Creative, Collected Craftsman in Dallas

It takes a fantastic eye and a lot of persistence to not only discover vintage finds, but also to know how to use them. “Place me loose in an antiques mall, consignment shop or salvage yard and I’ll find some treasures,” says Valerie McCaskill Dickman, a Texas writer and artisan who intends to work with nonprofits that provide transitional shelters for displaced households.

McCaskill Dickman’s affinity for treasure hunting has given a thoughtfully gathered Arts and Crafts home with her husband, Matt. With a personal love for history showcased from room to room, antiques are all mixed with Native American, Victorian and Asian-inspired decor. A group of vintage pieces and a mastery of color, symmetry and creativity come together to make a home that’s a true reflection of the couple. “Decor should be like a fingerprint,” says McCaskill Dickman. “It needs to be personalized enough that it’s unique and reflective to the homeowner.”

in a Glance
Who lives here: Valerie and Matt Dickman with Australian shepherds Oscar and Penny
Location: Junius Heights area of Dallas
Size: 2,754 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms
That is intriguing: This home has been the first in the area to be constructed under the principles of this city’s historic landmark commission.

Lindsay von Hagel

McCaskill Dickman decided on a whim to hand paint the piano at her home office blue. It doubles as a display shelf for her collection of globes. The painting above is one of her first mixed-media endeavors.

Lindsay von Hagel

The old-world kind of this home office has been inspired by this vintage map. A rustic-style dining table is used as a large work surface, while a group of vintage finds — such as the telephone — creates an intriguing vignette at the corner. The look is completed by an leather desk chair.

Dining table, desk chair: Restoration Hardware

See more manners with vintage maps

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McCaskill Dickman’s passion for collecting one-of-a-kind objects intensified when she started renting booth space at a local antiques mall. It gave her the ability to cycle in new finds while selling old ones.

Here, an oilcan-turned-lamp is surrounded by different objects accumulated over time from several local consignment shops, all of which make visual intrigue in an otherwise minimalist work area.

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McCaskill Dickman is a self-proclaimed texture junkie. In the primary living room she layered wood, leather, jute, metals and cowhides. The space is anchored by a custom Texas-deep sofa to accommodate Matt, who’s 6 feet, 3 inches tall. The symmetrical French-style chairs include an unexpected touch and visual equilibrium in the area.

Table: The Wooden House; cowhide cushions: Restoration Hardware; kilim cushions: Pottery Barn

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Cowhide can be used in two ways in the living room: Initially, the studded brown cowhide ottoman is paired with a comfy leather armchair and driftwood side table. On the right, gold-brushed antique French seats are upholstered in bright white cowhide.

Ottoman: antique; French cowhide seats: consignment, driftwood table: Crate & Barrel; blossom: Pottery Barn

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Among McCaskill Dickman’s favorite (and also the most thrifty), regions of this home is this wall opposite the fireplace. The pew is a $15 Craigslist score, the oxen pull underneath is by a Fort Worth, Teas, flea market and also the mantel above is a demolition trash-site find.

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McCaskill Dickman is a solid believer in making a warm and welcoming environment for her guests. This guest bedroom has been her first bold experiment with blending color and styles. “It is nicer than my own bedroom,” she admits. The touches of crimson and yellow produce a joyous atmosphere, and permit the eyes to move across the room.

Wall color: Butter, Restoration Hardware; sconces: Pottery Barn; bedding: Restoration Hardware; dresser: The Wooden House; orange table, owl lamp: West Elm; mirror: Wisteria

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Windows encircle a small breakfast area with layered shapes. A round centerpiece sits on top of a square table resting on a round shag rug.

Chairs: Restoration Hardware; table: The Wooden House; rug: Crate & Barrel; bench: Lula B’s

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Australian shepherds Penny and Oscar lounge in what Valerie requires her creative area. This third bedroom houses a collection of inspirational items, books and a large easel for painting. The Chevrolet truck tailgate is a consignment find for Matt, and also the canvas printing of New York City is from Ikea.

Lindsay von Hagel

A cozy reading nook sits at the opposite end of this creative area. McCaskill Dickman painted the little alcove with chalkboard paint and frequently writes inspirational quotations. Her sense of humor shows itself with her choice of accessories.

Bookshelf: Expedit, Ikea; chalkboard wall paint: Benjamin Moore; lamp: Curiosities

Lindsay von Hagel

Silver tractor seats bring a industrial flair into the countertop in the traditional kitchen. Over the door, a gorgeous piece of stained glass accentuates the tall ceilings while providing a pop of pattern.

Tractor seats, stained glass: Consignment Solutions

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Inspired by the large steam engine prints, the press room is kept simple with a white and navy color scheme. McCaskill Dickman believes that keeping it two-toned enables the movie you’re watching to become the focal point of this space.

Lamp, sofas, ottoman: West Elm; Southern Pacific Railroad prints: Email; wall color: Lamp, Benjamin Moore

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Asian-inspired accents are emphasized in the master bedroom. Glamorous sequined throw cushions are lined in using patterned bedding in West Elm.

Lamps: Again and Again; wall paint: Thunderous, Sherwin-Williams

Lindsay von Hagel

Native American and Southwestern art warms up the creamy neutral walls at the entry to the home.

Bench: antique mall; art: Sedona, Arizona; table: The Wooden House; wall paint: Believable, Sherwin-Williams

Lindsay von Hagel

A strong Southwestern effect is seen throughout the downstairs areas through several gathered sculptures and artifacts from Sedona, Arizona. The city is where McCaskill Dickman and her husband eloped to, therefore it holds a special place in both of their hearts.

Music rack and totem pole: Curiosities; lamp: Lula B’s; wine barrel: Random

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Valerie and Matt Dickman with both Penny and Oscar. She offers this information to other homeowners: “Contemplate your home a living thing and feed it regularly. And as in life, do not be afraid to make errors.”

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