Dressed in a relaxed linen oxford and a pair of tangerine Venetian Stubbs & Wootton smoking slippers, Javier Burkle is the picture of springtime chic. The 33-year-old designer, who grew up in Mexico City and moved to Dallas with his family as a university student, dons this dapper combo for just about any task. “I was just doing some planting,” Burkle confesses, pouring Champagne into cut-crystal goblets under a tasseled umbrella in his backyard. The consummate host, he often sets one long table for 30-person dinners—even though the home he shares with his partner, real estate agent Mason McCleskey, clocks in at just 2,000 square feet.
Several years ago, the couple beat out five other offers on this circa-1937 cottage by promising they wouldn’t damage the integrity of the historic home. “We didn’t touch the layout,” says Burkle, “but we updated things to make it a more livable space.” The guest room was turned into an intimate den, and what was once an office was converted into a spacious formal dressing room to contain Burkle’s nearly 400 pairs of smoking slippers. But when it came to the living and dining rooms, Burkle stuck to tradition.
“I like the old-school format,” he says. “Our living room is where we welcome people, where we sit down, have a conversation, and have drinks. We start the night there. Then we move into the dining room. The ceiling drops, so it’s a little more cozy. I want people to feel comfortable sitting there for hours.” How the floorplan unfolds is an integral part of how Burkle hosts: “The house has a transition and a process, which makes it exciting. It keeps guests surprised.” To accommodate larger gatherings, Burkle looked to the backyard. Two intimate seating areas and an expansive patio, anchored by an extended pergola, now provide ample space for cocktail parties and extra-long dinner tables.
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Inside, the home is dotted with family heirlooms, antique finds, and personal mementos that tell the story of the designer’s travels and family heritage. His parents were born and raised in Mexico City, the descendants of European families—his paternal side hailing from Germany and his maternal side rooted in France. “We are extremely proud of where we came from and knowing our roots and the importance of family,” says the designer. “Both sides pushed me: What you dream, you need to follow through and go for it.”
Living Room
The place to be for cocktail hour. Chandelier, console, and sconce: Ralph Lauren Home. Paint: ChantillyLace, Benjamin Moore. Sofas: Arteriors. Coffee table: vintage. Sketches: by Burkle’s grandmother.
Powder Room
A green marble counter and Serena & Lily wall covering make this “a little jewelry box,” says Burkle. Sconces: Seletti. Mirror: Wisteria. Fixtures: Waterworks.
Den
“A gentleman’s space to relax and get comfortable,” says Burkle. Chandelier: RH. Ceiling wallpaper: Wallshoppe. Rug: vintage. Coffee table: foundat an estate sale. Cocktail table: Round Top Antiques Fair. Portrait: Burkle’s maternal grandmother Tita.
Bathroom
Wall tile and flooring: Ann Sacks. Mirror: vintage. Plant stand: Timothy Oulton. Fixtures: Kingston Brass.
Pergola Patio
Anchoring the main entertaining space at the home of designer Javier Burkle, an ever-changing mix of furnishings can work for cocktail hours or seated dinners. The stone wall is a reference to the haciendas of Mexico, Burkle’s home country. Paints: Greek Villa, Sherwin-Williams (walls); Onyx Black, Glidden (accents). Table: Ralph Lauren Home. Chairs: CB2. Rugs: Serena& Lily. Sofas: One Kings Lane, in Pindler Sunbrella.
Side Patio
Vintage doors open to the pool from the primary suite. Chairs: vintage, in Pindler Sunbrella fabric. Rugs: Serena & Lily. Benches and pouf: World Market. Candleholders: from Mexico.
See How the House Looked Before
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