk unintentionally signaling disregard for local norms.
Taking time to understand local etiquette—whether related to dress, public behavior, or photography—signals: I value where I am, and I took the time to learn.
Supporting the Places That Welcome Us
Where travelers choose to stay has a lasting impact, often in ways that aren’t immediately visible.
Many locally owned boutique hotels across the Caribbean function as more than accommodations; they serve as cultural gathering spaces. On one visit, I noticed original artwork displayed throughout a hotel’s lobby. Each piece was created by a local artist, accompanied by a description of the artist’s background and the story behind the work. I later learned that the hotel rotates these collections every six months, offering multiple artists a platform for visibility, income, and connection with travelers. Many of the pieces are even available for purchase, allowing guests to take home something far more meaningful than the typical souvenir.
These thoughtful details reflect a deeper commitment to community, one that goes beyond aesthetics and into economic empowerment and cultural preservation.
“The most meaningful journeys begin with a simple understanding: when we travel, we are stepping into someone else’s home.”
I’ve also experienced properties where the hotel itself isn’t a barrier but an invitation. In these spaces, locals and visitors gather naturally—to listen to live music, share meals, and enjoy each other’s company. The energy feels different. Less transactional. More communal.
While some larger brands, by design, separate guests from the surrounding community, many boutique properties intentionally blur that line. They create environments where connection is encouraged and culture is lived, not staged.
Choosing to stay in places like these doesn’t just support tourism; it supports artists, musicians, chefs, and entrepreneurs whose work gives the destination its soul. And for travelers, it offers something increasingly rare: the opportunity to feel genuinely welcomed, not just accommodated.
Respecting What Lies Beneath the Surface
Respect for a place also extends below the surface, sometimes quite literally.
Through partnerships and conversations with local experts in Barbados, I’ve learned about the devastating effects of stony coral tissue loss disease, a fast-spreading marine illness threatening Caribbean coral reefs. To many visitors, reefs are simply beautiful backdrops for snorkeling or boat excursions. For island communities, they are living ecosystems that protect shorelines, support fisheries, and sustain tourism itself.
Hearing directly from local marine professionals shifted how I approach oceanbased experiences, and how I educate travelers. Something as routine as sunscreen choice can have long-term consequences. Certain chemical sunscreens accelerate reef damage, while reef-safe alternatives help reduce harm. Even excursion choices matter, as eco-conscious operators follow practices designed to protect marine life rather than disrupt it.
When travelers understand what’s at stake, their behavior changes. Awareness leads to intention. And intention leads to preservation.
Sustainable travel isn’t about limitation. It’s about responsibility. It’s recognizing that these environments are not attractions. They are homes, livelihoods, and legacies.
Treating Places Like Home
The idea of “home” doesn’t disappear when we travel. If anything, it becomes more important.
“Home is where people feel respected. Where routines matter. Where resources aren’t taken for granted. Treating places like home, even when traveling, means being mindful of impact, curious about culture, and humble enough to learn.”
Home is where people feel respected. Where routines matter. Where resources aren’t taken for granted. Treating places like home, even when traveling, means being mindful of impact, curious about culture, and humble enough to learn.
It’s choosing local vendors. Understanding laws before arrival. Recognizing that what feels small to a visitor may carry weight for a resident.
True luxury isn’t excess. It’s care.
Leaving Changed, and Leaving Something Good Behind
Island destinations give generously— through culture, beauty, music, and warmth. Traveling well means responding with equal consideration.
When we treat places like home, travel becomes less about escape and more about exchange. We return not only with memories, but with perspective and a deeper appreciation for how interconnected we truly are.
And that, perhaps, is the most meaningful souvenir of all.
Olivia Barr is the founder of Caribbean Island Festivals, a boutique travel concierge that curates immersive Caribbean experiences rooted in culture, community, and connection. To learn more visit www. caribbeanislandfestivals.com.
Changing Spaces
As Life Evolves, So Can Our Homes
ARTICLE BY AYESHA DURRANI | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LANDON H WILLIAMS
Home is where the heart is. And there’s no better way to breathe new life into your living space than through remodeling, whether it’s transforming an outdated kitchen into a modern and functional culinary space, renovating an old bathroom with a spa-like shower, freestanding tub, and smart storage, or brightening rooms with fresh paint and lighting that enhances the ambiance throughout. Additionally, as life evolves—children grow up and move out, or people age—homes often need a fresh perspective and thoughtful updates. For example, a former kids’ game room can become an adult-focused space for hobbies or a theater room, and a spacious bathroom equipped with handheld bars can be both functional and accessible for the elderly, allowing them to age gracefully (and safely) in place.
Hiring a professional is essential when undertaking a home renovation. A skilled remodeling company like Flower Mound’s Creative Elements can bring your vision to life and avoid inadequate planning that can lead to unforeseen structural or electrical issues, posing serious safety risks to homeowners, as they are already familiar with the necessary permits and inspections required for a smooth process. Without this knowledge, homeowners risk fines and having their renovation projects halted. Additionally, many homeowners believe they can save money by purchasing cheaper materials, but this often results in more repairs and higher costs in the long run. CONTINUED
“Hiring a professional is essential when undertaking a home renovation.”
At a young age, Creative Elements founder and owner Lucie Hasek Brott journeyed from the Czech Republic to the U.S. to live with her father, a skilled European wood craftsman. She eagerly assisted him as he crafted custom homes and luxurious yachts. “The work was not easy,” she recalls, “but I learned that through diligence and precision, one could turn what was once a vision into a beautiful product.”
This early experience ignited her passion and talent for craftsmanship, leading her to establish Creative Elements in 2003, an award-winning remodeling company praised for its designs, professionalism, and ability to help people create the home of their dreams.
Image Courtesy of Lucie Hasek Brott
“Our focus is to take our clients’ desires and dreams and translate them into a project and design that fits within budget and timelines,” Lucie explains. While budgets sometimes limit design options, her team is committed to finding innovative solutions that maximize both value and beauty.
What truly sets Creative Elements apart is the exceptional experience they provide to their clients. “We have been at this for 20 plus years, are customer oriented, and have the knowledge of construction on our side,” Lucie says. All crew members are bonded and insured, ensuring peace of mind throughout every project.
If you’re ready to transform your home into a space that reflects your dreams and lifestyle, contact Creative Elements or learn more at www.creativeelementsbylucie.com/ 817-793-6016
Creative Elements
Thinking about making some changes in your home? Dreaming about a new kitchen or bathroom you saw on Pinterest or Houzz? Whether it is changing your current look for more modern, clean lines, updating the traditional to more transitional,or simply making your space more functional, Creative Elements is ready to make your next step a reality
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OUTDOOR LIVING REIMAGINED
In North Texas, outdoor spaces aren’t an afterthought. They are a defining part of how a home is experienced and valued. Given the area’s long, warm seasons, a population with an active lifestyle, and a competitive housing market, thoughtfully designed landscapes and outdoor living areas can significantly enhance both the homeowner’s day-to-day enjoyment and long-term property value.
Curb appeal plays a major role in that value. Many buyers have shared that if the exterior is well designed and manicured, they assume the interior has been maintained with the same level of care. Some even admit they will not get out of the car to view a home if the landscape looks neglected. First impressions matter, and landscaping is often the first signal of quality a buyer sees.
According to the team at Complete Landsculpture—a Dallas-based landscape design, build and maintenance firm with more than 40 years in business—successful outdoor projects begin with understanding both the region’s environment and the homeowner’s lifestyle.
“North Texas presents its own set of challenges,” says Gene Freeman, co-owner of Complete Landsculpture. “Extreme heat, clay soils, and sudden heavy rain events all impact how a landscape performs. Designing with those factors in mind is critical to protecting and enhancing a homeowner’s investment.”
Plant selection and creative site planning play a major role in creating landscapes that thrive locally. Native and adaptive plant palettes, efficient irrigation systems, and proper drainage solutions help reduce longterm maintenance while keeping landscapes healthy and visually appealing year-round. Landscapes should also be planned to mature gracefully over time.
“The biggest mistake we see is homeowners making outdoor improvements without a long-term plan,” Freeman explains. “When everything is designed as a cohesive whole,
the result looks more intentional, performs better, and avoids costly rework later.”
Outdoor living spaces are another major contributor to home value in North Texas. Covered patios, pergolas, and shade structures allow homeowners to comfortably use their outdoor areas even during peak summer months. Features like fire elements, outdoor kitchens, drop-down shades, and seating areas extend functionality into cooler seasons, effectively increasing usable square footage.
“Outdoor living should feel like a natural extension of the home,” Freeman says. “When these spaces are designed correctly, they improve quality of life now and create strong appeal if the home is ever sold.”
Equally important is cohesion between the home’s architecture and the surrounding landscape. Thoughtful design ensures hardscape
materials, plant palettes, and outdoor features complement the home rather than compete with it. At Complete Landsculpture, projects are approached with a master planning mindset to create visual continuity from the front yard through the backyard.
A smart investment strategy is another key factor in maximizing return. Rather than installing isolated features, phased landscape
“OUTDOOR LIVING SHOULD FEEL LIKE A NATURAL EXTENSION OF THE HOME. WHEN THESE SPACES ARE DESIGNED CORRECTLY, THEY IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE NOW AND CREATE STRONG APPEAL IF THE HOME IS EVER SOLD.”
plans often deliver stronger results by aligning each improvement with a long-term vision. Lighting, walkways and well-scaled hardscape elements can dramatically elevate a property while improving safety and usability.
Spring is an ideal time for homeowners to begin planning landscape and outdoor living improvements. Early design allows for better scheduling, thoughtful material selection, and proper preparation before summer stress takes hold. “The most successful projects are planned, not rushed,” says Freeman. “Spring gives homeowners the opportunity to make intentional decisions that pay off for years to come.”
Ultimately, enhancing home value through landscaping is more than visual appeal. It is about creating outdoor environments that function beautifully, respond to local conditions, and support how families live and entertain. For homeowners considering improvements this spring, partnering with an experienced local team can ensure every investment is designed correctly, built to last and aligned with long-term goals.
Complete Landsculpture is an award-winning, full-service landscape management and design/build firm serving North Texas since 1985. To learn more or get started on creating your own outdoor oasis, visit completelandsculpture.com.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN JENKINS, AMANDA PROUDFIT
MID-CENTURY WARMTH, REIMAGINED
There’s a certain moment when a house stops feeling new and starts feeling like home. It isn’t marked by square footage or finishes alone. It is something quieter, more emotional. In this home, designer Kate Manz set out to do exactly that: give a newly built home a heartbeat and a soul.
Rather than treating the house as one sweeping statement, she approached each room as its own story, layered with meaning, memory, and texture. The result is a home that feels collected, personal, and deeply lived-in.
“Tackling each space and room as its own story and concept is how to make a new space feel personal,” Manz explains. “But bringing it all together cohesively is always the challenge.”
Her solution? Warmth, intention, and a strong belief in the power of people. In new builds it can take years for a home to shed its newness. For this project, the goal was to fast-track that sense of belonging by layering in pieces with history and heart. Vintage market finds, local artists, and meaningful objects play a starring role throughout the home.
“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life,” she says. “I absolutely love seeing the evolution from concept to completion and all the elements and people that help bring those ideas to reality.”
That philosophy becomes especially important in the home’s expansive open-concept living area, where scale could easily overpower intimacy.
THE OPEN CONCEPT, REIMAGINED
The main living space is defined by bringing the outside in with sweeping outdoor views and generous proportions. Rather than fighting that openness, embrace it.
“The big open concept room really highlights the expansive outdoor views,” she says, “but making intimate spaces within that open room was really important.”
A layered niche wall, created in collaboration with the interior architect Nick Flower, brings both structure and softness to the room. It introduces texture, depth, and a place for unique objects and family heirlooms to live, turning negative space into a personal gallery.
ENTRYWAY: A WARM WELCOME
The entryway sets the tone with a simple but powerful goal: Welcome to my home.
Natural stone underfoot grounds the space, while a soft vintage rug and living greenery immediately soften the experience. Art with personal meaning invites guests to linger rather than rush through.
POWDER BATH: SMALL ROOM, BOLD SPIRIT
If there’s one place Manz encourages clients to take risks, it’s the powder room. Here, she leaned into terracotta earth tones, layering textures and tile sizes for visual interest and warmth. Patterned and solid tiles work together, while textured wall coverings and a sculptural stone sink elevate the space from functional to delightful.
LOUNGE: A STUDY IN CALM AND DEPTH
Designed as a counterpoint to the openness of the main living area, the lounge is a cocoon, both peaceful, layered, and deeply versatile. It’s a place for reading, movie nights and slow mornings.
Rich tones and varied textures do the heavy lifting here, creating depth without heaviness. Soft lighting and custom upholstery make the room feel both intentional and effortless.
At its core, this home is a reminder that design isn’t about perfection, but rather it’s about feeling. By treating each room as its own narrative while weaving in warmth, history, and human connection, a space was created that already feels loved.
PROJECT CREDITS
Builder - Buildwell
Architect and Interior Architect - Flower Architecture
Designer - Kate Manz
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MARCH 6TH
Adult Spelling Bee Soirée
Hilton Garden Inn Dallas Lewisville: 785 State Hwy. 121, Lewisville, TX 75067 | 6:00 PM
Put your vocabulary to the test at this spirited adults-only evening where friendly competition meets philanthropy. Compete on a team, cheer from the sidelines, or simply savor dinner and great company, all while supporting Book Drive for Kids and expanding access to books for children in need. Learn more and get involved at the event website www.bookdriveforkids.com/get-involved/adult-spelling-bee-fundraiser.
MARCH 7TH
Fireside Fun for Teens
Doubletree Ranch Park: 310 Highland Village Rd., Highland Village, TX 75077 | 6:00 PM
Highland Village teens are invited to an unforgettable night under the stars. Gather your crew for bonfires, hay rides, games, and the always epic grass bash. It's the perfect way to celebrate friendship, freedom, and fun—no RSVP needed. Visit www.highlandvillage.org/1122/ Teen-Bonfire-Bash to learn more about this free outdoor event.
MARCH 7TH
Spring Market & Motors
Lewisville High School Stuver Auditorium: 1098 W Main St., Lewisville, TX 75067 | 9:00 AM
Celebrate the season with a vibrant blend of local makers and classic cars at this curated spring showcase. Shop handcrafted goods, explore vintage rides, and support Lewisville High School PTSA student scholarships in style. This event is free to attend. Follow Lewisville High School PTSA on Facebook to learn more about the market and vendor opportunities.
MARCH 7TH
Flow and Grow
LLELA Nature Preserve: 201 E Jones St., Lewisville, TX 75057 | 1:00 PM
Slow down with a guided nature therapy walk along peaceful trails and riverbanks. This two-hour reflective journey invites you to release resistance, connect with your senses, and find stillness in motion. A calming tea ceremony concludes the experience. Visit www. slowtrails.earth to learn more and reserve your spot.
MARCH 14TH
St. Paddy’s, Texas Style
Wayne Ferguson Plaza: 150 W Church St., Lewisville, TX 75057 | 1:00 PM
Where Texas pride meets Irish spirit, this lively celebration blends live music, festive flair, and family-friendly fun into one unforgettable experience. Enjoy a dynamic lineup of performers, artisan vendors, and spirited activities in a welcoming, high-energy atmosphere. Go to www.bit.ly/stpaddystexastyle to learn more and plan your celebration.
MARCH 14TH
Sew It, Cinch It: Drawstring Pouches
Lewisville Public Library: 1197 W Main St., Lewisville, TX 75067 | 1:00 PM
Discover the art of machine sewing with a hands-on workshop designed for curious beginners. Learn foundational techniques while creating a stylish set of drawstring pouches you’ll actually use. It’s creative, confidence-building, and endlessly practical. Visit www. cityoflewisville.com to learn more and reserve your spot.
MARCH 15TH
Books & Brews Bazaar
Buffalo Hirsch: 206 W Main St., Lewisville, TX 75057 | 12:00 PM
Celebrate literature and local flair at this vibrant pop-up book fair featuring regional authors, unique vendors, and a lively open-air setting. Enjoy craft cocktails, bites from gourmet food trucks, and a shaded patio perfect for mingling. Family- and pet-friendly. Visit www. buffalohirsch.com to learn more about this community-forward gathering.
MARCH 21ST
Burst of Color Fun Run
Thrive: 1950 S Valley Pkwy., Lewisville, TX 75067 | 10:00 AM
Get ready to run, jog, or stroll your way through a vibrant 2K or 5K trail filled with color, music, and community spirit. Perfect for all ages, this joyful event ends with a color powder celebration, local vendor giveaways, and sweet treats. Visit www.cityoflewisville.com/home to learn more and register.
MARCH 28TH
Easter Egg Scramble Delight
Jake's Hilltop Park: 4975 Timber Creek Rd., Flower Mound, TX 75028 | 1:30 PM
Celebrate spring with a beloved community tradition featuring candy-filled egg hunts, festive activities, and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny. With separate scrambles for kids and adults, this afternoon promises fun for all ages. Visit www.flowermound.gov to discover more about this joyful family-friendly event.
The Fresh Start
ARTICLE BY HEATHER SPINKS
There’s something about this fresh, ethereal feeling that not only melts away the last traces of winter but also sparks a quiet urge to refresh our surroundings. The cupboards that need decluttering, the baseboards that have gone untouched for months, the unworn clothes that no longer serve us—it all calls for renewal. This is the essence of spring cleaning: clearing out the old to make space for the new, both in our homes and in our minds.
For some, the idea of cleaning feels anything but peaceful. The thought of tackling clutter and dust can be overwhelming, turning what should be a refreshing transition into a dreaded chore. That’s why we’ve created a simple, practical guide to help you navigate spring cleaning with ease, turning it into a rhythmic, intentional process that mirrors the calm of the season itself.
Week 1: Refresh and Declutter
• Open windows for fresh air and let the natural light in.
• Declutter surfaces—countertops, coffee tables and shelves—removing anything unnecessary.
• Go through kitchen cabinets and toss expired pantry items and mismatched containers.
• Sort through closets, donating or repurposing clothes you haven’t worn in the past year.
• Wipe down baseboards and dust ceiling fans, light fixtures and vents.
Week 2: Deep Clean and Rejuvenate
• Wash windows and mirrors to welcome in the sunlight.
• Deep clean the fridge and pantry, wiping down shelves and organizing items
• Launder curtains, cushion covers and throw blankets.
• Vacuum and shampoo rugs and carpets for a fresh start.
• Rotate and flip mattresses; wash all bedding, including pillows.
Week 3: Outdoor and Seasonal Transitions
• Sweep porches, patios and outdoor furniture, preparing for warm-weather gatherings.
• Check gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.
• Tidy up gardens and potted plants, removing dead leaves and refreshing the soil.
• Store winter coats and boots, making space for lighter spring essentials.
• Replace seasonal decor—bring in fresh flowers, soft pastels and airy textures.
Week
4:
Finishing Touches and Maintenance
• Touch-up scuff marks on walls and doors.
• Stock up on cleaning supplies to maintain a fresh environment.
• Set a simple weekly cleaning routine to keep your home feeling refreshed.
• Light a scented candle or diffuse essential oils to celebrate your clean, peaceful space.
