refined refuge

After two terms as Dallas mayor and another on the city council, Laura Miller has earned a break from life in the fishbowl. So has her husband, Steve Wolens, a lawyer who served the state of Texas as a legislator for 24 years. Home is where they relax, raise their three children, and recharge for the next worthy cause. (Hers is clean coal and a healthier environment.) Their home is also a sanctuary where they shake off the scrutiny of the press and the public and cherish time just being themselves. “I think because we have both been in public office, we need our home to be our refuge,” explains Laura, who completed her last term as mayor of the ninth largest city in America in 2007.

Design:
Julio Quiñones, Julio Quiñones & Assoc., 2525 Butler St., Dallas, TX 75235; 214/350-6437.

Photographs by Emily Minton-Redfield
Text by Candace Ord Manroe
Produced by Diane Carroll

Sources:
Wallpaper (“Silvergate’’ #BP827): Farrow & Ball, 888/511-1121, farrow-ball.com. Installed by Robert Turner Assoc., 214/351-4870.
Rug (wool): Karastan, Karastan, 800/234-1120, karastan.com.
Red armchairs (“Elizabeth Loose-Back Chair’’ #1113-36, Dapha Collection): Baker, 800/592-2537, kohlerinteriors.com.
Armchair fabric: Rogers & Goffigon, 203/532-8068, trade only.
Piano (antique Steinway, refurbished): North Texas Piano Service, 800/870-2172.
Yellow sofa to right of fireplace (“Versailles,” custom, Cameron Collection): George Cameron Nash, 214/744-1544, trade only.
Sofa fabric (by Rose Cumming): Dessin Fournir, 785/434-2777,
dessinfournir.com, trade only.
Geometric pillows on sofa; russet pillows on sofa: Clarence House Inc., 800/803-2850, clarencehouse.com, trade only.
Floor lamps behind sofa: Vaughan Designs, 212/319-7070, trade only.
Sofa table (antique); mirror above mantel: Joseph Minton Antiques, 214/744-3111, josephmintonantiques.com.
Stools below sofa table (antique, Chinese); chairs flanking fireplace (antique); candlesticks on mantel (antique, bronze); coffee table in front of settee (French, 1940s bronze, with antique mirror): Nick Brock Antiques, 214/828-0624.
Lamps on sofa table (Baker Signature Lighting, discontinued): Baker, 800/592-2537.
Fire screen (custom): Rusty Buffalo Co., 214/324-5115.
Console table on right side of doorway to foyer (antique folding game table): The Gathering Antiques, 214/741-4888, thegatheringantiques.com.
Floor lamps (vintage Bagues): 1st Dibs, 1stdibs.com.
Lampshades (custom): Yangs Double Happiness, 214/651-1917.
Wallpaper: through Julio Quiñones & Assoc., 214/350-6437.
Trim paint (“Creamy’’ #SW 7012): Sherwin-Williams, 800/474-3794,
sherwinwilliams.com.