Not surprisingly, a specific room in the 2013 Fort Worth, Texas Dream Home was the object of intense focus for partner The Kitchen Source.
"The kitchen is narrow and long with little space for wall cabinets. The challenge is to create enough storage along the wall and under the island," says Amber Paulk. "We worked hard at making the kitchen an inviting space with ample storage and work space. It was very important to us to keep it timeless and classic with an added sparkle."
A timeless style is an important element in Dream Homes. Most projects for those companies involved are for a specific and known homeowner. But Dream Homes are built on speculation, with an unknown buyer in mind, likely one of the people who tour the home in support of the project's charity.
That makes this job different, Paulk says.
"Although there are several stakeholders to answer to, the final client - the one who purchases the home - is unknown," she said. "We consider the potential homeowner's desires, too." The Kitchen Source has been a consistent partner in Dream Homes for more than 10 years.
The 2013 version is at 4010 W. 4th St. in the Monticello Addition. The 5,600-square-foot French Eclectic style home was designed by Scott Watson and Lyn Flynn of Flynn+Watson Architects to blend seamlessly into the neighborhood. Gary Nussbaum of AG Builders is the builder. Interior design is by That's Haute. Proceeds from the home tour tickets benefit a Wish with Wings, a non-profit that grants special wishes to children dealing with life-threatening conditions.
Partners commit to Dream Home projects for many reasons and exposure to architects, builders and the general public are among them. But they often also cite the experience of working closely with the other suppliers.
"It is rewarding to collaborate on a Dream Home knowing that we are contributing to the Fort Worth community," Paulk said. "We love developing the relationship with the builder, architect, magazine and, especially, the charity. We love giving back to the community by helping put together a beautiful home, a great house and giving back to a Wish with Wings."
Troy Schafer of Advanced Cast Stone echoes that.
"We like the involvement with a larger group of construction professionals," says Schafer. Advanced Cast Stone designs and supplies cast stone in elaborate shapes and profiles. The company was also involved in last year's Dream Home project.
"On most projects, we don't participate as a significant part of a team," Schafer said. "In this situation, it is just the opposite. The team makes the project possible."
The charitable aspect is also appealing to his company. "We are a part of the community," he says simply.
R.J. Teague started Teague Lumber Co. in 1944 when he began salvaging old buildings and houses and selling the lumber to builders and homeowners. New lumber was rationed during World War II, and shortages continued for several years after the war.
Randy Stogsdill, the nephew of R.J. Teague's son Jim, is part of the third generation now involved in the company. The lumberyard has been successful, he says, because of attention to detail, quality material and exceptional service.
"Gary Nussbaum is a very loyal and quality builder of ours," Stogsdill said. "It is always a good thing to have one's company involved in a project like this."
The company is accustomed to projects of this size, he said, but "we are always grateful to work with quality builders and architects." And, he said, "There is a sense of pride when a home is being featured."
2013 Fort Worth, Texas magazine Dream Home
4010 W. 4th St., Fort Worth
Benefiting a Wish with Wings
Tour Dates: Sept. 25 - Oct. 27
