Curating a home reflective of its owner's style can feel overwhelming in the eclectic environs of Fort Worth, where the expectation is sometimes a picture-perfect and multi-functional one as remote work continues expanding. In an attempt to quickly fulfill their needs, many homeowners get caught in impersonal design solutions. Fort Worth designer and owner of The Modern Menagerie, Shelby Whitfield, believes in a more thoughtful approach that embraces life’s imperfections and encourages intentional design built around meaningful pieces.
"I think it puts less stress on the homeowner to have beautiful things that are low maintenance," says Shelby. "Without expensive or time-consuming upkeep."
Her philosophy is to design a personalized working home for the often-hectic lives of her clients.
"The things we need from our homes functionally might not always be aesthetically pleasing," she continues. "Sometimes you don't have time to organize everything before someone comes over, and that’s okay, but I wouldn't recommend transparent cabinet fronts or exposed shelving."
Today's homeowners have adopted relaxed resale ideologies, with Shelby's clients often denying aging adages where general appeal trumps personal tastes. She is thankful for the change, crediting it for abolishing the minimalist cream-and-grey aesthetic that dominated homes for years. A unique design can take time to cultivate. Thankfully, Shelby knows how to speed things up.
"You can space, plan, and design upfront," she says, stressing the usefulness of graph paper in this first step. "Giving you confidence in making purchases when you know they will fit your overall scheme."
A long-term plan can dampen any urge to quickly fill empty shelves for the sake of completing a look, too. Shelby says many clients fall victim to "filler pieces," a pitfall for even the poshest clients.
"There are a lot of Tom Ford coffee table books out there," she jokes.
Her "collection" approach weaves innately intimate items into a space like subjective art pieces that initiate engaging conversations.
"We’re lucky now that we have so many online resources to find vintage or antique things related to niche interests or destinations," she says. "It brings a story into the space."
She also encourages homeowners to leave room for future treasures.
"Sometimes I leave a blank shelf and say, 'This could be a cool spot for you to fill later.'"
Allowing space for future items is especially critical for younger families or first-time homeowners, who can feel pressure to buy everything at once, putting them at risk for the dreaded "filler," stressing their budget, and increasing low-quality purchases. Shelby continues coaching patience.
"Finding something special is a matter of chance," she says. "It might catch your eye on vacation. You can’t force life to happen in a compressed time frame." The pre-made design plan empowers people during serendipitous shopping trips to select the right size or ensure the item fills a needed function.
"Intentional choices allow a space to grow with you," says Shelby.
A designer often stays in touch with clients for years, building a lasting relationship which Shelby says is her favorite part of the job.
"I have clients who will text me when they're out of town to ask if something will work in their home," she laughs. "And I do it too. I'll be somewhere and have to call them, 'You need this!'"
As the clients move, age, and develop their unique style, Shelby is there, indelibly available for an update or refresh.
But does a busy designer take the same time for herself when she's ready for a change, or is she the landscaper ignoring her yard at home?
"People always say, 'Oh, your house must be so perfect,' and my response is 'It absolutely is not!'" she laughs. "We have a five-year-old and two dogs, so there are certain things I know I can’t be precious about."
Shelby’s home is a 1950s ranch she remodels in phases, practicing what she preaches and only proceeding when inspired. The entryway showcases pink spot and star wallpaper from Schumacher, a nod to the home’s mid-century roots and the designer's signature playful style.
"It was the color of the original kitchen cabinets before my husband and I owned the house," she explains. "I love that connection."
Her next move? Painting the living room a deep, eggplant purple. The choice is raising a few eyebrows, and she doesn't hide her amusement at that. She enjoys proving the skeptics wrong and does it frequently.
"People will have to trust me on that one," she laughs, describing how the rich color will warm the space. She plans to pair it with ripple fold drapery and unlacquered brass hardware that her husband says ages beautifully.
Homeowners can honor a home's history without sacrificing personal style.
"It’s not about being super prescriptive," says Shelby, "But when the design relates to the architecture it gives your work authenticity."
For Shelby, design is more than creating a beautiful space, she's telling someone's story. In life and art, perfection has a sterilizing effect, and the best memories usually stem from some misadventure. A thoughtful plan is helpful, but embracing imperfections can have surprising results, and an ending some might never see coming.