This Dallas home was given a whole new identity – its designers took a blank canvas and transformed it into a one-of-a-kind home filled with 'wild card ideas'

In the Dallas neighborhood of Highland Park, you'll find this breathtakingly curated home that acknowledges its cosmopolitan location, fusing eclecticism with modern luxury. A lesson in transitional design, its interiors are filled with vintage treasures, warm jewel tones, and contemporary shapes, proving that contrasting styles can look best when paired together.

Undoubtedly an example of a studio that embodies the eclectic interior trend, Ashby Collective's latest project showcases their ability to create a collected, interesting home that's refined yet inviting.

'The architecture of the house leans modern, but our goal was to infuse the home with timeless personality – to give it a soul that truly reflects the homeowner’s sophisticated yet playful style,' explains Annie Bacon, senior designer at the studio. 'We refer to it as “Highland Park Eclectic,” a one-of-a-kind blend that reflects both the neighborhood’s luxurious charm and the homeowner’s unique and stylish point of view.'

'The client, originally from the UK, purchased this home because she saw it as a true blank canvas – something she could transform into a space that felt personal and inspired,' Annie continues. 'She had actually followed our work on Instagram for years and knew she wanted Ashby to lead the project long before she even found the house.'

'The client came to us with lots of fabulous inspiration – images filled with a thoughtful mix of old and new: vintage rugs layered beneath modern classic furniture, playful silhouettes, and rich textures. It all felt effortlessly collected and organic, yet polished, which ultimately became the guiding spirit for the home.'

The first living room is the perfect example of this, combining vintage touches like the traditional woven rug with mid-century leather furniture and luxurious marble.

Continuing the theme of contrast, the dining room blends classic furnishings with modern furniture. Ashby has opted for a large-scale Persian-style rug to give the room warmth and intricacy, contrasting perfectly with the contemporary dining chairs finished in a bold red. Straying from a traditional dining room idea, the abstract pendant light provides a modern edge that frames the space and brings a hint of luxury, matched by the 18th-century hewn oak dining table and art.

'We used rich tones and layered textures while carefully curating furnishings and décor, blending classic modern furniture with organic lines to create an effortless elegance and timeless sense of style,' explains Annie about the dining space.

Not the only living room in the house, the second lounge space is filled with vibrant pockets of color, from the yellow velvet armchairs to the wall art, Ashby has ensured the space feels elevated yet uplifting.

Note the living room rug idea brings even more warmth and contrast to pair against the yellows and pale wood. Annie says, 'Our goal was to make the home feel layered and collected, with something interesting to catch your eye at every turn.'

The artfully curated bookshelf is displayed with meaningful decor that adds to the room's accomplished design. Ashby has incorporated wood in various forms, including the abstract coffee table, which brings a modern organic edge.

It's clear the room is filled with interesting pieces that all tell a story. Referring to the client, Annie explains, 'She didn’t have many personal pieces to incorporate, so the treasure hunting was left mostly up to us. For over a year, I was constantly on the lookout, thoughtfully sourcing and curating everything from quirky artifacts to bold artwork and beautiful books that would add depth and character. The result is a home with real soul, filled with pieces from artisans around the world – a vibrant space that sparks curiosity and inspires conversation.'

The green kitchen is effortlessly chic, layered with luxurious finishes and a deep green paint (Benjamin Moore's Cabin Fever) that gives an often clinical space warmth and welcome. The quartzite counter and backsplash connect to the sophisticated grandeur that's felt throughout the house.

To ensure the space has hints of patina and warmth, the studio has incorporated wooden touches, from the midcentury modern style bar stools to the rustic chopping boards and utensils that lean into a more farmhouse style look. Balanced with the contemporary lighting designed by Holly Hunt, the space feels like the perfect amount of old and new.

The design of the guest bedroom is unique in its use of texture, yet it connects to the overall feel of the home. Annie says, 'Every room in this home has its own distinct personality, but there’s a consistent, effortless elegance that ties it all together.'

Matching the vibrancy of the living room, the bedroom's warm color scheme feels inviting and luxurious, oozing sophistication through tasteful yellows, soft oranges, and warm browns.

The layering of materials is something you notice instantly, with the velvet-upholstered bed, the drapes hanging behind it, the plush cushions, and the soft carpet all working together to bring a sense of comfort and relaxation into the space. The soft textures are balanced by the rather dramatic ebonized dresser that contrasts with the fabrics, bringing rigidity and sleekness.

When asked what her favorite room was, Annie said, 'If I had to pick, I’d say the primary suite – the bedroom and bathroom. It’s a moody sanctuary, designed to feel like a private world all its own.'

Straying from typical gray bedroom ideas, she goes on to explain, 'The bedroom is wrapped in a woven chambray colored grass cloth that brings both depth and softness to the space. I designed a custom 14-foot-wide walnut bed with integrated nightstands, each featuring a cabinet and open shelf for books and personal items. The oversized bed frame helps anchor the room, bringing balance to the high vaulted ceiling. The silk-patterned rug and pink velvet loveseat adds a touch of whimsy and romance. The room is glamorous, organic, and layered in a way that feels intimate and unique.'

Connected to the main bedroom, you'll find the one-of-a-kind bathroom that features an array of ornate textures and colors. From the pale pink limewash walls to the beautiful blue marble tiles show Ashby has been bold in their use of materials.

A material that's used consistently throughout the project, the velvet stool adds to the luxurious feel of the space, an unexpected red that contrasts against the blue, slick marble countertops, and tiles.

'The bathroom was a full reimagination,' says Annie. It started off as a lovely white, mostly marble bathroom, but it didn’t reflect the client’s style. Now, it’s rich, soulful, and feels like a quietly luxurious retreat. We centered the design around a striking fusion quartzite countertop with sweeping waves of blue and green, then added custom-stained oak cabinetry, dark plaster walls, and exposed polished nickel plumbing in the shower. The Belgian bluestone floors ground the whole space with this beautiful, tactile contrast.'

Annie said, 'She (the homeowner) was an absolute joy to collaborate with – practical when it came to durability and function, but also completely open to the creative “wildcard” ideas I’d bring to the table. I love a client who isn’t afraid of bold color, which is so clear in the monochromatic pink media room (painted in Benjamin Moore's Roman Shade). I quickly picked up on her taste as we got to know one another in the design process – if I showed her something clean and neutral next to something rich and moody, she’d go for the moody every time – always leaning to the more expressive and fun choice.'

The music room is a lesson on contemporary design that takes inspiration from the past, fusing nostalgia with luxury.

A classic piece of midcentury modern decor, the Eames lounge chair and ottoman in armory mohair bring a sense of sophistication and relaxation. The retro feel is matched by the 1970s-inspired geometric rug that's striking yet ties in with the warm shades scattered throughout the room.

The brass floor lamp and side table adorned with glass tumblers and alcohol bottles bring a more obvious sense of luxury; it's a set-up straight out of Mad Men.

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The Highland Park project, designed by Ashby Collective, is a truly eclectic work of art that fuses vintage furniture and angular shapes with soft materials and luxurious finishes. The epitome of the loud luxury trend, it's a one-of-a-kind haven that feels fun, luxurious, and comfortable all at the same time.