Inside A Sophisticated Hideaway in Dallas

A busy executive and his partner enlist Cantoni design consultants Craig Rubright and Janet Baker to transform their multi-story town house into an elegant escape in Dallas’ Highland Park neighborhood.

For anyone working long hours, creating the perfect space to come home to is key in disconnecting from the office and reconnecting with family and friends. That’s exactly what the owners of this three-bedroom, three-bathroom home in Highland Park were seeking when they first found this property while it was under construction.

A sophisticated hideaway in Dallas-Cantoni

Having worked with Cantoni to furnish their office, they immediately thought of design consultants Craig Rubright and Janet Baker when it came time to design their new home from the ground up. The client-designer bond quickly turned into a mutual love of the house from day one. The three-story home was lovingly called “The Tree House” because of its incredible treetop views and sense of escape. “We worked together to make the most of each floor, in terms of both function and design,” adds Janet. “It was about designing a minimalistic space that would allow them to relax, unwind and decompress. Ultimately, he empowered us to take the reigns and bring their vision to life.”

A sophisticated hideaway in Dallas-Cantoni

With this trust came the opportunity for Craig and Janet to spearhead all aspects of the design during the 10-month project. The duo was tasked with selecting interior finishes, furniture, lighting, fine art and accessories. “Every room of the house was unique in the design approach,” notes Craig. “No concept or ‘look’ is repeated and each room has its own personality, yet it all comes together in a cohesive way. As Janet and I were given so much artistic freedom on this project, the most exciting and rewarding part was watching the clients’ response to our ideas.”

A sophisticated hideaway in Dallas-Cantoni

While Janet and Craig made what went into the house a major priority, what not to put in the space was equally significant. “You’ll notice that in the main living room and above the fireplace in the master the connections for the TV were stoned over,” reveals Craig. “When they come home at night, they’re not going to sit in front of a TV. The only TV in the whole house is in the media room.”

A sophisticated hideaway in Dallas-Cantoni

In the end, the sleek space evoked both comfort and style and became a place for the clients to enjoy with friends and family. “It was an inspiration to work on this project,” concludes Janet. Craig adds, “It was one of the coolest jobs ever.”


Learn more about designers, Craig Rubright and Janet Baker by checking out their portfolios here and here. Whether you are building a new home or simply shopping for the perfect piece of modern furniture to complete a room, a complimentary one-on-one consultation with our design team can help you create a space you’ll love. Click here to book your appointment!