Named for the fabulous Palm Beach street where Carla Fonts’ grandmother made her home after leaving Cuba, Dunbar Road is inspired by an eclectic mix of tropical and southern style. Based in Dallas, Carla’s interior design firm draws on her Cuban heritage, Palm Beach chic, and Texas design to create inspired spaces. Here, Carla shares the colorful blend of cultures that inspire her, along with a few Chairish favorites.
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What made you passionate about interior design?
Being Cuban-American and coming from a mother with impeccable taste, I traveled every summer from Dallas to Palm Beach and Miami. During those summers, at an early age, I noticed my surroundings and my mood brightened when I visited Palm Beach. I realized that much of it had to do with the paint colors, furniture, and patterns. I’ve always strived to emulate that happiness in my home and in the homes of my clients, aiming for an elegant, timeless, and sophisticated design, just like my other mother lives.
What do you find most compelling about Chairish?
Chairish makes everything so accessible and easy to navigate. It’s right at my fingertips. More importantly, the unique finds, highest caliber, and most stunning pieces make Chairish a must-stop for that special piece when I’m starting to design.
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Favorite way to create a statement-making moment in a room?
How I make a statement in a room, completely depends on the client, but personally, I would start with the paint color. Then, I try to find a piece of art or a piece of furniture that brings me joy and the vibe I want in the room. Then I work the room totally around it.
Do you have any go to color palettes and color combos?
I love light pale lime green with the palest pink—of course, totally Palm Beach! I have always been in love with Hermes orange and milk chocolate. To me, that is elegance at its best. One of my personal favorites for a clean, fresh feel is light mint blue mixed with heavy textured white fabrics.
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What advice do you have for first-time clients to make their space truly personal?
When I first meet a client, I ask them a series of questions: Where do they like to travel? What is their favorite movie? What is their favorite color? How do they want to feel when they walk into their home? And most importantly, do they have family pieces that have been passed down to them that they want to keep? I love mixing antiques with fresh, updated pieces. I believe that is truly how most of us live, and it makes for a well-curated room.
Lead Image: Interior Design by Carla Fonts of Dunbar Road, Photography by Nathan Schroder.
