Every Piece Tells A Story at the Design District’s Selby House

Selby House founder Cat Carothers describes her style as eclectic contemporary. It’s easy to see why. Every mix-and-matchable piece in her Design District studio oozes chic in its own inimitable way.

Her vision was simple. Curate and customize timeless furnishings that feel collected, not decorated. With over 10 years of interior design experience, Carothers has a knack for blending modern design with traditional and historical pieces.

“I’m attracted to things that have a story, that are meaningful. Things you can pass down from generation to generation, “ she said.

Among her favorites: a Womb chair, which she found at an auction. Originally designed by Finnish-born architect Eliel Saarinen in 1946, its enveloping form is among the most recognized representations of mid-century organic modernism.

“It was one of the first iconic pieces I was willing to spend a little more money on,” she said.

Other finds include a first-edition Groovy chair by Parisian designer Pierre Paulin Søren and Georg Jensen’s Danish rocking chair. Carothers restored and reupholstered both pieces; the former in Rogers & Goffigon boucle, the latter in Rosemary Hallgarten alpaca.

In addition to seating, Selby House sports a curated assortment of tables, lighting, mirrors, ceramics, and other decorative items, all arranged in covet-worthy vignettes.

Case in point: A sexy Vladimir Kagan curvilinear “cloud” sofa is flanked by a Wharton Esherick sculptural mirror and a round, three-legged oak coffee table.

The studio itself is in a multi-tenant building just off Irving Boulevard. “It’s such a cool space. It fits my brand, my personality,” she said. “Coming from New York, I wanted to be in an area that has a creative spirit, near other designers, upholstery vendors, and millworkers.”

Not just the pieces come with a story.

The Selby House name pays homage to Carother’s great-great-great-grandfather George D. Selby and the shoe company he founded in Portsmouth Ohio in 1880. “It was a time when shoes weren’t accessible to all. My grandfather changed that,” she said.

“He left an indelible mark in this world, a shining mark for the younger generation to look up to for inspiration.”

Upcoming plans include collaborating with other Dallas creatives — among them, artist Huda Hashim. “I want to provide artisans who don’t have a studio of their own a place to display their work,” she said.

Unlike interior design, where you’re shopping for a specific client, the Selby House showcases Carother’s personal taste and aesthetic. Go-to sources include Instagram, Round Top Antique Fair, and auction houses.

Her best advice: Go with what you like.

“If you’re going to invest in a piece, you have to love it—old or new. At the end of the day, it will all be cohesive.”

The Selby House is at 2042 Irving Blvd., Suite #140, in the Dallas Design District. Hours: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by appointment.