Wednesday

07-23-2025 Vol 2030

Doniphan Moore’s Stunning Renovation Journey in Dallas: A Tale of Adversity and Creativity

Interior designer Doniphan Moore’s long-awaited renovation of his East Dallas townhouse has transformed it into a sophisticated haven, showcasing his signature style and resilience during challenging times.

Having purchased the property nearly two decades ago right after graduation from Southern Methodist University, Moore gradually updated the three-bedroom bachelor pad in the vibrant M Streets area.

However, as his interior design business flourished, he found that the house was always a work in progress, never fully complete.

In February 2020, he discovered a 1947 Art Deco-style building for sale in Uptown Dallas, just before the pandemic changed everything.

Moore recalls, “I had been looking for six years for the right place and just fell in love with the building’s original charm and character,” emphasizing the rarity of such historic commercial spaces in the city.

After closing on the new property just weeks before lockdown, Moore faced the dual challenges of renovating his future studio while managing client projects across several states during the pandemic.

His work reached new heights when he was invited to design a lavish master bath and dressing rooms for the inaugural Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas.

With the help of 60 partners who generously donated their time and resources, Moore created a buzzworthy space adorned with de Gournay wallpaper inspired by Gustav Klimt and Japanese textiles.

However, further challenges awaited him; the severe Texas ice storm in 2021 resulted in burst pipes, wreaking havoc in his home.

Despite the destruction, he managed to salvage the hand-painted Porter Teleo wallpaper on the ceiling, showcasing his ability to adapt and recover.

A year into the pandemic, Moore navigated construction delays and supply chain issues, leading him to temporarily downsize his operation.

With his father stepping in to manage the books and learn CAD remotely, Moore confined his living and working spaces to the upstairs of his home.

Over the course of more than two years, the renovation presented a journey of challenges and growth.

Moore highlights, “I was looking forward to the moment when I could just breathe,” expressing the profound impact of this experience on his outlook on life.

A particular song, “Not in a Hurry” by Will Reagan, served as his guiding anthem during this transformative time.

The lyrics reminded him to embrace patience and surrender to the circumstances beyond his control.

Emerging from adversity, Moore seized the opportunity to refine his home further.

He meticulously addressed architectural details, ensuring the molding and doorways aligned perfectly, while also making curated edits throughout the space.

His aesthetic evolved to embrace richer colors suitable for the home’s generally low natural light.

What was once a gray-and-white kitchen transformed into a luxurious hub featuring tones of pinot noir, burgundy, and dark chocolate.

Waterworks tiles and cabinets in a custom lacquered hue further enhance the kitchen’s jewel box design filled with diverse metal finishes.

Moore elaborates on the unique mixing of metals used throughout the space, stating, “I focused on mixing metals that you wouldn’t think would normally go together, but they provide a deeper, more unexpected palette that I love.”

Reflecting on his Southern roots, Moore emphasized the importance of elegance and a welcoming atmosphere in his designs.

The kitchen is not just a place for cooking; it functions as an inviting gathering space, complete with a custom butcher block from Grothouse and stylish leather-and-wood stools from Blackman Cruz.

The adjacent breakfast room and dining area echo this theme of graciousness, showcasing sumptuous materials and elegant furnishings.

Moore’s Southern sensibility is evident throughout the home, where personal pieces resonate with memories and create a distinct mood.

Notable furnishings include a leather wingback chair from Jean de Merry, reminiscent of a coveted original by Frits Henningsen, and a stunning Deco-inspired desk in his study crafted from oxblood-colored goatskin.

Additionally, a LaVerne bronze coffee table etched with a chinoiserie motif in the studio lounge evokes nostalgic memories of fabrics that influenced him growing up in the South.

In conclusion, Doniphan Moore’s remarkable renovation journey not only reflects his refined design aesthetic but also showcases how challenges can yield unexpected beauty and personal growth in the artistic process.

image source from:papercitymag

Abigail Harper