Originally from Tacoma Park, Maryland, and now a long-time Dallas resident, Kristin Mullen‘s deep-seated passion for interior design stems from her mother’s influence and was further fueled by her experiences in London, where classical architecture captivated her. After studying Speech and Language Pathology and Theater at Northwestern University and New York University, Kristin ventured into design by collaborating with a local architectural firm and soon established Kristin Mullen Designs as a nationally recognized and award-winning design firm. Her work is characterized by a masterful use of color, layering, and whimsy, aimed at creating timeless interiors that reflect each client’s lifestyle and architectural sensibility. In addition to her design work, Kristin sells beautifully curated antiques and home decor at Blue Hills at the biannual Round Top Antique Fair.
Southern Home: How do you believe Dallas’ cultural diversity and influences are reflected in its interior design trends and styles?
Kristin Mullen: Dallas has influences from many different cultures and traditions, from its Southern roots to its love affair with all things French. When I first moved to Dallas, I was struck by how many homes were very French-inspired. It makes sense in a certain way, in that the typical creamy yellow limestone one sees in France is very similar to our regional lueders limestone. Plus, a number of local architects are unapologetic Francophiles, while another cohort are aficionados of Southern architecture. The latest architectural and design trend we owe to our California transplants is that of clients hoping to replicate the indoor/outdoor Californian lifestyle and the bright and easy palettes to facilitate that. Many Dallas designers have adopted a more-is-more mentality to pattern and palette, and their joyful and maximalist interiors are very popular just now. My own influences come from my time spent in Europe and Asia, and so my own aesthetic is very anti-trend.
SH: Would you share a local restaurant that you love?
KM: For a very special evening out, The Charles is unmatched—the food and atmosphere are top-notch. But if I am being totally honest, my go-to restaurant where I take all out-of-town guests is Mi Cocina, which serves old-fashioned Tex-Mex. I never pass up the chips and queso, and their Sunset Style fajitas are simply the best, most sinful fajitas you will ever eat. And a Mambo Taxi never hurts, either.
SH: What would you recommend as the best cocktail bar in the city?
KM: While it is not technically a cocktail bar, Dolce Riviera is an amazing place to have a glass of wine or aperitivo in a place that is literally dripping with atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the hanging lemons from the branches overhead. Georgie also has an incredible cocktail bar set in a cozy atmosphere set against the backdrop of the ever-charming Knox Henderson neighborhood. Their bar rotates seasonal cocktails that are always as inventive as they are sippable. They also make a mean espresso martini.
SH: What is your favorite hotel in the city?
KM: The Ritz-Carlton is just extraordinary in every way. From its bar to its amazing restaurant, it guarantees a luxurious experience.
SH: Are there any boutiques or shops in the city that you particularly enjoy?
KM: For women’s clothing, Tootsies is a personal favorite with a fantastic array of curated clothes. St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange is a local institution with an array of gifts and must-haves, including the famous Killer Pecans. St. Bernard is ostensibly a purveyor of ski equipment and clothing, but it also has wonderful men’s and women’s fashion. It’s a go-to when I am shopping for the men in my family, with an eye toward a little something for myself.
SH: Where do you typically go for inspiration?
KM: We are fortunate to have a robust design center right down the street from our studio, and I can always count on a visit there to yield so much inspiration. There is something about the tactile experience of thumbing through fabrics and wallpapers that always sparks inspiration. That said, I spend countless hours on the weekend on Pinterest, which is a slippery slope for any creative!
SH: What is your favorite place to source unique décor or furniture pieces?
KM: We have some wonderful antique shops around the corner, including Brown & Co., Nick Brock, The Muse, and Benny Jack, that are chockablock full of vintage and antique finds. I can always rely on these spots for pieces that feel collected and soulful, and I frequently intersperse pieces from them in our projects.
SH: Do you have a favorite local artist or gallery?
KM: My friend Diane Rome Smith is an incredibly talented artist. Her trademark abstracts in antique frames juxtapose antiquity and modernity so beautifully. Beyond that, she is the loveliest person to work with and collaborate with, and I have had the pleasure of doing business with her a handful of times.
SH: What do you consider to be the best annual event or festival in the city?
KM: The grandaddy of them all is the State Fair of Texas, which takes place in the fall. If you can fry it, you can try it there. Plus, it has an amazing array of livestock exhibits and corny rides to entertain even the most jaded visitor.
SH: If you were to create a tour of the city, which landmarks or spaces would you include on your must-visit?
KM: I would definitely recommend a visit to the Dallas Arboretum (when it’s not blisteringly hot) to tour all of the beautiful seasonal and regional blooms. For art lovers, the Meadows Museum and Dallas Museum of Art are both incredible places to visit. But of course, no tour of Dallas would be complete without a food tour. Between Mi Cocina, Rise No. 1, Bird Bakery, and other Dallas staples, you haven’t done Dallas right unless you leave with a few extra inches around your waistband.
