Houston-based interior designer Paloma Contreras has a knack for infusing spaces with a traditional-meets-modern sensibility. So perhaps it’s no wonder that a young married couple, who moved from New York to Houston, tapped Contreras to decorate the interiors of their three-bedroom residence in the Lone Star State.

The client’s home, built in the early 30s, was formerly a duplex that had been combined by the previous owners. Though the renovation doubled the size of the house, Contreras noted that some of the rooms felt a little choppy. Her task? To create unity throughout and make it feel like a seamless, single-family residence.

Contreras took cues from the home’s traditional architectural details, but she added a touch of modernity. “I wanted it to feel classic,” she says, “But also fresh and fun.” She created mindful entertaining areas—like the living room, family room, and TV lounge—where the couple could hang out with friends. Throughout the home, she incorporated a mix of high and low pieces with custom furniture, including the brass cocktail table in front of the living room fireplace as well as the family room’s sofa and ottoman.

Although the clients didn’t bring any furniture with them from New York, they did keep a collection of artwork, which Contreras made a focal point. In the dining room, for example, she kept the color palette neutral so as to showcase the artwork above the console table. Throughout the home, she layered textures, patterns, and splashes of color to create a home that is at once timeless and of-the-moment—one that Contreras describes as “modern meets traditional with a hint of glamour.”

DINING ROOM

In the dining room, the table is from Henredon, the chairs are from Williams Sonoma Home, and the chandelier is by AERIN for Visual Comfort. The custom curtains are of a Kravet linen, and the artwork is the clients’ own.

TV LOUNGE

The TV lounge on the third floor is a cozy and inviting space, featuring a custom sofa, cocktail tables from Interlude Home, and a sea grass rug.

POWDER BATH

The powder bath is sheathed in a Phillip Jeffries wallpaper. The sink's fittings are from Kohler, the sconces are from Ralph Lauren Home, and the rug is vintage.

UPSTAIRS LANDING

On the upstairs landing, Contreras chose a neutral color palette and highlighted a photograph from the couple's personal collection of art.

LIVING ROOM

In the living room, a custom cocktail table sits atop a cowhide rug. The armchair is from Hickory Chair, and the side table is from Interlude Home.