EXQUISITE INTERIORS

Building A New Chapter

Story by Phoebe Warren | Photography by Shane Darby

In 2023, Jennifer and Trey Cole found themselves entering a new season of life. With all five of their children out of their home and venturing into the big, bright world independently, the couple felt it was time to lay a new foundation for their next chapter. Together, they embraced the challenge of building their dream home. “My husband was a framing contractor for nearly 25 years before he changed careers and went to work for the postal service,” Jennifer said. “He built our mother-in-law’s house just before COVID, which we eventually lived in while we built our home.”

The couple began construction on their new home in July 2023. Although Trey broke his heel just as the process started, they kept working and were able to complete the build in February 2025. Jennifer is proud of how she and Trey worked together, combining their talents to create a functional and personalized space. “My husband drew the house plans with my input on how I wanted the interior design laid out,” she said. “I created a recessed space just for his grandmother’s piano, a nook in the bedroom for my desk, an area in the pantry to hold a second refrigerator—little custom touches like that. Other design elements such as moldings and trim were a combination of both of our ideas. I can draw out what I want or Google idea pics, and he can execute it. He is an amazing carpenter.”

The result of their hard work is a 3-bed, 2.5-bath beauty, with a clever rationing of the 4,600 square footage available. Downsizing their bedroom count allowed the couple extra space to add a large pantry, a luxurious primary bathroom, and an enviable closet in the primary bedroom. They also added a 2-bed, 1-bath “fatherin-law cottage” attached to the carport, which separates the two buildings.

Trey and Jennifer happily give credit to a few local businesses whose expertise helped with some of the home’s details. “Aaron with The Carpet Shoppe helped us with all of our flooring, bathroom tile and backsplashes,” Jennifer said. “Our fave is the leopard carpet in the master closet.” They are thankful to Pace Glass, explaining that they went above and beyond on their shower glass, ensuring the glass panels were a perfect fit. Jennifer also gave credit to Ashley at Alpha Stone TXK, who patiently worked with the couple on choosing the perfect quartz countertops in their home.

Jennifer Cole is a skilled wedding decorator in the Texarkana area. However, when it came to decorating her own space, she felt a little extra pressure. “I have spent years doing interior decorating for people,” she said. “Decorating my own house was a challenge though. I second-guessed myself so many times that I actually entertained the idea of hiring a decorator, but I stuck with it until I was happy with the end results.”

Jennifer described the home’s interior design as a blend of traditional and eclectic. Traditional interior design is characterized as a timeless, classic style rooted in 18th- and 19th-century European aesthetics, prioritizing elegance, rich wood tones, detailed millwork, and a sophisticated color palette of muted neutrals and jewel tones. Eclectic interior design, on the other hand, is defined by being highly individualistic, allowing homeowners to incorporate pieces with personal meaning that reflect their unique tastes and preferences. It boldly combines a variety of elements, colors, and textures. “My decor is primarily original pieces that I have collected over the years from antique stores and resale shops,” she said. “I’m passionate about vintage oil paintings, old books, and furniture pieces. But I love to mix in newer, more modern elements to contrast with them.”

Several pieces of commissioned artworks from Kathy Couch, as well as some exceptional antique pieces from Olive Street Vintiques, create the atmosphere of sophistication and warmth prevalent throughout the space. Carefully selected furniture pieces and a color palette of deep greens, golds, and earthy tan hues also contribute an air of cozy charm. With abundant personality and expert craftsmanship, this new home sets the stage for Trey and Jennifer’s future, one in which they always have a special place to call their own.