This dark amber colored beer is dry hopped and cask-conditioned.

What’s in the name? According to the Avery Brewing website, “Maharaja is derived from the sanskrit words mahat, – “great” and rajan – “king”. Much like its namesake, this imperial IPA is regal, intense and mighty. With hops and malts as his servants, he rules both with a heavy hand. The Maharaja flaunts his authority over a deranged amount of hops: tangy, vibrant and pungent along with an insane amount of malted barley – fashioning a dark amber hue and exquisite malt essence.”

Meddlesome Moth beer guru, Captain Keith, reveals in the video below {after the jump} that this brew is his favorite of any in the Dictator Series and that it will likely go quickly. So sneak out of work a few minutes early so you can get to the Moth and grab a glass at 5 pm sharp!

Remember a few months back when I announced that one lucky Alexan Design District Resident had been chosen for a free apartment makeover, courtesy of ApartmentTherapy.com and Valspar Paint? Well, the transformation is finally complete! And boy, what an upgrade!

The new wall color and furnishings, paired with several pieces Michael already had, mesh to create a fresh, old world feel which is polished but still decidedly masculine.

Remember Michael’s old space? I think we can definitely all agree this is a change for the better!

(See more before photos here.)

What did Michael think? “I’m inspired by my new room, and I learned that anything is possible when decorating without fear or reservations. Thanks so much to everyone who participated in this project — I had so much fun!”

To follow Michael’s living room makeover from the beginning, check out these posts from Apartment Therapy which take you through the entire process, from design inspiration and initial consultations to color selection and the final product!

• The Big Reveal! Michael’s Design District Home
• Michae’s Design District Home: Phase 3 – The Progress Report
• Michael’s Design District Home: Phase 2 – The Prescription
• Michael’s Design District Home: Phase 1 – Local Inspiration

Alexan Design District
1551 Oak Lawn Ave.
Dallas, TX 75207
www.alexandesigndistrict.com

{Photos via Apartment Therapy.com}

This post is the fourth from interior designer, Divine Distractions blogger and LowerOakLawn.com contributor, Sally Hammond. Sally shares her immense knowledge of fine fabric and trimmings with LOL readers in bi-weekly posts in the showroom category.

Have you ever wondered how trends begin? Blogs have started to make design trend spotting much easier. One of the hottest new interior design trends can be spotted in pictures across the blogosphere: the trellis print. Particularly en vogue is Schumacher’s Imperial Trellis by Kelly Wearstler. It’s everywhere!

{Imperial Trellis/Trelliage by Schumacher; Photos from: LiveLikeYou,  }

Though the print comes in 18 color ways, most examples I could find featured it in green. Perhaps because that’s how it is used in Wearstler’s own apartment — talk about being a trend setter!

{Photo via Color Club}

History of the Trellis Print

Though this chic print is particularly in demand today, the popularity of the trellis pattern dates back to the seventeen hundreds. Its origins can be traced to wallpapers designed by textile designer, artist and writer, William Morris.

Morris eventually gained wide notoriety for his textiles and wallpapers, and the trellis print was his first. His designs are still restyled and reinvented by fabric houses all over the world.

{A hand-rendered sketch of Morris’s iconic wallpaper via V&A Museums}

A quick run through the Dallas Design Center and it is clear that everyone is offering a version of this trendy trellis/lattice pattern. Here are a few of my favs…

The Classic Trellis:

{Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Cloe Linen by Kravet Couture; Duralee 15297-206; Rugelach in Fern by Fabricut; Espalier in Goldust by Vervain}

A Modern Twist:

{Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Treilliage by Clarence House; Duralee 20895/10; Zuri in Granite by Vervain; Galbraith & Paul Trellis in Kiwi}

Some in a category all their own…

{Duralee 72024/170, Alpha Oatmeal by Kravet, Trellis Knot in Java by Schumacher, IheartNorwegianWood on Etsy}

Regardless of your decorating project — or even your style in leggings — there’s a trellis pattern in the marketplace for you! Happy trellis trails!

Find the Fabrics:

Sally Hammond is an interior designer and owner of Sally J. Designs.  She also writes the often irreverent blog, Divine Distractions. Sally is an artist, interior designer, and Master’s level educator with over 12 years of experience in interior design, home remodeling and interior decorating. Blending her expertise in these disciplines, she brings a unique and creative touch to functional design.

Still thirsty for more? I thought so. Here’s a little taste of what this cask-conditioned brew has to offer. From the Real Ale website:

Real Ale ESB pours a deep copper color and has an enticing aroma of fruit and caramel, with a subtle earthiness. A medium-bodied ale, our ESB showcases the fruitiness of our house yeast, along with the rich toffee flavors of English crystal malt. Added complexity is provided by a generous amount of English hops. Real Ale ESB finishes slightly dry with a mild spiciness that beckons another pint.

“Programming for the new group is geared toward helping young people develop their sense of philanthropy while expanding their knowledge and appreciation of contemporary art,” explains Y@161 President and Dallas Contemporary board member Lindsey Collins. Membership grants twenty and thirty somethings exclusive access to private gallery talks, studio visits, auction house tours, viewings of corporate art collections, film screenings, parties and other events. Now that’s a pretty sweet deal!

Y@161′s inaugural event will be hosted this Wednesday, September 1, from 5 to 7 pm at The Meddlesome Moth. James Cope of the Goss-Michael Foundation (opening their new location in the Dallas Design District this fall), will speak to members and potential members on the importance of being a young philanthropist in Dallas and the state of contemporary art globally.

Also be looking for information coming soon on the y@161 Book Club. A new book relating to contemporary art will be chosen each quarter, with a cocktail hour reception at the end for discussion. Want to get a head start? Pick up the book club’s first read: Seven Days in the Art World.

For information on membership and to RSVP for Wednesday’s mixer, email events@dallascontemporary.org.

Dallas Contemporary
161 Glass Street
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 821-2522
www.dallascontemporary.org

D Magazine’s SideDish Supper Club, founded in March 2009, hosts quarterly dining events and was created “to put Dallas foodies up close and personal with the latest dining trends,” so it’s only fitting that this month’s restaurant pick just happens to be one of Dallas’ trendiest new restaurants: The Meddlsome Moth.

Foodies and beer lovers alike have been flocking to Lower Oak Lawn’s hot new restaurant for refreshing brews and unconventional eats. This month’s beer dinner hosted at 4:00 pm on Sunday, September 26 in coordination with D Magazine’s SideDish Supper Club and The Brooklyn Brewery is sure to please both crowds.

Garret Oliver, Brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery and author of the critically acclaimed The Brewmaster’s Table is often cited as the foremost authority in the United States on the subject of traditional beer. He will be on hand to dine with Supper Club guests and share insight on some of his favorite brews.

Chef Chad Kelley has prepared an interesting and tasty five-course menu that complements six of Oliver’s Brooklyn beers. Several rare brews will be served, including a cask-conditioned ale.

The $75 price tag is quite a steal, considering it includes includes tax, gratuity, valet parking, a commemorative beer glass, and, of course, a goody bag!

SideDish dinners are the hit of the town, so call now (214-628-7900) to reserve your spot.

The Meddlesome Moth
1621 Oak Lawn Ave.
Dallas, TX 75207
www.mothinthe.net

There sure has been a bustle of some Hollywood-gone-to-Texas activity down here in the District recently. Today, trucks, generators, people and equipment lined Hi Line Drive as camera crews and advertising gurus from the Dallas-based Richards Group descended upon Scott+Cooner in the Decorative Center to film a short marketing piece for one of their large telecommunication clients.

One Richards Group staffer told me the large space and variety of furnishings at Scott+Cooner allow cameras to capture what would appear to be multiple locations in just one area. Trick of the trade, you might say.

And that isn’t the only film industry crew spotted recently in LOL! Week before last, Fox’s new drama, Lone Star, filmed an art auction scene for the series’ third episode at Art Ability on Oak Lawn Ave. Seen spotted on set and around the District include cast members Jon Voight, Andie MacDowell, and James Wolk. Lone Star premieres Monday, September 20 at 9/8 Central on Fox.

If you haven’t noticed, photographers have a love affair with the Design District and routinely bring their clients here for shoots (Check it out here, here and here). Guess Hollywood’s catching up with ‘em.

Get a sneak peek inside both sets by flipping through the slideshows below!

Pics from the Lone Star set…

Inside Scott+Cooner…

Looks like hiring is on the upswing in the Design District! Last Friday I posted a part-time entry level design assistant position and up this week are two openings with great potential!

First up, the folks at Renaissance Tile & Bath in the Dallas Decorative Center are looking for a design/sales consultant.

And, I’m also including a job listing for my fabulous friends at The Matchbox Studio — the creative design firm responsible for the fun & funky design of LowerOakLawn.com! While they might not be in the Dallas Design District, they used to be, and have plenty of roots here, too!

Check out details on both jobs and information on how to apply after the jump.

Sales/Design Consultant, Renaissance Tile & Bath

Renaissance Tile and Bath, a luxury tile, bath and stone to-the-trade resource seeks an experienced, talented, sales and design professional. Candidate must have a minimum of 2 years experience in high end decorative tile, stone, or decorative plumbing. Must have a proven track record with the ability to develop new business through outside sales, networking, and inside showroom sales.

Great opportunity for quick success for a qualified individual. Must be computer proficient, possess excellent verbal communication skills and present a professional appearance and demeanor.

Excellent compensation package, medical and dental benefits and generous holiday and vacation package.

Candidates can learn more about this position and apply online through the job posting on LinkedIn.

Junior Account Executive / Sales, The Matchbox Studio

The Matchbox Studio, a multi-disciplinary creative design firm with a focus on branding and communications, is looking for someone to join our team as we grow our company! This position provides an opportunity for growth within our close-knit company as we work together to exceed our goals.The sales division at Matchbox is an exciting opportunity for someone who has an entrepreneurial spirit. It is our goal to build out this department so we are looking for a leader to exceed revenue goals in their first year with the anticipation of growing the position as the company grows.

Here is what we are looking for:

• An experienced sales professional who will be responsible for selling the company’s full suite of services (brand consulting, print and interactive marketing materials, package design, etc) into assigned accounts and geographies/markets.
• Experienced prospectors who can cold call and qualify clients over the phone
• Someone who can demonstrate a history of “high activity” as the requirement for this position is to schedule 10-12 appointments a week (70% new, 30% existing opportunities)
• A strong relationship builder who is able to establish an excellent working relationship with clients and continually strives to improve that relationship and overall service provided in order to exceed the client’s expectations and drive repeat business, increasing revenue.
• Problem Resolution for larger long term clients:  A problem solver who will need to proactively oversee the activities involved in quality resolution of issues; escalate to supervisor for issues that are outside of your control that could impact the services being provided.
• Up selling:  Be responsible for proactive, ongoing communications with current clients in order to identify their needs on a consistent basis
• Team interfacing:  A team player who can establish a good working relationship with team members at Matchbox in each department in order to maintain and strive to improve the level of overall service being provided

Qualifications:

• 2 years of sales experience in a business to business sales environment
• Experience in a service based industry is preferred
• Ability to demonstrate a track record of meeting and exceeding revenue goals
• College degree
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong negotiating and listening skills
• Self motivated individual who can take rejection in stride
• Highly organized and able to multi-task

Are you the perfect candidate? Submit your resume to jobs@matchboxstudio.com. 

Get updates on job opportunities in the Dallas Design District by joining the Lower Oak Lawn LinkedIn Group!

Renaissance Tile & Bath
1617 Hi Line Drive, Suite 280
Dallas, TX 75207
www.renaissancetileandbath.com

According to Captain Keith, “Beers in this {Moveable Yeast} line up are basically everyday beers fermented with various yeast strains to show how big a role yeast can play in making any beer. Weed Whacker is their Kolsch called Lawnmower fermented with their Hefe-Weizen yeast and then dry hopped with Amarillo hops.”

Saint Arnold made only a handful of casks that were dryhopped with Amarillo hops and, of course, The Moth got their hands on one of these rarities!

You can read more about Weed Whacker at the Houston Chronicle’s Beer, TX blog. Also check out their great video of Saint Arnold Founder, Brock Wagner discussing the new brew.

Rare casks are tapped at The Moth every Wednesday at 5:00 pm.

The Meddlesome Moth
1621 Oak Lawn Ave.
Dallas, TX 75207
www.mothinthe.net

{Photo by: Melanie Acevedo}

For a woman, a closet is much more than just another room in the house. So much so, that it’s becoming a trend to dedicate a whole room to use as a closet! Upgrading to a two bedroom apartment provides ample opportunity to give your clothing collection a little breathing room and provide yourself with the necessary space to get dressed and paper yourself in style.

Though all of the two-bedroom floor plans include sizable closets in each bedroom space, expanding a closet to an entire room is actually more practical than you might think. Just think, if every last shoe, purse and hat had a place and room to spread out…I’m positive that things would stay much more organized!

Here are six must-have items to turn your extra bedroom into a well organized and designed dressing room!

1. Hanging Clothes Rack – The first and most obvious requirement for a dressing room is a place to hang your clothes. While a second bedroom will also provide you with a second closet with proper shelving for hanging clothes, you may choose to display a garment rack with a selection of overcoats, basics, or your season favorites. Not only does a visible rack give you quick access to your favorite pieces, it also adds design interest to the room!

These stainless steel garment racks & shelves give a utilitarian feel to this closet/home office. Target has a great selection of garment racks in a wide selection of sizes, styles and prices.

{Photo via: Unplggd}

I also love this creative, DIY clothing hanger created from chain and a branch pictured on Apartment Therapy.

{Photo via: Apartment Therapy}

2. Dresser - Another important item to have in your closet room is a dresser. A dresser is a necessary storage unit for basics such as socks and undergarments. It can also be a good home for accessories like scarves and gloves.

{Photos via: Living, Creating Yourself}

If you have a large enough room, I love the idea of putting matching dressers back to back to create a storage “island.” The top gives you a great place to throw clothing and accessories as you are assembling outfits.

{Photo via: Well Appointed House}

If you’re short on space, alternatives to a full dresser are a tall, skinny lingerie chest or a funky vintage trunk like the one below!

{Photo via: Style Hive}

3. Shoe Storage - To be honest, I could have easily dedicated this post to a whole room for shoes! But I’ll just stick to a few photos of my favorite shoe storage ideas.

This picture (a la Miley Cyrus) shows an ideal solution for shoe storage in an apartment space where built in shelving isn’t an option. Twin ladder bookcases are easy and effective way to store and display your favorite kicks without tearing up your walls. These ladders are available almost anywhere, from Crate & Barrel and West Elm to Amazon and even Walmart.

{Photo Courtesy of: In Style Magazine}

Hanging shoes is another easy and beautiful solution for high heels. Unfortunately, this one doesn’t work well for the flats and boots that are part of every lady’s shoe collection.

{Photos via: Deliciously Organized}

Another great option is shoe boxes. I love these two (above right and below) creative shoe storage solutions!

{Photos via: Deliciously Organized}

4. Full Length Mirror - After making homes for clothes and shoes, the single most important accessory in a home dressing room is a full length mirror. A full length mirror helps a lady ensure her look is complete, from head to toe. For an entire space dedicated to clothing, I love the idea of including a large and interesting statement mirror. The one pictured below is super fun and functional!

{Photo via: House to Home}

5. Vanity – Maybe not quite a must-have, but including a vanity in your closet room is definitely a smart idea. A place to sit down and do your makeup fits perfectly with the primping theme of the dressing room and helps consolidate your “getting ready” mess to one room.

{Photo by: Aimee Herring via Real Simple}

And there you have it! Five must-have storage solutions for a home dressing room. Do you have any more must-haves? Or maybe a few “nice to haves”? Share your ideas and thoughts in the comments below!