In Uptown Dallas, a modernist condo designed by the late Bud Oglesby, has been given a new lease of life courtesy of Joshua Rice Design.
The homeowner, a young professional in her mid-20s, grew up in a family immersed in the Dallas art and design community. Her upbringing instilled an appreciation for architecture and creativity, which played a key role in shaping the design process. Now working full-time as an advocate for improved childhood education, she splits her time between Dallas and New York City. Her exposure to first-class design gave her the confidence to trust Rice’s vision and embrace a nuanced approach to the project.
The condo, designed by Oglesby in the 1980s, is located in a private but vibrant neighbourhood celebrated for its walkable streets and nearby trails. Oglesby’s hallmark style — precision, proportion, and material restraint — gave the home its modernist character, and Rice’s design honours that legacy. “Oglesby’s work deserves a thoughtful hand,” Rice explains. “Every decision was weighed in terms of what to preserve, what to reveal, and what to reinterpret.”
For Rice, this project carried personal significance. Years earlier, as a young intern, he worked on a design project for the homeowner’s parents, who were respected collectors and patrons of architecture and design in Dallas. Their kindness left a lasting impression on him.
“At the time, I was just starting out, without a name or title, but I still remember how kind and considerate they were during that project,” Rice recalls. The homeowner’s father, who has since passed, made an especially meaningful impact.
“He had a rare ability to make people feel seen, and he always took time to speak with me in a way that was genuine and generous. Her mother was equally thoughtful, with a warmth and grace that made an impact.” Years later, working with their daughter on this project felt like a “full-circle moment.” Rice adds, “In many ways, delivering a thoughtful and enduring design here felt like a quiet thank-you to the people who showed me, early on, what it means to lead with care and integrity — regardless of where someone is in their journey.”
The 2,400-square-foot condo already had a functional and beautifully proportioned layout, so the redesign focused on refinement and modernisation rather than significant structural changes. One key decision was to preserve and refurbish the original Saltillo terracotta tiles in the living room, maintaining their connection to the home’s history. At the same time, the textured walls and ceilings from the 1980s were smoothed out, creating a clean, museum-quality finish. “For example, after much contemplation, we decided to keep and refurbish the original Saltillo terracotta tile that covered the floors of the living room, while at the same time removing any 1980s texture on the walls and ceilings and updating all with a smooth, museum quality finish,” Rice describes.
The palette for the home was kept intentionally warm and muted, with tones of soft tans, ochres, rust, and mineral putty. This restrained colour scheme allows the architecture and materials to take centre stage. “The result is layered but not loud,” Rice says. The guest room/library, however, features a prominent shade of blue on the bookcases, adding a bold yet inviting touch to the space.
Rice and the homeowner decided to retain the original oak floors and Saltillo tile, using them as a foundation for the design. “We leaned on natural, tactile finishes such as terracotta, warm woods, quartzite, textural fabrics, patinated metals and leather,” Rice says. “Each material was chosen for its ability to age well and contribute to a quiet, textural richness.” The result is a space that feels cosy and inviting, even in its larger areas.
“The home unfolds with intention, revealing a layered quietness that feels both personal and lasting,” concludes Rice. “While rooted in architectural legacy, the space now carries a renewed sense of life, shaped not by trends, but by care, clarity and conviction.”
Photography: Lacey Land
