Press "Enter" to skip to content

Creatively Cohesive Studio at Dallas

Modeled after the Paris Opera House, outfitted with 1940s office doors and brimming with architectural history — The Wilson construction is full of tasteful contradictions. Photographer and designer Lindsay von Hagel looked at almost 20 buildings before choosing this historical studio apartment in downtown Dallas.

Within the previous three decades, von Hagel has filled her small, open-concept home with an eclectic and thoughtful mix of old and new, industrial and organic, humorous and dramatic. The outcome is a highly functional, harmonious space full of purpose and creativity.

at a Glance
Who lives here: Lindsay von Hagel and cats Ruca and Lola
Location: Dallas
Size: 670 square feet studio
That is intriguing: The Wilson building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Valerie McCaskill Dickman

Originally constructed in the early 1900s as retail space, The Wilson has been converted to offices in the 1940s, then more recently to residential lofts that assert meticulously preserved details.

The apartment’s main living room is a great case of von Hagel’s love of midcentury design and art deco. She really loves adding just a little splash of whimsy and showcasing storied products. “I love to interject a sense of humor into clean lines surrounded by conversation starters,” she states.

Valerie McCaskill Dickman

A vintage cowhide adds texture to the hardwood flooring. A Noguchi-style glass coffee table aids the compact floor space feel open.

Vertical bookshelf: West Elm; cowhide, chairs: eBay

Valerie McCaskill Dickman

In the primary living space, von Hagel shows the prized cello that she has been playing since age 12. The floor beneath the midcentury sideboard is utilized as storage room for trendy books. The timber console blends with all the hardwood floors for visual continuity.

Valerie McCaskill Dickman

Von Hagel chose this leather Ikeasofa for its minimalist design and small scale. The sleek design exaggerates the artwork that hangs supporting: two signed and framed illustrations by artist Shepard Fairey.

Pillow: Crate & Barrel

Valerie McCaskill Dickman

A wall over the mattress is the 1 spot in the studio in which von Hagel shows her own photography. Frames propped onto a floating shelf include thickness and are easy to upgrade with new work.

Bed: Malm, Ikea; rug: West Elm; picture pillow: Gypsy Wagon; directional bike: Dahon;photos: Lindsay von Hagel

Valerie McCaskill Dickman

Von Hagel’s mini work area is set next to her bed. “I utilized as much vertical space as you can,” she states. “I went minimal and white so that it would recede in the wall and take up less visual quantity”

Parson’s workplace: West Elm; storage: Ikea; art: Cody Hudson

Valerie McCaskill Dickman

On the other side of this mattress is a small metal table which von Hagel found at local antiques mall, Lula B’s. The weathered leather photo album can also be a Lula B’s locate, which she filled with her favorite images. A very clear lamp base helps to keep the room feeling open.

Lamp base: Goal; lamp shade: West Elm

Valerie McCaskill Dickman

Red accents continue from the bedroom to the kitchen. Since she rents, von Hagel utilized playful, removable wall decals in the absence of a backsplash and hung globe-like candleholders.

Table, chairs: Ikea; terrarium: West Elm; hanging candleholders: Whirly, CB2

Valerie McCaskill Dickman

This antique gardening table is an unexpected way to bring the outside in. She uses it to display and rotate succulents, candles and grass.

Table: White Elephant Antiques; art: Mark Ryden

Valerie McCaskill Dickman

A fan of this mirror-on-mirror idea, von Hagel is experimentation with a hanging wreath as a renter-friendly alternative for her toilet. A monogrammed towel personalizes the distance.

Valerie McCaskill Dickman

Ruca and Lola appreciate high style in their designated, personalized space with fun bowls, decorative kitty grass and a framed print by Dallas artist Taro-Kun.

Valerie McCaskill Dickman

Part of the building’s charm stems from the historical office doors which remain intact during the whole construction. The first brass hardware is really a nod to the character of this historic building and its attention to detail.

Although this looks like a front door, it’s really in von Hagle’s entrance beside her door. It would lead to the apartment on the other side if it weren’t sealed shut.

Artwork: Alicia Ross

Valerie McCaskill Dickman

The Wilson, situated in the heart of downtown Dallas, is among the oldest buildings in the city. It is across the street from the city’s historical Neiman Marcus flagship shop.

Valerie McCaskill Dickman

Von Hagel, shown here, has large requirements for her small space. “I would like it to say something about who I am and also function as a continuing springboard for creativity,” she says.

Can you have a creative, diverse studio? Discuss it with us!

More: Dallas Style

See related