Turning a ’40s build into a statement home
In the Bird Streets neighborhood stands a corner lot with an unassuming exterior and decades-old trees.
The house was built in 1941, and until recently didn’t look much different than it likely did back then. The stairs were fitted with a chair lift. A front living area featured floor-to-ceiling wood paneling. The kitchen was mostly white, with soft yellow walls and blue accents with a matching soft yellow vintage Chambers oven. The bathrooms had pink or blue tiling and floral wallpaper.
The house hasn’t exchanged hands many times over the course of nearly a century. Records aren’t clear on who all owned it. We do know, however, that the woman who had owned it since 1995 until she died in 2018 kept the home true to its ’40s roots. When a bachelor IT executive purchased the home and moved in, a change was in order.
In 2021, Preston Hollow neighbor Eddie Maestri of Maestri Studios did a full-service interior design on the home.
The home was “meticulously maintained and unedited,” Maestri says, leaving the design with a dual goal: renovate and reimagine the kitchen and bathrooms for the bachelor client while enhancing and building upon the character of the home.
With an older home like this, what was the process like of modernizing the home while respecting the history of a ‘40s build?
Working with older homes, especially those with the character and history of a ‘40s build, is something we truly love. Our approach is always to honor the original design and craftsmanship, making sure that any updates feel in line with the home’s natural beauty. We take the time to study the existing details—whether it’s the molding, cabinetry, or unique architectural features — and carefully restore or refresh them when needed.
For us, it’s not about reinventing the wheel, but enhancing what’s already there. We want to highlight the home’s original charm while making thoughtful design updates that modernize the space without overwhelming it. Whether it’s updating finishes, opening up a space for better flow, or introducing new materials that complement the original ones, our goal is always to strike a balance between the past and the present, respecting the home’s history while ensuring it functions beautifully for today’s lifestyle.
With darker designs trending like the statement living room featured in this home, how do you design a space without the room feeling heavy?
Dark spaces, like the statement lounge featured in this home, are definitely trending right now, but it’s not just about the darkness — it’s about the balance between light and dark. The key to making a dark space feel inviting and not heavy is introducing elements of lightness to create contrast and depth. For example, we used an antiqued mirror at the back of the built-ins in this room, which reflects light and helps balance out the deeper tones.
Dark spaces can actually feel incredibly cozy and warm, offering a sense of refuge and intimacy. They’re the perfect contrast to the lighter, brighter areas of a home. In a home that’s already filled with open, airy spaces, a darker room can act like a cocoon—a space to wrap yourself in and unwind. It’s all about creating that balance, where the darker hues provide depth and sophistication, while lighter elements keep the space from feeling too enclosed or heavy.
Another feature I noticed is the intentionality of the mixed metals in the kitchen, with gold on the vent hood and shelves, black on the faucet and knobs and stainless steel appliances. I’ve seen this as a bit of a hot topic among designers, with each seeming to have their own design “rules.” What is your philosophy on mixing metals while looking cohesive?
We absolutely love mixing metals because it creates a timeless, collected feel that adds depth and character to a space. In the kitchen, the combination of gold on the vent hood and shelves, black on the faucet and knobs, and stainless steel works together to form a balanced, sophisticated look that feels both modern and classic. We don’t believe in rigid rules when it comes to design — if it works, it works. Especially in older homes, mixing metals can really tell a story, blending the old and the new in a way that feels natural and personal. It’s all about finding the right contrast and harmony, and when done thoughtfully, it adds layers of interest that evolve beautifully over time.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
