From the outside, the 4,600-square-foot property nestled in Dallas’ posh Preston Trail community looks much like others in the neighborhood. Inside, however, the two-story brick home has undergone a stunning renovation that captures a thoroughly modern style. Gone are the travertine backsplashes, black granite countertops and heavy damask curtains that were popular in the late 1990s. In their place, newly installed glass tiles, smooth marble tables and aluminum chandeliers make the house radiate from within.
The renovations started in earnest last fall, after the homeowner came across the Hexa Collection from Mirrella while searching out new ideas for her kitchen. Captivated by the interlocking, hexagonal glass-and-aluminum design, she visited the retailer’s 2,300-square-foot showroom in nearby Allen and soon commissioned co-owner Reza Naderi to spearhead the interior makeover.
“We changed everything,” says Naderi, who worked closely with the homeowner to plan the remodel, which extended to both ends of the downstairs, including the master bedroom and bath. In the kitchen, Naderi drew inspiration from the newly installed, white-glazed concrete floor to create an ultramodern space with one-of-a-kind features throughout. He chose Mirrella’s elegant glass subway tile to go above and below tall white laminate cabinets and used the Hexa design as a bold backsplash behind the stove. Goldtone aluminum trim transformed the solid white range hood into a statement piece, while silver aluminum valances enhance the mixed-metal style prevalent in contemporary design. At the center of the room a custom, oversize geometric gold chandelier gleams over the white quartz island.
The cutting-edge design carries through to the converted butler’s pantry, where traditional wood cabinets with decorative drawer pulls were replaced with an illuminated white onyx countertop, stainless steel appliances and chic mosaic tile. The adjacent living and dining rooms likewise reflect a modernist spin. Hand-scraped hardwoods supplanted honey-colored plank floors, and matching chandeliers made of narrow aluminum pipes look like elegant wind chimes.
In the main living space, Naderi removed the bulky fireplace mantel and installed large slabs of tile from floor to ceiling. “It’s porcelain, but everyone thinks it’s marble,” he says, with a knowing grin. On the opposite side of the wall, dark gray marble-look tile creates an intimate space for conversation.
Although Naderi spends much of his time at Mirrella’s spacious north Texas showroom, he frequently puts his background in architectural engineering to use overseeing luxury home renovations in the Dallas area. In addition to choosing from Mirrella’s premier line of glass, stone, metal and porcelain tiles and high-end vanities, Naderi is able to leverage his network of manufacturers and wholesalers overseas to acquire virtually any fixture or finish, and to have pieces customized to suit a space.
“It’s not just about finding unique things, but we try to find them at a reasonable price,” notes Naderi. “We don’t want to spend too much money just to get a good thing.”
Mirrella offers the same special order services to local designers and provides a discount to the trade. The retailer also serves clients outside of Texas and can ship anywhere in the country, as well as internationally. Because Mirrella imports and distributes its tiles, bathtubs and vanities directly, the showroom can offer competitive pricing and better control the quality of its wares. Naderi encourages local builders and designers to bring their customers to the showroom, where they can explore different ideas at their leisure.
Taking the design reins himself, Naderi also demonstrates the same attention to his customers’ needs. His latest project in Preston Trail showcases the best of Mirrella’s products as well as his personal commitment to find the perfect fixtures and finishes. The previously outdated interior now shines with luminous glass and marble-look tile on the walls and floors, captivating chandeliers overhead, distinctive faucets and custom cabinetry.
Thanks to Naderi’s eye for design and the homeowner’s enthusiastic participation in the process, the six-month renovation has produced a fresh and inviting space, perfect for modern living.
—
Leslie J. Thompson is a Dallas-based freelance writer with a passion for interior design and international travel. Read more of her work at lesliejthompson.com.
