A Foundation Built on Experience
Shelby Whitfield, owner and principal designer of Modern Menagerie, has built a design practice rooted in intention and collaboration. Based in Fort Worth, her full-service interior design studio helps clients create homes that feel personal, thoughtful, and enduring—spaces that reflect not only beauty, but the way people truly live.
Originally launched as a design blog to continue her education, the project has since evolved into a robust studio offering everything from online consultations to large-scale renovations and new construction. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shelby’s online services gained traction. That momentum eventually led to the full-service studio Modern Menagerie is known for today, partnering closely with clients to craft intentional moments throughout their homes.
Growing up, Shelby spent time watching HGTV with her grandmother, an experience she credits with sparking her curiosity about interiors and architecture. “I always knew I wanted to be a designer,” she says. “I went to school for interior design, and I’ve learned so much from the fantastic designers I’ve worked for,” Shelby shares. A pivotal shift came after the birth of her son, when her previous company relocated to Dallas. Rather than make the move, Shelby decided it was time to step out on her own. The design blog she launched during the pandemic became both a creative outlet and a foundation for what would come next.
A Perspective Shaped by Place
Shelby’s design sensibility is deeply influenced by her lived experiences. “I’ve grown up in a lot of places,” she explains. She spent time living in Berlin, where she developed a strong appreciation for modern architecture and clean lines, and later attended school on the East Coast, gaining exposure to more traditional and classical design approaches. Those varied influences now inform her work, allowing her to blend timeless architectural elements with contemporary updates in a way that feels fresh yet grounded.
From Concept to Completion
Today, Shelby’s work spans large-scale renovations and new construction projects. She often joins clients at the very beginning of the process, working alongside architects and builders from the earliest planning stages. “I help with material selection—flooring, cabinetry, countertops—and I work closely with builders throughout the project,” she explains. “I’m onsite every week, checking in so the client doesn’t have to.” This hands-on involvement ensures continuity, minimizes stress, and allows Shelby to maintain the design integrity from start to finish.
In addition to architectural and construction-focused work, Modern Menagerie also offers custom furniture and finishing services, allowing clients to move into fully completed, turnkey homes. “I coordinate movers, order linens, silverware, towels, whatever clients need,” Shelby says. “We can do as much or as little as they’d like before they move in.” That flexibility has made her services especially appealing to busy families and clients managing complex projects.
A Space for Every Generation
One recent project that exemplifies Shelby’s approach is a custom-designed playroom space in Dallas. The client wanted a space where her grandchildren could play freely while also offering a comfortable environment for adults to gather, watch a game, and spend time together. “She wanted something that worked for everyone,” Shelby explains, an inviting, multifunctional space that balanced fun with sophistication.
After an initial walkthrough, Shelby carefully observed the home and the client’s existing art collection, allowing those elements to inform the project's direction. “When I do a walkthrough, I really let the house do more of the talking,” she says. “I look for inspiration in every corner.” That philosophy guided her toward a design that felt accessible to children while still aligning with the home’s overall aesthetic.
Shelby returned to the client with a comprehensive presentation, complete with fabric and stone samples, furniture selections, and layout drawings. A standout feature of the project is a custom mural painted by Fort Worth-based visual artist and muralist Megan Najera. “At first, we considered wallpaper,” Shelby shares, “but bringing Megan in made the space so much more special. It’s completely unique, with her fingerprint on it.”
A Reputation Built on Trust
Shelby’s thoughtful, transparent process has earned her the trust of both clients and industry professionals alike. Many of her projects come through referrals from architects and builders who value her collaborative style. “When I onboard a new client, they know the process will be intentional, thoughtful, and seamless,” she says. “Everything is a moving piece, and I work closely with everyone involved so we’re always aligned.”
At its core, Modern Menagerie is about balance, honoring classic inspirations while embracing modern living, and creating interiors that are as functional as they are evocative. To learn more about Shelby Whitfield and her work, visit modernmenagerie.com or follow along on Instagram @modernmenagerieinteriors.