Dallas home design updates and a spontaneous NYC trip
It’s my first blog post in a while, so I figured I’d start by reintroducing myself, sharing the intention behind this blog, and giving you a peek at what I’m about to dive into.
If you’re here, you probably already have some idea of who I am—maybe you’ve followed my journey for a while, or maybe you recently stumbled upon my passion project turned beast of a business: Minty Synth Interiors. Either way, welcome!
I’m Cynthia. I love all things pretty. I design homes for a living and spend my free time traveling with my husband, spoiling our two doodles (they’re basically humans), cooking, hosting, and sipping good wine.
This blog is here to inspire and educate. Even though it sometimes feels like I’m moving at 100 miles an hour, I know how important it is to slow down, take stock of the wins (and the hurdles), and share the ride with you—that’s the cherry on top.
We kicked off spring with a special birthday celebration at the office—hopefully the start of a new tradition. Think lunch and cupcakes at our desks, pilates after work, and drinks at Tiny Victories, a local favorite.
March also called for a quick NYC trip (why am I acting like this isn’t the first time we’ve actually had the chance to enjoy the city?). We did a few touristy things—visited The MET, caught a Broadway show (The Book of Mormon, which was hilarious!!), and ate very well.
But mostly, we were there to explore galleries and showrooms (that’s what I’m telling the accountant so we can call it a business trip). I wasn’t on the hunt for anything specific, but I did find a blanket that spoke to me—just in time for an install at the end of the month! We popped into a few art galleries, and on our last day, stopped by Nickey Kehoe, where the manager was so lovely and even pointed us toward a few more hidden gems nearby.
Here were some of my favorite stops from this trip:
• Cafe Leon Dore — coffee + snacks
• Jacqueline Sullivan Gallery
• Quarters — bar + showroom
• Nickey Kehoe — showroom
• Schoelkopf — gallery
• Cervos — food + drinks
• BDDW — gallery/showroom
Jaqueline Sullivan Gallery
Cervos (to the left) | Quarters
After a few intense workdays post-NYC, I had the chance to attend a bachelorette trip—but not your typical wild weekend. This one was the most fun, relaxing escape I’ve had in a while. We stayed at Los Poblanos in Albuquerque, NM (yes, people at the airport genuinely thought we were returning from the bachelorette trip… rude?!). The aesthetic of the property was absolutely stunning—beautifully curated, peaceful, and full of design inspiration. I’d recommend it to anyone visiting the area. You don’t even have to stay there to enjoy it; their restaurant and coffee shop are both worth a visit.
Between spa treatments, quiet naps, and some seriously good food, it was the kind of reset I didn’t know I needed.
I capped off the trip with a little detour to Santa Fe—home to the legendary Georgia O’Keeffe—where I found the most charming handmade sheep figurine, perfect for an upcoming install (more on that below!). My friend and I wrapped things up with a stay at El Rey Court, which felt like a beautifully long nightcap before heading home.
February and March flew by in a blur of design work, meetings, site visits, and a fun accessories install! We’re finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel over at Haus of Agate—a project that’s grown like the wind. Each room we’ve wrapped up is settling into its own personality and style. We’ve been sharing lots of progress on Instagram, and now that we finally landed on a name for the project, I’ve added a highlight to my stories if you want to follow along!
Another special project wrapping up in early April is what I’ve been calling Casa Urbana—though the name didn’t really stick so we refer to what the GC likes to call it — Lombardy Project. It’s a full gut renovation of an early 2000s home in Allen, TX, where we reimagined the layout downstairs and in the primary suite. We gave the home a fresh foundation with timeless, yet modern materials that feel grounded, clean, and current. Final touches are in the works but we’re so excited to have the clients move in and enjoy their new home!
I’m so excited to dive back into blogging. With Instagram, TikTok, and everything in between, I’ve definitely been guilty of pouring most of my energy into content over there—but my heart has always been with blogging.
Thank you for following along (wherever that may be). See you back here for another update next week!
Love,
Cynthia
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