When Fernan Rodriguez—an orthodontist originally from Guatemala—and his wife Allison were looking for a home, they had two must-haves: a property with lots of character and plenty of space to raise their two young children. They found this 3,500 square-foot Colonial-style house in the Kessler Park Conservation District of Dallas and knew it was perfect. The house features four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, and additional structures that include a pool cabana and carriage house. They brought on Eddie Maestri of award winning architecture + interior design firm Maestri Studio.

“A fun fact about this home is that it used to be a convent for Catholic nuns for roughly 50 years,” Eddie shares. “When our clients bought the property, the inside of the house was basically a time capsule.” Naturally, the home’s location inside the Conservation District meant there were some guidelines they had to follow, lengthening the design process as they sought approvals for any updates. 

Eddie and his team ensured that the home’s interior would reflect the fun and lively personality of the couple. “Allison and Fernan wanted a space with lots of color and a funky feel with a modern edge. A home that’s unique and unlike anything you’ve seen before. We pulled inspiration from the Art Deco era and the Parisian style of interiors,” he says. “Our goal was to maintain the charm of the original style of the home while creating spaces that reflected the couple’s personality and style.”

The project took roughly 15 months, and Eddie tells us the clients were quite pleased. “They said they are ready for their next project with us!”