Client Names: Dan and Chris Thrush (husband and wife)
City: Arlington, TX Lead
Designer: Kim Gardner
Design Assistants: Dolores Rubio, Maysi Hinkle
INTRO :
Ever wondered what it’s like to work with Landry Designs? This blog takes you behind the scenes of Dan and Chris Thrush’s home transformation—from their initial vision to the big reveal. See how Senior Designer Kim Gardner blended comfort, style, and personal touches (including a Jayhawks memorabilia wall!) to turn an empty house into a warm and inviting forever home.
Thrush Home Transformation – A Cozy, Beautiful Space for Empty Nesters
The day Dan and Chris Thrush moved into their new home, they had one clear goal: to create a space that was not just beautiful but also comfortable and welcoming. As empty nesters, they were ready for a fresh start, but they also wanted their new home to reflect their personalities, passions, and cherished family traditions. Knowing how important this was to Chris, Dan took the initiative to reach out to Landry Designs, ensuring their new home would be both stylish and deeply personal.
A Fresh Start
Unlike many homeowners who bring a collection of furniture and decor from their previous homes, the Thrushes decided to start from scratch. This meant the design needed to strike the perfect balance between elegance and comfort, ensuring their new space felt both inviting and uniquely theirs.
From the beginning, Lead Designer Kim Gardner recognized that this project was special. Dan and Chris were not only kind and open to new ideas but also actively involved in the process. Their priorities were clear: comfort, aesthetic appeal, and functionality. Kim listened closely, ensuring that every design choice aligned with their vision.
Living Room Before
Living Room After
Overcoming Design Challenges
With a completely empty house, the challenge was to create a space that felt personal and inviting from the ground up. The layout had to facilitate easy movement between rooms, especially in high-traffic areas like the living room. Budget considerations also played a role, requiring a thoughtful mix of custom and more affordable pieces to achieve the desired look without compromising on quality. One of the few items the Thrushes brought from their previous home was a cherished family antique secretary. Understanding its sentimental value, Kim seamlessly integrated it into the new design, ensuring it complemented the fresh aesthetic. Artwork also played a key role in personalizing the space, including paintings by Chris’s mother, which added an intimate and heartfelt touch. Family photos were thoughtfully placed throughout the home, reinforcing the sense of warmth and belonging.
Chris, an avid traveler and lover of the outdoors, wanted a home that supported their active lifestyle while incorporating elements that held sentimental value. A key priority was showcasing their connection to Kansas University, particularly through their treasured Jayhawks memorabilia. The challenge? Creating a home that felt fresh and new while still being filled with meaningful, personal touches.
Designing for Comfort and Style
Comfort was non-negotiable, especially given Dan and Chris’s height. Furniture needed to be spacious and accommodating, allowing them to unwind without feeling restricted. But beyond comfort, the home also had to be a visually stunning space where they could entertain guests with pride.
Chris’s love for Kansas University played a significant role in the design. A dedicated gallery wall for their Jayhawks memorabilia became a focal point, transforming their passion for sports into a meaningful design element. At the same time, the home needed to remain functional for everyday living and social gatherings. Since Chris loved to entertain, the layout had to be flexible—equally suited for hosting friends and family while still maintaining a cozy retreat.
Thoughtful Design Features
The living room became the heart of the home, with deep, comfortable sofas designed specifically for Dan and Chris’s height. A cozy reading nook near a window offered a perfect spot for quiet moments of reflection, while a striking oversized mirror in the entryway made a dramatic first impression, amplifying natural light and creating a sense of openness.
In the family room, the Jayhawks memorabilia wall was more than just a display—it was a tribute to their shared history, adding personality and depth to the space. Custom-designed furniture ensured that style and comfort coexisted effortlessly. Without floor outlets, the lighting plan required creative solutions, incorporating well-placed lamps and sconces that enhanced both function and ambiance.
To bring warmth and texture to the space, recycled wood elements were introduced through a rustic coffee table and console, complementing the elegant furnishings. Velvet chairs and boucle pillows added layers of softness and sophistication, while woven textures on trays and drink tables grounded the design in natural beauty. Thoughtfully placed candles contributed to a warm and inviting atmosphere, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
A Collaborative Experience
From the start, the collaboration between Kim and the Thrushes was seamless. They trusted her expertise while actively contributing their insights, ensuring the final design reflected their desires and lifestyle.
One of the most touching moments came when Chris expressed just how important it was for their new home to feel warm and welcoming—a place where friends and family could truly relax. Moved by her words, Kim made sure that every detail aligned with this heartfelt vision. When the final reveal arrived, Chris’s emotional reaction spoke volumes. She was overwhelmed with gratitude, and Dan’s pride in their transformed home was evident.
Their appreciation for Kim’s ability to understand them and bring their vision to life was summed up in Chris’s own words:
“When my husband and I purchased our home, we decided we wanted to make it our forever home as quickly as possible. Kim Gardner was perceptive, encouraging, and incredibly insightful throughout the entire process. Working with Kim and Landry Designs has been an incredible experience! There was no detail left untouched. Everyone who has visited our home has stated, ‘Your old house was so comfortable. This house is comfortable, but with style.’ I attribute that to Kim listening to us from the very beginning and adding her incredible talent to our desire to make our home comfortable! Cannot wait for Phase 2!!!” — Chris Thrush
A Home That Feels Like
The final result was nothing short of spectacular. What had once been an empty house—a space where the couple sat in camp chairs—was now a stunning, fully realized home. It balanced beauty and functionality, offering a stylish yet inviting environment where the Thrushes could create new memories.
For Kim, the most rewarding part of the project was seeing how deeply the design resonated with Dan and Chris. Their home was not just a collection of well-curated pieces; it was a reflection of their life, love, and journey together.
Advice for Homeowners
For those looking to create a similarly personal and well-designed space, Kim offers this advice: “The more you share with your designer about your vision, lifestyle, and history, the better they can tailor the space to feel truly yours. Be open, express your desires early, and trust the process—it’s the key to achieving a home you’ll love for years to come.”
Conclusion
The transformation of the Thrush home is a testament to how thoughtful design can elevate a space beyond aesthetics, turning a house into a true reflection of its owners. By embracing both their past and future, Chris and Dan now have a home that feels undeniably, beautifully theirs.
