My Houzz: Retro-Cool Playfulness Fits a Dallas Family
by Sarah Greenman · 21 photos · 47 comments
A bright orange modular shelving system dominates the back wall of the living room. Chrome accents and geometric art pop against the gray wall. "Brian's addiction to the modular shelving is out of control," Katherine says. "He's been collecting them for years, and we have them all over the house in various colors."
Wall paint: High Speed Steel, Valspar
by Sarah Greenman Wall paint: High Speed Steel, Valspar
A triangular hearth oversees the sunken living room, which the Bishops jokingly call "the downstair." Indestructible plastic circular chairs are perfect for the children, who love climbing on the living room furniture. "The first time I walked in the house and saw that fireplace, I was sold," says Katherine.
Area rug: Target; chairs, chrome sculpture: Lula B's
by Sarah Greenman Area rug: Target; chairs, chrome sculpture: Lula B's
"We removed the dark wood paneling when we moved in and painted everything," says Katherine. The modular sofa is a reupholstered find from eBay.
Wall paint: High Speed Steel, Valspar; throw pillows: Target
by Sarah Greenman Wall paint: High Speed Steel, Valspar; throw pillows: Target
Music often inspires Brian's design aesthetic. He transformed this built-in bookcase into a music epicenter that boasts two record players, music storage and a built-in speaker system.
by Sarah Greenman
The living room gives way to a media room that overlooks the backyard. The backyard extends across a large wooded slope and down to a creek. "I love being able to access the creek from our own backyard to explore with our kids," says Katherine.
by Sarah Greenman
The couple's favorite view of the home is from the outside looking in. "Seeing the home lit up like this makes it feel so warm and happy," says Brian.
by Sarah Greenman
The couple had some design help from Cindy Jett of Mode Design in Dallas. The biggest challenge was balancing the retro look with their modern family life. "We wanted to stay true to the original design of the house, but we also want modern conveniences," says Katherine. "It has to be centered around our family, or it just won't work."
A row of modern seats is tucked under the TV in the media room.
Orange magazine rack: Collage; blue chairs: Lula B's
by Sarah Greenman
A row of modern seats is tucked under the TV in the media room.
Orange magazine rack: Collage; blue chairs: Lula B's
Amid the bright orange and true blue colors, and chrome and plastic accents, natural elements like small potted succulents keep the home grounded.
by Sarah Greenman
A futuristic black leather sofa and armchair look like they're levitating on their clear plastic bases.
Luckily, the Bishops have an easy time making design choices together. When they shop, they often find themselves picking out the exact same thing.
Sofa, armchair: eBay; coffee table: chrome, Lula B's
by Sarah Greenman Luckily, the Bishops have an easy time making design choices together. When they shop, they often find themselves picking out the exact same thing.
Sofa, armchair: eBay; coffee table: chrome, Lula B's
The couple worked with architect Craig Beneke to remodel the home and update the kitchen; the kitchen remodel alone was a two-year project. "It's tough for most people to renovate everything all at once, so we do a little bit at a time," Brian says. The couple removed a backsplash and installed a long single glass pane in its place, which fills the room with light and a great view of the backyard.
Chairs: Panton, Eurway
by Sarah Greenman Chairs: Panton, Eurway
This orange backsplash was a bold choice that paid off. "I love color that really pops, and I'm not afraid to make big design choices," Katherine says.
Countertops: Silestone; cabinets: Poliform
by Sarah Greenman
Countertops: Silestone; cabinets: Poliform
A low-profile electric stovetop overlooks the backyard. "I wanted gas, but once Brian saw the electric honeycomb cooktop, I knew there was no talking him out of having them," says Katherine. "He has a love for all things hexagon."
Stove: Scott Cooner
by Sarah Greenman
Stove: Scott Cooner
The two daughters share a bedroom just off the living room. Vertical slit windows flank an exposed brick wall. The modular bunkbeds were hand crafted by Denny Pilcher, a handy family friend.
by Sarah Greenman
The Bishops found these gleaming plastic dresser drawers at Dolly Python, a vintage store in Dallas. They clean easily and provide ample storage for the kids' clothes and toys.
Dollhouse: Moolka
by Sarah Greenman Dollhouse: Moolka
Bright colors and retro furniture connect the girls' room visually with the rest of the house.
Dresser: Room Service Vintage; TV stand: Target
by Sarah Greenman Dresser: Room Service Vintage; TV stand: Target
An illuminated "A" shares tabletop space with three tiny mushrooms. Puzzles, games and toys tuck neatly away in these cupboards.
Cupboards: Stuva, Ikea
by Sarah Greenman Cupboards: Stuva, Ikea
A geometric cinder block wall gives way to an ice-blue front door on the exterior. A vertical window allows the family to see visitors as they approach the door.
by Sarah Greenman
Brian enjoys collecting vintage stair-step planters. Katherine teases him about his hobby. "If Brian loves something, he can't stop at just one. He must have multiples," she says.
by Sarah Greenman
Like many midcentury houses in their neighborhood, the Bishops' home has a low, single-story profile. Landscaping will be the family's next big project.
by Sarah Greenman
Ava, Brian, Katherine, Otto and Lola on the couch. "We love collecting, but our home is not a museum," says Katherine. "We live here, and so do the kids. It has to work for the whole family."
See more photos of this house | Share your colorful home with us
by Sarah Greenman
See more photos of this house | Share your colorful home with us
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Mark/ DallasMod.com
I think the clean lines, pure colors, speak volumes of the mental health and unpretentious living style of these parents! I am so sick of the romanesque, opulent, chuck-filled homes without space for "space" to make a statement! Brilliant decor! Should win a prize!
You've done a wonderful, consistent job throughout the house. It looks perfect for kids. The steel blue plastic circular chairs in the downstair are my favorite. Enjoy your home and looking forward to the landscaping photos in the future.
http://www.stevecambronne.com/