Oh My Styled Life
Designer Spotlight: Dallas Interior Designer Tatum Madden
Meet Tatum Madden, the O’Hara Interiors designer leading the firm’s full expansion into Dallas, Texas
O’Hara Interiors Lead Designer Tatum Madden’s Dallas interior design philosophy is inspired by her Texas heritage—bold yet refined and rooted in a state that dreams big and captures imaginations. Tatum has risen quickly over her years at OHI, thanks to her nuanced design perspective and ability to understand and articulate her clients’ style.
Now working out of OHI’s new Dallas studio, she brings a confident, curated approach to Dallas interior design and works diligently to steward relationships with her clients and builder and architect partners in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
How did you start your career in interior design?
“I’ve always been a creative at heart, and I’ve always known I wanted to work closely with people. Growing up in Austin, my mom and I would walk through model homes and tour open houses just for fun—I didn’t realize it at the time, but those moments were shaping the way I saw space, detail, and the meaning of home.
When it came time for college, I wanted to explore a new part of the country while staying connected to my Texas roots. I studied interior design at the University of Alabama, which offered a highly technical, rigorous program. I also had the opportunity to work at a boutique luxury firm while in school, which solidified my passion for the craft and for high-end residential design.
Texas design has always inspired me—the scale, the confidence, the way clients aren’t afraid to dream big. There’s a certain grandeur and ambition in Dallas especially that I deeply connect with. I love that I get to bring both creativity and strategy to every project, and that I’m trusted to design the most personal, lived-in parts of someone’s life.”
What do you love about Texas?
“Texas is endlessly inspiring to me. I love that you can drive for hours and experience so many distinct landscapes, lifestyles, and aesthetics—yet it all still feels like home. The energy here is bold, warm, and unapologetically individual, and that spirit shows up in the way people live.
I’ve always felt drawn to the lakes, the outdoor lifestyle, and the genuine hospitality of Texans. And in a relationship-driven industry like interior design, there’s nowhere else I’d rather build my career. The connections here run deep—and so does the pride people take in their homes.”
How would you describe your interior design style?
“As a designer, I appreciate a wide range of styles, but I’m especially drawn to architecture that tells a story—like Spanish-style homes with modern detailing. I’m deeply inspired by the structure and rhythm of a space, and I love designing in a way that honors those details while layering in something unexpected.
One of my favorite moments is walking a client through their finished home and pointing out all the subtle choices—the materials, proportions, and details that often go unnoticed but make the space feel intentional and elevated.
In Dallas, I’m especially inspired by a sense of ‘controlled maximalism’—rich layering of color, pattern, and texture, all thoughtfully edited to feel tailored and refined. It’s about striking the balance between bold expression and timeless design.”
You’re now leading OHI’s growing team in Dallas as we expand into this dynamic design market. What inspired you to take on this role, and what does it mean to you personally and professionally?
“I’ve always believed that design is as much about timing as it is about vision—and right now, the timing feels right. After five incredible years designing in Austin, I saw a natural opportunity to help lead OHI’s expansion into Dallas. It’s a city with a deep appreciation for elevated, highly personalized interiors, and I’ve already felt how warmly our design ethos is received there.
Although Dallas and Austin are just a few hours apart, they each have distinct sensibilities. Our Dallas clients tend to be incredibly well-traveled and style-conscious, with a clear point of view. They’re constantly inspired by the world around them, and I love the challenge of translating those influences into deeply personal, layered spaces.
The design community in Dallas is something special—there’s a collaborative energy among designers, builders, and artisans that’s incredibly motivating. I’m excited to be part of that momentum and to lead OHI’s presence here in a way that’s grounded, creative, and uniquely tailored to our clients’ lives.”
What’s a design element you think is timeless?
“Natural stone will always feel timeless to me. There’s a depth, richness, and authenticity to real materials that simply can’t be replicated. While there’s often a temptation to opt for a lookalike or a shortcut, true luxury—and longevity—comes from the real thing. I’m always going to advocate for quality over imitation.
I also believe that personal style is the ultimate form of timelessness. When we design a space that’s deeply aligned with who you are—not just what’s trending—it naturally stands the test of time. My goal is never to create a home that feels like someone else’s; it’s to craft something that still feels like you, even a decade from now.”
What are some custom design projects you’ve worked on that you’re particularly proud of?
“To me, space planning is one of the most powerful forms of customization we offer. It’s where we translate your routines, rituals, and aspirations into intentional design decisions that elevate the way you live.
If your day begins with a quiet cup of coffee, we don’t just note that—we design for it. That could mean integrating a beautifully appointed coffee bar just outside your primary suite, complete with bespoke cabinetry, hidden refrigeration, and luxurious finishes.
It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a home that works beautifully for you from the moment you wake up. Those are the moments that turn a well-designed house into a deeply personal sanctuary.”
Tatum is known for tailoring each space to her clients’ personal style—an expertise recently spotlighted in House Beautiful, where she shared her insights on elevated bathroom design.
If you weren’t a Dallas interior designer, what would you be doing?
“I’d probably be a therapist. So much of interior design is about listening closely and intuitively understanding what clients need—often beyond what they can articulate. I’m invited into the most intimate parts of their lives, learning how they live, what matters to them, and how their home can better support that. At its core, both therapy and design are about helping people feel more seen, understood, and at ease in their environment.”
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