Now this is what you call a dream client. When the project began, the homeowners told me they wanted the final product to look like a Jan Showers Show House. Who could ask for a better start to a client relationship? They’d purchased the house in the distinguished neighborhood of Preston Hollow because of the grounds, which were enormous and absolutely beautiful even before the work began.

An entire book could be written about this house alone. Between architecture, construction, and decorating, Lead Designer, Zara Taitt spent three years on this house, one of the most spectacular projects we’ve ever completed. The pandemic was one reason for that amount of time, but the scope of the project was enormous even without taking into account the delays particular to that period.

It was understood from the first day that everything should look collected and layered—a refined mix of periods and styles. Furthermore, it had to be utterly thorough and detailed. The clients were fearless and had extremely high expectations. Everyone on my team felt the pressure not merely to meet them but to exceed them every step of the way. Zara and my team were tasked with overseeing the renovation and making sure everything was done to perfection. So many tradespeo-ple and artisans contributed to this project, all of them working at the highest skill levels, the best we could find. Their work can be seen on every page, down to the tile layers. My office was the hub for all that work. It became a real challenge, in the best sense of the word. We went to so many people and said, “Here’s the idea. Help us create it.” It was a thrill being surrounded by so much excellence and talent.

The entry is, of course, a staggering introduction, with fabulous wallpaper that reflects what you see outside. The trees draw your eye in and out at the same time. It truly doesn’t feel over-the-top. It feels enveloping, like being in nature. The property is so private and parklike, it couldn’t help but inspire and influence everything we did.

Looking back on these pages, the thing that stands out most is how often these clients said yes. When we felt most creative and excited, they were trusting and open, giving us every chance to explore print, patterns, and color. It was incredible how often they encouraged us to take an idea further. Just look at her dressing room if you don’t believe me. I think it’s the most fun I’ve ever had in a closet. You rarely have clients who will let you take it this far. We designed it with Christopher Peacock. Totally glamorous, totally custom. Even the shelves are lined with leather.

While working on this house, Zara and I went on a buying trip to Paris to shop for my Dallas showroom and for clients. The most fun part of the trip was buying for them, sending pictures back, shopping all day, eating a great lunch, going back to the hotel, sending more pictures, and doing it all again the next day. It felt like we could see the house coming together all the way from France. It was as though we’d brought its energy with us.

As it always is, selecting art was another great pleasure at Hollow Way. My husband and I love emerging artists and have been fortunate to have purchased wonderful works over the years. In truth, it has become one of my favorite parts of completing houses. One can have the most amazing furniture and lighting possible, but if the art is subpar the house never truly meets its potential. This has become clearer to me with every passing year, and it’s something we always bring up with clients from the very beginning. It’s so gratifying when a client gets it, as this couple most certainly did.

From the sophisticated art on every wall down to the collection of perfume bottles that grace her dressing room, this house is the epitome of glamour, so much so that it has to be seen to be believed.

TAKE VIRTUAL TOUR