This Family Home in Dallas, Texas, Celebrates the Owners' California Roots

Choose Function

Though California nostalgia played a role in the design, function was also a major factor. "They needed a living space that would allow for daily life with kids while transitioning easily into a space for entertaining," says Fenimore. To achieve this, she created thoughtful storage spaces throughout the house, including the white lacquer cabinets on each side of the fireplace. The furniture was upholstered in durable fabrics, accessories were chosen for their ability to hold up over time, and rugs were selected that would stay intact with dogs and children hanging out on them.

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Go Big

Fenimore incorporated over-the-top wallpaper in many of the rooms to complement the high ceilings and oversized spaces. "Wallpaper is a big part of the design of this home and we wanted prints and patterns that would make big statements," she says. "The flamingo wallpaper was an immediate 'yes' from the moment we placed it on the option board! It has the California vibe the homeowners wanted and we love how it immediately updated the small powder bathroom."

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Stay Neutral in the Kitchen

With its minimal use of color and sleek design, the kitchen may seem like a great departure from the rest of the house, but it was all apart of the plan. Since this is such a high-traffic area that connects to the living room and garage, they chose to keep it simple. "As the kitchen is the main gathering space for the family, the homeowners wanted it to be open with a fresh color palette," explains Fenimore. "The large island is the perfect spot for the children to eat, color, and spread out when doing homework."

Work Off One Piece

Throughout the house, Fenimore would start with one piece of furniture and build the room around it—the blue mirror above the bed was the inspiration here. "The guest room needed to feel comfortable while staying true to the overall color palette for the home," explains Fenimore. "We painted the existing nightstands and brought in a colorful floral print to add a bit of whimsy."

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En Suite

A neutral gray-and-white en suite master bathroom counterbalances the bright hues used in the bedroom. Thoughtful touches, including potted flowers and framed photos, help personalize the relaxing retreat.