Local Designers Somehow Cram More Character Into Grand Prairie's Nokia Theatre

By Patrick Michels Thu., Nov. 5 2009 at 1:00 PM

Categories: Music

Patrick Michels

A look back inside two of the Nokia Theatre's newly remodeled suites. Check back soon for a slide show with more photos.

Nobody's ever accused the Nokia Theatre of having too much character, but thanks to a down-to-the-guts remodeling of its luxury suites, the Grand Prairie venue is home to some of the prettiest seats you'll find in the D/FW music scene.

The Nokia showed off 10 of the new suites last night at a party hosted by D Homes, where designers were on hand to accept compliments and explain some of their design choices.

Most of the new suites sport dim lighting and dark tones, with a few choice flourishes of color, like a red counter-top in an otherwise dark suite remodeled by Rutherford Designs. "We didn't want it too light. We really wanted to concentrate on this," Robert Rutherford told Unfair Park last night, pointing out through the glass at the stage below.

For the city of Grand Prairie's suite, designer Veronica Eddins of Glen Boudreaux and Associates said Mayor Charles England's wife, Janice, gave input along the way that helped inspire the earth tones and western feel -- meant to reflect the city itself.

Bucking the trend toward understatement, Emily Miller designed a suite for Pepsi with a much brighter look. "A lot of the interiors I do are understated," said Miller, who said she designed the suite to capture a vintage Hollywood feel. "When I have a chance like this to go all out, I figured, let's make it a fun experience. It's not something you'd want to wake up to every day."

Check back soon for our slide show with more photos from the suites.

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