In the second episode of Poolside Talk, Tal sits down with interior designer Traci Connell of Traci Connell Interiors. This engaging conversation touches on their past collaborations, current design trends, and the unique challenges of balancing elegance with livability in luxury homes.
Tal and Traci reminisce about their work on Tal’s home, where they skillfully merge two contrasting styles—modern and traditional. This partnership is a reflection of the ongoing collaborations they share on numerous high-end projects across the Dallas area, often working with the same architects, builders, and clients. As Tal puts it, Traci’s style is “elegant, understated, luxurious, yet very livable.” Traci agrees but notes that her approach has evolved. While livability remains at the core, she emphasizes that more clients are now seeking designs that evoke emotional responses. Whether it’s a home that feels like a chic city retreat or a cozy vacation escape, her goal is to create spaces that not only look beautiful but also make homeowners feel truly at home.
The discussion shifts to the booming Dallas design scene, which Tal notes has become a trendsetting city in its own right. While cities like L.A. and New York have traditionally been seen as design leaders, Traci highlights how Dallas has emerged as a destination for creative visionaries. From classical homes to contemporary spaces with walls of glass, Dallas offers a variety of styles that are now more curated and personalized than ever before. The shift away from the gray-and-white minimalist trend has opened the door for more colorful, collected looks, where individuality shines through. Traci credits the city’s great design shows and markets, like Kips Bay, for drawing attention to what’s happening in the Metroplex.
When it comes to technology, Traci explains how her firm has embraced 3D modeling to present designs to clients in a more immersive way. This tool, once the domain of architects and landscape designers, is now an integral part of how Traci Connell Interiors brings clients’ visions to life. “Making it easy for clients to say yes is a luxury in itself,” Traci notes, highlighting that in today’s fast-paced world, efficiency and time-saving solutions are just as important as beautiful aesthetics.
As the episode wraps up, Tal expresses his gratitude for Traci’s time and their shared passion for all things design. The conversation serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and how, together, AquaTerra Outdoors and Traci Connell Interiors are shaping the future of luxury home design in Dallas and beyond.
Catch the full episode now and stay tuned for more inspiring conversations in upcoming episodes of Poolside Talk!