Inside a Bold Art Moderne Renovation Full of Color and Character

Set in the heart of Dallas’s Park Cities, this 1930s Art Moderne home has always stood out—and now, it does so with fresh intention. Recently named one of the city’s Top 100 homes of historical significance, it was thoughtfully revived for a pair of empty nesters eager to gather, host, and celebrate family. Designer Avery Cox, in collaboration with architects Curtis & Windham and builders Hawkins-Welwood, honored the home’s signature curves and architectural character while layering in radiant color, time-stamped finishes, and a collection of vintage pieces. The result is a joy-filled space that pays homage to both history and family.

Design: Avery Cox | Photography: Ngoc Minh Ngo

A Home That Honors Its History

Originally designed in 1939 by architect Reynolds Fisher, the 3,400-square-foot home is a standout example of the Art Moderne style, a softer offshoot of Art Deco characterized by rounded corners, long horizontal lines, and streamlined forms. Rather than fight the existing architecture, Avery leaned in—amplifying the curves in the staircases, windows, and millwork and highlighting original details wherever possible. Stainless steel, terrazzo, ribbed glass, and aluminum bring the material palette back to the 1930s, while subtle modern additions help the space live comfortably in the present.

The Language of Color

Color plays an emotional and narrative role throughout the home, starting with a specific hue: vermilion. “It’s tied to the history of the house (the original door color), it’s a favorite color of the homeowners from their travels to Japan, and also references a common hue found in Art Moderne and Bauhaus design,” Avery explains. That bold, orange-red tone makes repeat appearances in textiles, artwork, and furniture, setting the mood for a house that doesn’t shy away from saturation.

Throughout the interiors, color-blocked moments nod to the textile design of the 1920s and 1930s, as well as the Bauhaus movement, bringing thoughtful contrast and unexpected warmth to the clean-lined spaces.

Deco Details, Reimagined

From the reeded glass accents to the scalloped plaster detailing in the bathroom, every element was thoughtfully chosen. The home doesn’t mimic the past so much as it builds on it, reimagining Art Moderne details with a sense of ease and modernity.

The primary bath, wrapped in dramatic viola marble, channels the Gatsby-era glamour of the ’20s while still feeling clean and contemporary. Hefty fixtures and custom vanities echo the proportions of the architecture, creating a seamless thread between old and new.

A Space for Living

There are plenty of nods to the past, but the home was designed with real life in mind. It’s a place to gather with family, host friends, and enjoy the everyday. “It’s sophisticated yet playful,” Avery says. Every detail feels personal, a reflection of the homeowners, their history, and the way they live now.