Discovering Timeless Elegance: Emily Larkin’s Hollywood Heights Home on the Annual Tour
The highly anticipated Hollywood Santa Monica Neighborhood Association Home Tour is a hallmark event, drawing design enthusiasts and history buffs alike to explore some of Dallas’s most charming and architecturally significant residences. This year, the spotlight shines brightly on Emily Larkin, an acclaimed interior designer whose discerning eye and passion for unique pieces have earned her the moniker “The Chair Whisperer.” Her delightful brick Tudor, nestled at 707 Cordova in the heart of Hollywood Heights, promises to be a standout attraction, showcasing a masterful blend of historical reverence and contemporary flair.
For Emily, a designer deeply inspired by the rich tapestry of historic architecture, having her home featured on this prestigious tour is akin to a personal Olympics. It’s an opportunity to proudly present her vision and meticulous craftsmanship to a wider audience. With the two-day home tour celebration on April 25th and 26th rapidly approaching, the atmosphere at the Larkin residence is a vibrant hub of creative energy. As a testament to her ongoing design process, visitors might catch glimpses of paint swatches adorning walls and painter’s tape meticulously outlining where newly designed furniture pieces will soon reside. Working from her inspiring backyard guesthouse, this young and ambitious designer thrives under pressure, meticulously preparing her beloved home to win a “medal” of admiration from every tourgoer. Her dedication ensures that each corner of her Hollywood Heights abode tells a compelling story of thoughtful design and timeless appeal.
Emily Larkin’s Design Philosophy: Embracing Timelessness and Character
Emily Larkin succinctly describes her signature style as “timeless, not trendy.” This philosophy underpins every project she undertakes, prioritizing enduring beauty, comfort, and a sense of collected history over fleeting fads. A fervent admirer of design icons such as Jan Showers, Emily possesses a particular and undeniable passion for chairs. These sculptural elements, in her expert opinion, hold immense power to transform a space, adding unique shapes, captivating colors, and luxurious fabrics. “You will probably see that I have several chairs,” she lightheartedly advises tourgoers, underscoring her belief that “you can never have too many.” Her approach transcends mere accumulation; it’s about the deliberate curation of pieces from various periods, creating a dynamic dialogue between different eras and styles. This artful mixing ensures her interiors feel sophisticated, deeply personal, and continuously relevant.
The Art of the Hunt: Sourcing Distinctive Treasures
To cultivate her truly unique collection of furnishings and décor, Emily Larkin embraces the thrill of the hunt. Her preferred sourcing venues include bustling estate sales, expansive antique fairs, and any location where hidden gems await discovery. She gravitates towards pieces that possess inherent character and quality, understanding that with a touch of vision and skilled refurbishment, they can be given a glorious second life. Throughout her elegant three-bedroom, two-bath home, visitors will find abundant examples of these beautifully refinished and repurposed treasures. Imagine a guest room where a once-overlooked armoire now gleams with a lustrous glossy white finish, becoming an unexpected focal point that speaks volumes about Emily’s ability to unlock the potential within forgotten furniture. Each piece in her home not only serves a functional purpose but also contributes to a rich, unfolding narrative, making her design aesthetic both inviting and inspiring.
A Journey of Renovation: Blending Heritage with Modern Comfort
When Emily and her husband, Ben, acquired their charming Hollywood Heights home a few years ago, they embarked on a thoughtful renovation journey. Their initial plans included a complete overhaul of the spacious bathroom located at the end of the hall. The other bathroom, quaintly described by Emily as “more of a closet with a shower,” seemed like an even more challenging project. However, the prospect of gutting the larger bathroom was met with disbelief from friends and family, who were aghast at the idea. The bathroom’s original wall tile and the elegant platform on which the corner tub sat were not just old; they were exceptionally special and in impeccable condition. This room was a veritable time capsule, featuring color-keyed etched mirrors and other fabulous vintage details that perfectly complemented the 1933-built home’s original character. This collective appreciation for its pristine historical elements led to a pivotal decision: to preserve this unique space as a cherished relic.
Instead, the Larkins refocused their efforts on the smaller, more functionally challenged hall bath. This space, lacking the same historical significance, offered an ideal canvas for Emily’s transformative design expertise. The result was a remarkable renovation that yielded a highly functional and aesthetically pleasing modern bathroom, seamlessly integrating with the home’s overall design narrative without compromising its vintage soul. This thoughtful decision underscores Emily’s profound respect for historical architecture and her commitment to sensitive, impactful renovations that honor the past while enhancing modern living. The carefully chosen materials and updated fixtures in the hall bath now stand in perfect contrast to the preserved original bathroom, creating a harmonious balance throughout the home.
A Deeply Personal Connection: Curating Every Detail with Intent
What truly distinguishes Emily Larkin’s home on the Hollywood Santa Monica Home Tour is the profound personal connection she has infused into every single detail. From the moment visitors step across the threshold, they are enveloped in a space meticulously curated with intention and passion. A striking example is the high-impact wallpaper gracing the entryway – a sophisticated “Lotus” design from the renowned Farrow & Ball. This choice is far from arbitrary; its intricate pattern and elegant palette resonate perfectly with the architectural style of the home, while also harmonizing with the unique, charming character of the Hollywood Heights neighborhood itself. Emily’s lifelong aspiration to live in this specific area imbues her design choices with an even deeper layer of meaning and authenticity, creating a home that feels both grand and intimately personal.
Reflecting on their journey to this cherished neighborhood, Emily shared, “When my husband and I would drive around, this was our dream neighborhood.” Now, that dream has beautifully materialized, transforming not just into a place to reside, but into a vibrant, living canvas for her remarkable design talent. Every nook, every piece of furniture, and every artwork tells a story of careful consideration, a thoughtful blend of historical reverence and contemporary flair, making her home a truly inspiring and memorable stop on the tour. This personal investment is evident in the seamless flow, the unexpected details, and the overall warmth that emanates from her design choices, inviting guests to feel at home themselves.
As we continue our exploration of Emily Larkin’s captivating home, we are delighted to share exclusive insights from a recent Q&A session with the designer herself. Stay tuned for more engaging features on the many generous homeowners who are opening their doors for this year’s tour, including breathtaking exclusive photos by Katherine Leeson. For those eager to experience this architectural celebration firsthand, securing your tickets is paramount! Discover more about the ticket purchasing process and details on the exclusive auction party held on April 24th at the iconic Dallas Arboretum. Additionally, keep a close watch on Candy’sDirt for an exciting opportunity to win two tickets to this year’s highly anticipated Hollywood Santa Monica Home Tour!
An Exclusive Q&A with Emily Larkin: Insights from the Designer
What are your favorite design elements in your home and why?
Emily Larkin: One of the most cherished aspects of our home is undoubtedly the abundance of large windows that grace every room. You simply cannot overstate the transformative power of good natural light; it infuses every space with an incredible warmth and expansiveness, making each area feel more inviting and open. Beyond the sheer brightness, these windows offer picturesque views of my husband Ben’s meticulously cared-for garden, as well as the magnificent, ancient trees that majestically line our street, creating a serene and continuous connection to the outdoors. I am also a devoted admirer of the arched interior doorways, which are original to the house. Their quaint, delicate detailing adds an undeniable charm and speaks volumes about the home’s rich history and unique architectural character. They’re a subtle nod to a bygone era that I find immensely appealing and integral to the home’s identity.
Which rooms do you and your family love the most?
Emily Larkin: Ben and I gravitate towards a small, incredibly cozy space we affectionately call “the man cave.” This isn’t your stereotypical man cave filled with sports paraphernalia and oversized recliners; rather, it’s our intimate sanctuary where we unwind, share meals, watch films, and delve into books. I prefer to think of it as a sophisticated interpretation, thoughtfully appointed with intriguing elements like brass antlers, sleek modern chrome chairs, and a rustic yet refined driftwood coffee table. It’s a true reflection of our shared tastes and a comfortable, elegant retreat where we can truly relax.
Another beloved space, and one we’re particularly proud of, is our newly renovated master bathroom. For far too long, Ben and I endured the inconvenience of getting ready in two separate, rather cramped bathrooms. The sheer relief and joy of finally merging all our essentials into one cohesive, functional space is immense! Despite its relatively small footprint, we meticulously designed it to maximize efficiency and flow, proving that even compact areas can be highly functional and luxurious. The compact size of the room also presented a unique opportunity: since we didn’t require an extensive quantity of materials, we were able to invest in luxurious Calcatta Gold marble for all the walls and floors, elevating the space with undeniable elegance and a touch of opulence. Furthermore, staying within our budget allowed us the delightful indulgence of commissioning a custom Lucite vanity, which adds a touch of modern sophistication and lightness, making the room feel larger and more airy.
What are you doing to prepare for the Hollywood Santa Monica Home Tour?
Emily Larkin: It feels as though our preparation list for the home tour expands daily! As an interior designer, my creative mind is constantly whirring with new ideas and improvements, making it hard to ever feel “finished.” We’re currently undertaking several significant projects to ensure the home is absolutely pristine and showcases its best self. This includes the installation of a beautiful new iron-and-stone gate in our driveway, which will not only enhance curb appeal but also add a layer of privacy and security. We’re also actively enhancing our backyard landscaping, aiming for a lush, inviting outdoor oasis that complements the historic charm of the house. Inside, I’m deeply engrossed in the design and creation of a custom buffet for our dining room and an exquisite headboard for our master bedroom – I’m eagerly hoping these intricate, custom pieces will be completed just in time for the tour! Additionally, I have three extensive gallery picture walls to meticulously arrange and finish, both within our home and my adjacent office space. It’s certainly a period of intense focus and hard work, with many late nights, but the excitement of showcasing our beloved home and sharing our design journey makes every effort worthwhile. It’s definitely crunch time!
What feature, furnishing, or artwork should home tourgoers pay special attention to?
Emily Larkin: In our compact yet highly functional home office, tourgoers should certainly look up to appreciate a truly distinctive “root ball” ceiling light fixture. This remarkable, one-of-a-kind piece was crafted by my father-in-law, who ingeniously utilized a unique wood ball that I discovered during a memorable trip to the renowned Roundtop Antiques Fair. It’s a piece that embodies both personal history and repurposed artistry, serving as a constant conversation starter.
Beyond that, I strongly encourage visitors to keep a keen eye out for the myriad of original 1930s details that are lovingly preserved throughout our home. These authentic touches are what truly transport you back in time and give our residence its distinct character and soul. Notice the intricate tile work on the fireplace hearth, which tells tales of decades past with its timeless patterns. The charming original mailbox in our entryway offers a tangible glimpse into historical communication methods. The delicate blush-colored sconces in the living room cast a soft, inviting glow, perfectly reminiscent of the era’s understated elegance. The guest bathroom’s original tub and tile work are a marvel of vintage craftsmanship, perfectly intact. In the kitchen, discover the surprisingly practical, small iron and ironing board cupboards – a clever, space-saving feature from a time when every inch was designed with utmost efficiency. And don’t miss the quaint phone niche nestled in the hallway, a delightful reminder of early telecommunications and a quirky historical detail. Our house genuinely offers a captivating journey back in time, revealing the thoughtful design and enduring quality of the 1930s at every turn.
What does it mean for you to have your home featured on this long-running tour, benefiting the entire Hollywood Santa Monica historic conservation district?
Emily Larkin: Being asked to feature our home on the Hollywood Heights Home Tour is an incredible honor, something Ben and I have aspired to ever since we first moved into this cherished neighborhood. I truly believe that Hollywood Santa Monica is an exceptionally unique and special place, brimming with history, architectural beauty, and a vibrant community spirit. To have the opportunity to showcase our historic home, a project we have poured our hearts and souls into over the past three years, is profoundly gratifying. As an interior designer, I take immense pride in my personal living space, viewing it as a direct extension of my professional ethos and a reflection of my design principles. My greatest hope is that through our thoughtful renovations, we have done justice to this wonderful neighborhood and its rich heritage. Our aim has always been to impart a fresh, updated look to our house, ensuring it meets modern standards of comfort and aesthetics, while rigorously maintaining and celebrating its intrinsic historic integrity. It’s about evolution, not erasure, ensuring that the legacy of this beautiful district continues to thrive for generations to come, and we are so proud to be a small part of that narrative.