Winspear Penthouse At The Vendome on Turtle Creek - Exclusively from Judy Pittman, Inc.

Lynne B. Sheldon
L. J. I. Interior Design
Interview by Kenton Kravig

Lynne Sheldon began her interior design business in the summer of 1980 in Dallas. Her first project was the renovation of a 1940’s brick two story Tudor home in University Park. Very pleased owners and word of mouth got her next jobs for her, which centered mostly on redos and updates of older homes.

Within a year, she was asked to participate in a showhouse – the 1981Theta Showhouse on Crescent Avenue in Highland Park. Of the thirty designers working on separate rooms and parts of the house, only four were chosen to be published. Lynne Sheldon was one of these four.

Soon after, the C.E.O. of a large engineering firm asked her to design a national headquarters for his company. This project demanded that she create plush executive offices and areas for employees to work on a multitude of client jobs. From designing many specific areas – numerous offices, employees kitchen and lounge, bathrooms both private and public, hard hat areas, and working with O.S.H.A., it was a heady experience for the young designer.

This prepared her for the first restaurant she was to do – again working with O.S.H.A. Called “The French Baker”, it was a combination bistro and gourmet bakery. Done in vibrant red with black and white accents, it was a chic Parisian spot. “The client was wonderful” she said, “because she wanted to be the first person in Dallas to have things such as fresh croissants and brioches, relatively new treats for Dallasites at the time.”

For another corporate client, she did their box at Texas Stadium. She made it very masculine, with tufted chairs, burgundy leather, Scottish tartan fabric walls, a selection of primitive antique pieces and a striking plaid wool carpet which united all the elements in the design. “This was such a fun project”, she says, “for both the owner and for me”.

Through subsequent years, Mrs. Sheldon has produced many design plans for a vast array of clients. She has been able to work on palatial homes and starter homes. And though her main focus is traditional and classical, she has also done ultra contemporary, rescuing a home from the 1960’s for a professional couple, and a new construction loft space for a single professional. She says of these variations from the norm of projects, “I could do Versailles and Blenheim all day long, but a super modern? – it broadens your scope.

More recently, Mrs. Sheldon worked on one of her favorite projects to date – an 18,000 sq. ft. penthouse for a couple who were not only clients but dear friends. It was a four year venture that took them from base walls to room delineation, and all details therein. “It was massive”, she says, “and I loved every minute of it – even the tough days.” She adds “in any project there are tough days, you just try to keep them to a minimum and know the final product is always worth it.”

Another recent project was a large Italianate villa in Preston Hollow. A redo of sorts and a refinement of what was already there. Again, this was a 3½ year project and she emphasizes that great results take time, a process more than an event.

Not to say a job cannot be completed on a relatively short time line. She began a 4,500 sq. ft. new construction project in Highland Park in January and it was move-in ready in September. Though smaller than the aforementioned projects, “it just exudes style and charm” says she.

New construction is a favorite of Mrs. Sheldon, as expressed in her reason why: “I love working with the architects, contractors, artisans and others who make the paper plan a reality. In renovation, there are constants that the designer must work around, i.e. load-bearing walls, vent draws, roof lines, etc., but in new construction you have a clean slate.”

Mrs. Sheldon’s “eye” for her clients is crucial. Her talent and expertise are grounded in her knowledge of history, her fluency in the arts and her implementation of creative ideas.

As for her professional credentials, Mrs. Sheldon is a longstanding member of the national organization, A.S.I.D. (American Society of Interior Design). She is a member of the Board of Architectural Examiners for Texas, and is also a member of the Texas Association of Interior Designers.

The late well-known writer Derro Evans once penned this note to her after their collaboration on an article regarding a project: You make the job a joy and are a definite cure for the “blahs”!

Mrs. Sheldon says with a smile, “of any accolades I’ve ever received, I treasure most this one from Derro – I still have the note.”







		Winspear Penthouse PH18/19AB
		Bedroom Suites: 4 Baths: 5 Powder baths: 2 Sq.Ft.: 16,202 Price: price upon request Description: The magnificent “Winspear Penthouse” with 16,202 sq. ft. was four years in the making and is a product of Lynne B. Sheldon’s interior design.It encompasses over 20 rooms: 2 powder baths, 5 full baths, 4 bedroom suites, media room, club room, golf room, games room, and a pool on the 18th floor. The details are superb – all Sherle Wagner hardware throughout, custom designed DeGournay silk wallcoverings, French Brown hand scraped parquet floors (Versailles and Chevron patterns), exquisite antique chandeliers and sconces, remarkable antique European marble fireplaces, the finest fabrics in window treatments, and extremely rare carved walnut French 17th century entry doors. This unique penthouse is indeed nirvana in the sky for the discriminating owner. This is Dallas’ “sui generis” Penthouse! Price upon request. About Lynne Sheldon




Lynne B. Sheldon L. J. I. Interior Design Interview by Kenton Kravig Lynne Sheldon began her interior design business in the summer of 1980 in Dallas. Her first project was the renovation of a 1940’s brick two story Tudor home in University Park. Very pleased owners and word of mouth got her next jobs for her, which centered mostly on redos and updates of older homes. Within a year, she was asked to participate in a showhouse – the 1981Theta Showhouse on Crescent Avenue in Highland Park. Of the thirty designers working on separate rooms and parts of the house, only four were chosen to be published. Lynne Sheldon was one of these four. Soon after, the C.E.O. of a large engineering firm asked her to design a national headquarters for his company. This project demanded that she create plush executive offices and areas for employees to work on a multitude of client jobs. From designing many specific areas – numerous offices, employees kitchen and lounge, bathrooms both private and public, hard hat areas, and working with O.S.H.A., it was a heady experience for the young designer. This prepared her for the first restaurant she was to do – again working with O.S.H.A. Called “The French Baker”, it was a combination bistro and gourmet bakery. Done in vibrant red with black and white accents, it was a chic Parisian spot. “The client was wonderful” she said, “because she wanted to be the first person in Dallas to have things such as fresh croissants and brioches, relatively new treats for Dallasites at the time.” For another corporate client, she did their box at Texas Stadium. She made it very masculine, with tufted chairs, burgundy leather, Scottish tartan fabric walls, a selection of primitive antique pieces and a striking plaid wool carpet which united all the elements in the design. “This was such a fun project”, she says, “for both the owner and for me”. Through subsequent years, Mrs. Sheldon has produced many design plans for a vast array of clients. She has been able to work on palatial homes and starter homes. And though her main focus is traditional and classical, she has also done ultra contemporary, rescuing a home from the 1960’s for a professional couple, and a new construction loft space for a single professional. She says of these variations from the norm of projects, “I could do Versailles and Blenheim all day long, but a super modern? – it broadens your scope. More recently, Mrs. Sheldon worked on one of her favorite projects to date – an 18,000 sq. ft. penthouse for a couple who were not only clients but dear friends. It was a four year venture that took them from base walls to room delineation, and all details therein. “It was massive”, she says, “and I loved every minute of it – even the tough days.” She adds “in any project there are tough days, you just try to keep them to a minimum and know the final product is always worth it.” Another recent project was a large Italianate villa in Preston Hollow. A redo of sorts and a refinement of what was already there. Again, this was a 3½ year project and she emphasizes that great results take time, a process more than an event. Not to say a job cannot be completed on a relatively short time line. She began a 4,500 sq. ft. new construction project in Highland Park in January and it was move-in ready in September. Though smaller than the aforementioned projects, “it just exudes style and charm” says she. New construction is a favorite of Mrs. Sheldon, as expressed in her reason why: “I love working with the architects, contractors, artisans and others who make the paper plan a reality. In renovation, there are constants that the designer must work around, i.e. load-bearing walls, vent draws, roof lines, etc., but in new construction you have a clean slate.” Mrs. Sheldon’s “eye” for her clients is crucial. Her talent and expertise are grounded in her knowledge of history, her fluency in the arts and her implementation of creative ideas. As for her professional credentials, Mrs. Sheldon is a longstanding member of the national organization, A.S.I.D. (American Society of Interior Design). She is a member of the Board of Architectural Examiners for Texas, and is also a member of the Texas Association of Interior Designers. The late well-known writer Derro Evans once penned this note to her after their collaboration on an article regarding a project: You make the job a joy and are a definite cure for the “blahs”! Mrs. Sheldon says with a smile, “of any accolades I’ve ever received, I treasure most this one from Derro – I still have the note.”