Certain homes lend themselves to a sense of restraint within their design direction, while others encourage a philosophy of “more is more.” In this Dallas home, set in the prestigious enclave of Highland Park, the latter takes shape as maximalism melds with the historical in a three-story Tudor Revival. Led by Ashley Avrea Cathey and her acclaimed firm, Avrea and Company, this interior transformation showcases an audacious mix of patterns and eras, redefining traditional spaces with a contemporary verve.
“Each room is like a canvas where we play with patterns, not just to fill space but to create stories, evoke emotions,” explains Avrea Cathey. Having been familiar with the home previously, she had a vision for it that started with honoring the past while crafting a vibrant, eclectic present. Built in 1928, the house needed a design that respected its roots but also reflected the lively spirit of the family that calls these spaces home – in particular, that of owner Kate LaGere, cofounder of The Mahjong Line.
The entry sets the tone with its vibrant display of tribal Caucasian Persian rugs against the backdrop of a collage made from vintage love letters. This is a home that whispers the tales of its past through architectural integrity, while shouting its modern sensibilities in the form of furniture, fabric, wallpaper and lighting. Moving through the home, traditional layouts are reimagined. “The usual dining room didn’t suit our clients,” Avrea Cathey notes. “We transformed it into a dynamic bar and lounge area, proving that spaces must evolve to suit the lifestyle of their owners.” The result is an 18-foot-long lounge area adorned with purple-and-white gingham fabric that extends from the banquette seating to the walls, softened by the rustic charm of wooden floors.
Adjacent to this, a bar inspired by Mayfair, London hotspot The Connaught offers a bold statement with its white oak cabinetry and deeply toned French grosgrain trim. “It’s about blending a sense of English pub with Parisian boutique – unexpected but harmonious,” describes Avrea Cathey.
The powder room showcases perhaps the most direct nod to LaGere’s mahjong line. “We wanted this space to be a small jewel in the home, a burst of color and pattern that surprises and delights,” shares Avrea Cathey. Vibrant hexagon tiles in aubergine contrast sharply with a mustard-veined vanity, all set against a backdrop of handcrafted, cheerfully patterned wallpaper.
The kitchen provides a visual reprieve with its soft mint- green palette, serving as a calm interlude between the home’s richer, layered spaces. “Even in a home full of color and pattern, you need a place for the eye to rest,” Avrea Cathey points out.
The living room is an ode to comfort, with oak paneling and subtle oil portraits that offer a sense of calm amid the home’s vibrant energy. “Here, the mix of patterns and textures reflects our client’s love for art and heritage, creating a space that’s both inviting and intriguing,” she elaborates.
Perhaps the heart of the home is the bespoke mahjong room, designed to cater to long nights filled with games and laughter. “This room embodies the spirit of the house – playful, inclusive and designed for making memories,” shares Avrea Cathey.
Reflecting on the project, Avrea Cathey feels a special connection to the outcome. “This property is more than its aesthetic; it’s about embodying the homeowner’s lifestyle and passions in every thread and tile,” she muses. “Our firm thrives on this type of challenge – turning houses into homes that not only look spectacular but also feel deeply personal.”
This Highland Park residence pushes design boundaries while respecting historical integrity, with each room artfully crafted to be as meaningful as it is beautiful. In the end, it’s a place where past and present converge, creating a vibrant tableau of life as art.
Photography by Nathan Schroder.
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