A Dallas couple has finally found their dream home after years of searching. The process was lengthy, requiring significant patience for Bradley Agather and her husband Coley Means. Their search concluded when they discovered a Mediterranean Revival house in North Dallas. The structure was built in the 1990s and had previously belonged to a family friend, lending it a unique history before the current owners even arrived. CeCe Barfield Thompson, the interior designer involved in the project, noted that the property possessed a distinct character that others lacked. The designer felt that the house spoke to the couple’s tastes in a way that other potential options simply did not.
A Rare Find in North Dallas
The interiors of the new residence are full of architectural elements that set it apart from other properties in the area. The home features ornate tile and plaster walls with rolled edges, which add texture and depth to the space. Thompson said the house spoke to the couple’s tastes in a way that other options did not. A key factor in the decision was the location on the land. Many homes in Dallas are built directly up to the lot lines, which can feel crowded. In this house, natural light streams into the rooms, creating a sense that the residents are perched somewhere more removed from the surrounding development. The openness allows for a breezy feel that is hard to find in the city.
While the home required no massive overhauls, Thompson orchestrated a series of refinements to enhance its appeal. She follows an unofficial rule that owners should not be scared to make changes when renovating an old house. The goal was to allow the things people love about the structure to sing even more. By making thoughtful adjustments, the designer ensured that the original bones of the building remained visible while the interior felt fresh. Small changes can have a big impact on the overall vibe of a space.
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Expanding on Light and Space
In the kitchen, the team swapped out light fixtures and introduced Portuguese tile to the backsplash, providing a splash of color and texture. They added a walnut counter to the island, treating it as furniture rather than a built-in appliance. This approach makes the kitchen feel more like a gathering spot for family and friends. In the living room, the 20-foot ceilings demanded a bit of cozying at ground level to balance the scale. The designer layered comfortable seating in a mix of styles throughout the space. Many pieces were upholstered in florals or solids from Michael S. Smith for Jasper, using a soft palette that complements the room’s natural light.
That design choice lets the art anchor the eye so the scale feels a bit more human. “It’s airy and grand but also really approachable and comfortable,” Thompson says. To allow for a symmetrical furniture layout, the designer removed a window between two rooms. This change also created more wall space for oversized art. The collection includes a contemporary piece commissioned from Ethan Cook through Illa Gaunt Art Advisory and a cheetah painting from the 1970s by Reginald Baxter. “Animal print is a neutral, as far as I’m concerned,” Thompson says. These selections bring personality to the home without overwhelming the space.
Designers must balance scale with comfort.
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Design Details and Practicality
The house is designed to be high on style, but it is also practical for a family with two young children. An array of baskets on shelves by the breakfast table helps the family stay organized. Each basket has a custom nameplate in brass, adding a touch of personalization to the storage solution. The playroom features medallion upholstery and an overscale art piece. It looks more like a study than a typical play area, but it offers plenty of storage to organize Legos and other toys. The functional design ensures that the space remains tidy despite the chaotic nature of children playing.
“I think sometimes playrooms end up feeling like leftover rooms,” Thompson says. “Bradley told me she’d be spending so much time there she had to love it as much as her kids.” The result is a space primed to charm every generation. The combination of historical charm and modern functionality provided a satisfying end to the couple’s long real estate odyssey. Their patience was finally rewarded with a home that serves both their aesthetic desires and practical needs.
