Text: Margaret Zainey Roux
Photos: Michael Hunter
Rachel Finkbohner’s Alabama roots run deep. So deep, in fact, that when the Dallas realtor embarked on her very own house hunt through West Highland Park, she fell in love at first sight with a tired 1940s Colonial because it reminded her of home—despite its less than “homey” condition.
“Outside, the green landscape and classic Southern-style façade boasted the kind of nostalgic beauty that Rachel was drawn to, but inside, it was a time capsule of decades past,” says interior designer Emory McKim. “Picture linoleum flooring, gaudy light fixtures, and layers of dingy paint and wallpapers from the 1970s and ‘80s. But beneath the sheath of time, there was a great layout composed of spacious rooms that brimmed with an abundance of rich architectural details. My client and I were not only determined to preserve these gems but also to honor and highlight them.”
According to McKim, the original millwork—including intricate crown and dentil moldings—offered the heaviest dose of design inspiration and ultimately served as the starting point for the interior revamp throughout the main living areas. Assisted by Holt Browning, the designer applied paneling to the walls to expand on the interior’s existing architectural integrity and heighten sophistication. She also wrapped spaces in punchy color combinations to spotlight these features and express the feminine spirit of the lady of the house. Atop a soft white scheme, gilded finishes and high-voltage pinks, corals, and blues wake up and shake up a spectrum of greens ranging from ethereal shades of seafoam and sage to vibrant tones of avocado and emerald. Graphic black and white pairings punctuate rooms with an unexpected kick.
“The home’s former color palette was matronly, but it maintained a cozy and inviting feeling that hinted at the warmth of cherished memories,” McKim explains. “We liked that concept, so we chose to build on it by using cheerful tones that felt more current. I am not afraid of color, and I was lucky that Rachel shared my admiration for all things bright and bold!”
Just as she did with the color selections, McKim strategically used prints and patterns to refresh rooms from top to bottom. On the walls, windows, upholstery, and floors, she balanced delicate florals and small-scale prints with eye-catching chinoiserie and geometric designs. She even tossed in a cowgirl-boot print for a hint of humor and quirk. But despite these modern nuances, the designer didn’t stray far from tradition when furnishing the house with antiques scored at local shops and others passed down through generations of her client’s family.
“Of all the antiques we incorporated, the ones that were gifted from my client’s family are the most special,” McKim says. “They strengthen the overall design by bringing sentimentality into the décor. By thoughtfully juxtaposing these timeworn tables, case pieces, and rugs with contemporary lighting and abstract artwork, we achieved a harmonious fusion that revitalized rooms without stripping them of their personality. This eclectic mix of old and new is the very soul of the home.”
