The Origami House
The Origami House, also known as the Barthel House, is a mid-century modern residence located at 8931 Capri Court in Dallas, Texas. Designed by architect John Barthel in 1959 as his personal home, it is recognized for its folded-plate roofline and distinctive integration into the wooded landscape. The home is located within the Highland Meadows neighborhood (sometimes referred to as Sylvania Dells) of Northeast Dallas, a well-preserved mid-century modern subdivision developed in the 1950s and officially named in 2006. The Origami House is considered a significant example of site-specific modernist design in the region.
The Origami House is defined by its striking series of diamond-shaped rooflines, with angular geometry that evokes the delicate folds of origami. An open, asymmetrical floor plan and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows further emphasize the home’s distinctive architectural character.
After purchasing the home, the new owners felt that some of its original character had been lost beneath a more generic, renovated aesthetic. They wanted to bring that personality back while honoring the architecture and introducing a fresh, modern sensibility.
What began as a simple request for guidance on the living room furniture layout quickly evolved into a close, collaborative relationship between the homeowners and Autumn Cooper Interiors. Together, we began thoughtfully reimagining the home, creating a process that has been equal parts labor of love, creativity, and fun.
We started with a gorgeous large-format porcelain tile selected for its sophisticated terrazzo-inspired look, then transformed the walls with a Level 5 drywall finish, creating the perfect canvas for layers of wallpaper and pattern.
“Working with Autumn has been a wonderful experience. She took the time to understand the character of our home and how we wanted it to feel, bringing a thoughtful and creative perspective to every decision. Her attention to scale and detail helped us envision how each choice would come together in the space. She has an exceptional eye for color and composition while ensuring the design remained functional and true to us. The entire process was collaborative, organized, and enjoyable. We’re thrilled with the result and would wholeheartedly recommend Autumn to anyone seeking a talented and trusted design partner.”
-Mitchell and Matthew