When Jena Salmon and her husband made the decision to move back to her hometown in Texas from Atlanta, she knew exactly what she needed to do. With the help of her friends, including a Realtor, she visited 28 Dallas listings in just two days. It was the last one she saw – a 1980s ranch-style home that had only been on the market for seven minutes – that captured her heart. The parquet floors, French doors, brick kitchen, and abundant natural light immediately appealed to her, leading her to make an offer on the spot.
Despite the challenges of renovating during the COVID-19 shutdown with industry-wide delays, Jena wasted no time in getting the work started. She called in painters, landscapers, and a pool company right after closing. The kitchen was swiftly gutted, carpet and landscaping removed, and old appliances replaced.
With a clear vision for her new home, Jena knew she wanted to infuse it with color rather than stick to a neutral palette. Blues and greens, in particular, were her go-to shades for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. She incorporated beloved antiques and nature-inspired hues to feather her nest just the way she envisioned.
In the spacious living room, Jena divided the area into two cozy spots to maintain a welcoming feel. Benjamin Moore’s Snow White paint on the walls accentuated the natural light streaming in through the French doors and transom windows. Patterns and colors came to life through Thibaut animal-print chairs and a custom blue Schumacher velvet sofa.
Jena’s love for cooking shone in the kitchen design. Farrow & Ball’s Calke Green adorned the cabinets, while a Jouy floral print by Thibaut covered the walls. She added a striking ILVE range in deep blue and opted for scratch-and-dent appliances to avoid long delays. Practical changes, like removing pendant lighting and a high bar, created a more open and functional space.
Consistency was key for Jena, as she carried the blue-and-green theme into the keeping room. A custom octagonal table with a Thibaut and Soane fabric skirt, along with a block print shade chandelier from an estate sale, added charm and cohesion to the space.
By staying true to her vision and infusing her home with vibrant colors and timeless pieces, Jena created a warm and inviting sanctuary in her newly renovated Texas abode.
In the bright and airy living room that leads to the backyard, Salmon relied on her favorite color combination of blue and white. She adorned the sofa with a classic buffalo check pattern and the tufted ottoman with Schumacher’s Beatrice Bouquet fabric.
Alison Gootee; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
“I don’t believe in designing spaces around a single piece,” said the decorator, who furnished her dining room with French antiques found at various estate sales. Salmon emphasized the importance of investing in high-quality furniture that can be versatile and used in different ways. Though the formal dining area is not used daily, she aimed for elegance by covering the walls in grass cloth paper from Thibaut and painting the ceiling in Palladian Blue by Benjamin Moore.
Alison Gootee; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
Salmon was charmed by the study’s wood paneling and traditional look but felt it needed some brightening up. She transformed the room with a custom mix of Farrow & Ball paint colors, a technique she often uses to achieve her desired shade. Salmon encouraged not to shy away from painting wood as it can rejuvenate a space. Antique wing chairs with Jane Shelton fabric and carefully curated accessories added character to the room.
Alison Gootee; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
Salmon enjoys having a home bar for entertaining, showcasing bold Farrow & Ball Stiffkey Blue cabinets and walls adorned with Oscar de la Renta fabric.
Alison Gootee; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
Embracing the versatility of twin beds, Salmon utilized estate sale headboards in a kids’ room or for guests, suggesting they can be pushed together to create a king bed if necessary. She decorated the space with a brown-and-white pattern for curtains, walls, and shams, along with scalloped linens from Matouk that she believes can adapt with a child’s growth or provide comfort to a visitor.
Alison Gootee; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
In the primary bedroom, Salmon departed from the traditional headboard by installing an antique gold leaf screen. This unique choice, along with bedding in her preferred colors, establishes a calming and relaxing sanctuary for her everyday routine.
