Nestled on a quiet, tree-lined street in the heart of Highland Park, this Dallas home is a study in classic architecture, thoughtfully reimagined for modern living. The area is known for its blend of historic residences and refined new builds, but this particular property offers a rare balance of both tradition and freshness. Park Interiors, a Dallas-based design firm lead by Naina Hotchkiss and Allison McAfee, saw it as a distinctive opportunity.

“This project was a special remodel opportunity for us,” says Park Interiors lead designer Kristina Shields. “In collaboration with Coats Homes, we recognized the potential in the home’s architecture and prime location, envisioning it as a spec home that could seamlessly blend timeless design with modern livability.”

The Park Interiors team was involved in every stage of the transformation, after being brought on by Coats Homes from the initial architectural phase to help reimagine the existing 1980s property. “Both teams shared a commitment to working within the existing walls rather than starting from scratch, an approach that required creative thinking to ensure the new floor plan felt efficient, inspired, and tailored to modern family living,” Kristina says. “As a full gut remodel, every part of the home was reimagined. We reworked the kitchen layout, added a sitting room, relocated the powder room, and designed a bar with a natural flow connecting the family and formal living areas. Every element from framing to plumbing to electrical was carefully reconsidered and given new life. Additionally, we guided selections for hard surfaces, fireplace surrounds, millwork details, paint colors, wall treatments, and decorative lighting.”

The style of the home reflects a classic traditional approach layered with a modern sensibility. The exterior’s symmetry, painted brick, and warm gray shutters pay homage to traditional Southern architecture, while clean detailing and a natural palette keep the home feeling fresh and current. Inside, the team leaned into a subtle, nuanced color story, using walnut and brass to elevate an already calm, sophisticated atmosphere. “The interiors strike a balance between tailored refinement and approachable livability,” Kristina explains. “Arched ceilings, panel detailing, and rich textures provide architectural interest, while modern lighting and low-profile furnishings introduce a relaxed, contemporary edge. The result is a home that feels timeless yet tailored, rooted in tradition but designed for modern family life.”

While still under construction, a family relocating from Canada fell in love with the property. “They were charmed by its traditional exterior and thoughtful details,” Kristina recalls. “They had only one specific request: ample lighting in the kitchen. We layered recessed and decorative fixtures to achieve the perfect balance, while the expansive windows in the kitchen and breakfast nook flood the space in natural light. Remarkably, that was their only ask, as the home itself provided everything they needed to imagine their family settling in comfortably.”

When it came to furnishing the home, the design team embraced the family’s love of art and antiques, as well as their beloved dog’s penchant for cozying up on the furniture. “To accommodate this lifestyle, we chose durable, family-friendly materials, curated low-profile pieces that highlight their art collection, and designed custom furnishings that offer a fresh, contemporary counterpoint to their antique treasures,” the designer tells us. “What emerged is a home that not only reflects their aesthetic but supports the way they truly live, inviting, expressive, and comfortably refined.”

This project was completed in just over a year. “Coats Homes saw the potential in a home with strong bones on an exceptional lot and embraced the opportunity, even though speculative projects are not typically their focus,” Kristina shares. “With no client involved at the outset, design decisions could be made thoughtfully yet efficiently, allowing the process to move at a pace faster than a traditional custom build. This approach created a unique opportunity to craft a home that balances architectural integrity, functionality, and the refined, layered aesthetic that defines the Park Interiors signature.”