Designer Cynthia Collins, founder of Dallas-based Collins Interiors, is a master at incorporating generous doses of color and cheer within her traditionally-rooted designs. Cynthia and her team travel to England and France throughout the year where they handpick antiques, lighting and unique accessories for their latest projects. These one-of-a-kind items are then blended with contemporary original artwork, custom upholstery and fine textiles to create rooms that are sophisticated, yet whimsical, and timeless.
Today, we thrilled to welcome Cynthia today for a tour of her delightful University Park home that is certain to put a smile on your face. Welcome, Cynthia!
Q: Please tell us about the home in terms of year built, architect and/or architectural style.
A: My home is a traditional 1940s-style house nestled in the heart of University Park, which I purchased in 2019 from longtime friends and neighbors. I was easily and immediately connected to the southern A. Hayes Town inspired traditional design.
Q: How did you know that this was the home for your family, and what all did you do in terms of updates?
A: This was a rare moment of right-place, right-time Pandemic magic. The home was located 4 houses down from my previous home. I was able to have a next-door eye on things during construction. Given this was not my first full “to-the-studs” remodel — I was able to let my playfulness and my current season (empty nesting) take the front seat. I collaborated with a forever friend and contractor, Clay Snelling of Snelling Homes, to reimagine how the house would newly live. One of the key things we chose was to remove the existing circular driveway and create a private courtyard and greenspace. A real front-yard living room enclosed by a low brick wall set the tone for the entire project.
Q: How do you describe the overall design aesthetic?
A: Classically rooted but very personal—grounded in traditional design, yet layered with things I love. There’s a mix of English and French influences, along with years of collecting and living among antiques, textiles, and art that speak to me. It’s not overly polished — formality is not my thing. No official formulas — I let myself take risks here in a way I don’t always with clients because, it was a platform for me to experiment and reinvent my ever-growing collections.
Q: What were the biggest challenges you faced?
A: This house is smaller than our previous one, so every inch needed to feel inviting and versatile and be mulit-purpose. It required creative space planning to carve out intimate zones rather than a big, open texas sized foor plans. Some of our private rooms are teeny tiny and I can confidently say, they are the living areas we gravitate to!!!
Q: What are some of your favorite wallpapers, fabrics, fixtures, antiques, etc. Any fun stories to share?
A: A real moment of silence for the living room mantel!!!! This was a real opportunity for me to be extravagant in a special way that I can’t always execute in client’s home — it was an ellaborate choice and I am stilled bowled over with the incredible details. It makes me happy and it is definitely a favorite!!!
Q: Do you have any favorite objects you like to collect?
A: My grandmother was a collector, so I got the gene naturally!! I have inherited many pieces from her which launched my weakness for beautiful boxes, original artwork, chinoiserie figurines, antique rose medallion and celadon. The list goes on, but I have always loved a treasure — it is part of my DNA.
Q: Anything else you would like to share?
A: My open-door policy is real: guests drop by all the time, and my hope is that the design supports that feeling of welcome!! Every corner has purpose and creates invitations for sharing. In this season of my life, my house is full of all different ages, neighbors and groups and this home has been a foundation and backdrop for my family to grow.
Thank you, Cynthia for joining us today! We simply adore your beautiful and cheerful home.
To learn more, please visit Collins Interiors and follow @collins__interiors on Instagram for ongoing inspiration. You can also see more of our favorite images from the Collins Interiors portfolio via our recent Design Crush spotlight.
In 1992, Cynthia Collins began Collins Interiors, a Dallas-based firm specializing in full-scale residential interior design. Throughout the years, Cynthia has been privileged to work with some of the most talented architects in the field and has worked on projects across the United States, including Texas, North Carolina, Utah, Colorado, Florida, Georgia & California.
More highlight moments included panels exploring textiles, global fashion and design, and Nantucket’s design heritage with some of the industry’s top talent. Intimate gathering included this harbor-side private dinner hosted by NHA Board Member, Connie Anne Harris. Other notable offerings included hands-on workshops celebrating historic crafts at the NHA’s property, Greater Light, in partnership with Alpha Kilo.
And then there was Martha Stewart with her bestselling 
