My Houzz: Retro-Cool Playfulness Fits a Dallas Family
Vintage furniture and shots of bright color throughout a midcentury home in Texas suit a design-minded couple and their 3 kids
Built during the advent of space travel, an invasion of British music and the first season of The Jetsons, this 1959 mod-style house is a beautiful expression of midcentury style. After a relentless three-year search, Brian and Katherine Bishop found this funky Dallas home and updated it to fit their family, leaving echoes of its design roots. The couple's quirky and colorful sense of style perfectly fits the house, which continues to inspire their evolving design choices.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Brian and Katherine Bishop and their children, Ava (6 years old), Lola (4) and Otto (18 months)
Size: 2,000 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Location: Dallas
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Brian and Katherine Bishop and their children, Ava (6 years old), Lola (4) and Otto (18 months)
Size: 2,000 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Location: Dallas
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
See more photos of this house | Share your colorful home with us
Wall paint: High Speed Steel, Valspar