At Dallas Design Week, the Steeped in Style: Pattern, Print, and Provenance - The Heritage Revival in Modern Interiors panel brought together three leading designers—Caroline Gidiere, Paloma Contreras, and Katie Davis—to explore how personal history, cultural roots, and craftsmanship continue to shape modern interiors. The panel was a thoughtful conversation on the enduring relevance of heritage in contemporary design. Moderated by Anne Lee Phillips, whose perspective on preservation design and architecture made for a thought-provoking discussion on design.
Heritage as Design DNA
For each panelist, heritage isn’t just a reference point—it’s the foundation of their design language.
- Caroline Gidiere reflected on her decades of visiting Colonial Williamsburg, which instilled a love of Georgian architecture and historic patterns. Early exposure to fabric and wallpaper through her mother’s decorating gave her a tactile connection to craftsmanship—sensory memories she now channels into her own work and passes on to her daughter.
- Paloma Contreras mentioned her modern take on traditional style– gravitating towards classic silhouettes and timeless pieces paired with a touch of glamour and an infusion of color in a way that prioritizes warmth and creates meaningful and inviting spaces.
- Katie Davis recalled remodeling a 1950s ranch in her youth, which sparked her passion for blending old and new. Today, she calls her work “new traditional”—layering texture, pattern, and practicality to create homes that are timeless yet suited for modern lifestyles.
Pattern and Storytelling
All three designers emphasized pattern as a storytelling tool. Davis often begins with a “hero textile,” the main, standout fabric in a collection or design scheme, to set the tone of a space. Contreras uses fabric selections to reveal client identity, curating options to spark personal reactions, and Gidiere gravitates toward organic motifs like the Tree of Life, balancing bold patterns with subtle textures for a lived-in feel. Together, they underscored patterns’ role in memory-making and identity-building within interiors.
Craftsmanship, Technology, and Balance
The panelists agreed that artisan methods like hand-blocked textiles carry unmatched richness, justifying their premium value. While digital printing opens access to wider audiences, it lacks the luxury that clients expect. Designers have to find a balance in educating clients on craftsmanship while cautiously exploring new tools, including AI, as complements rather than replacements for human artistry.
Cultural Sensitivity in Design
The conversation also addressed the distinction between cultural appreciation and appropriation. Contreras emphasized using heritage textiles to honor clients’ backgrounds while avoiding motifs that risk insensitivity. Davis shared how regional preferences, such as a British client choosing exclusively British makers, deepen authenticity. Gidiere echoed that design often reflects childhood environments, creating emotional continuity across generations.
Heritage Meets Modern Living
The panel closed by exploring how to infuse historic sensibility into new builds. Davis recommended pattern, texture, and layered furnishings to soften blank spaces, while Gidiere illustrated how referencing architectural style can create cohesion in modern homes. Across the discussion, one truth is held: interiors become most meaningful when they connect past and present.
For designers, heritage isn’t about nostalgia, but about crafting interiors that resonate with personal history, cultural identity, and emotional memory. By honoring tradition while embracing thoughtful innovation, designers can create homes that feel timeless, authentic, and deeply human.
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