Fashion Forward: Kessler Park Home Renovation

Despite the building boom and the city's love of bigger, better, bolder housing, there's been a movement to revitalize vintage architecture. Kessler Park, the hidden jewel of Dallas, is a charming neighborhood of hills, old growth trees, and beautiful homes. Geoffery Henning and Troy Sams have turned their 1956 Kessler Park Pier & Beam into a house of style.

Though the couple did open up some doors and walls, Mr. Henning explains, "The interior was already architecturally well designed for social events. It's open with very large rooms, so it flows well."

With a classic canvas, Henning and Sams have successfully introduced modern design elements.

"We like the Zen-like calm of clean lines and geometric shapes," says Mr. Henning.

Repetition is key to the concept. Rectangles and squares are etched on the glass doors floors and chairs, mirrors and accessories are shown in doubles or multiples for balance. The look is clean and precise with surface shine floor to ceiling. Most floors are ebony with a high gloss shine and rooms are designed with the reflective value of floors and mirrors in mind.

Though the style is sophisticated, there's a modern simplicity that can encourage home decorators on any budget. The use of color is an economical lesson in inspired space. The rooms all use white for continuity, but each has a separate accent color. A bright shade in pillows, a set of drapes, or a single wall makes a big impact.

"Paint is just paint," says Mr. Henning. "We change one focal wall all the time." Using antique or designer pieces as inspiration, the couple also uses local talent to craft original pieces to perfectly suit their needs.

"It's been a three year process, but it's still not complete," laughs Mr. Henning. "A creative person continually challenges self and environment."