Houzz Tours
My Houzz: A Midcentury Remodel and New Master Bath in Dallas
A family of 4 enlist a professional designer to help them tackle multiple long-term projects
Brad and Laura Godkin aren’t afraid of hard work, but when they got the keys to their midcentury fixer-upper in Dallas, reality came crashing in. “We bought the house in 2009 and have been slowly remodeling since,” says Laura with a laugh. “We knew what we were getting into, but when we realized the scope, we called for backup.”
The house had good bones but was suffering from cosmetic issues. The bathroom tile was cracking; the carpets were spent; the ducting, the hardware, some electrical, the exterior — everything needed design love. The couple knew that this massive project would have to be taken room by room, and they enlisted the help of local designer Melissa Blassingille.
The house had good bones but was suffering from cosmetic issues. The bathroom tile was cracking; the carpets were spent; the ducting, the hardware, some electrical, the exterior — everything needed design love. The couple knew that this massive project would have to be taken room by room, and they enlisted the help of local designer Melissa Blassingille.
The cozy living room features leather club chairs, a pair of minimalist bookcases and a plush flokati area rug.
Tulip leather chairs and pouf: West Elm
Tulip leather chairs and pouf: West Elm
The foyer enjoys natural light from a striking frame of windows around a new midcentury-inspired door. Graphic tone-on-tone wall paper, original art, a leggy table and a cowhide rug complete the look.
“When we moved in, the kids were very young, and we needed a playspace for them close to the main living area,” Laura says. What was once used as a formal dining room now serves as a playroom for the boys.
The boys’ original art is framed and hung gallery-style on the back wall. The room’s design honors the kids’ love of space with a model of the solar system on the ceiling. “We have expandable seating in the kitchen area and a large outdoor dining space for when we entertain a bigger group,” the homeowner adds.
The boys’ original art is framed and hung gallery-style on the back wall. The room’s design honors the kids’ love of space with a model of the solar system on the ceiling. “We have expandable seating in the kitchen area and a large outdoor dining space for when we entertain a bigger group,” the homeowner adds.
The family dines in the breakfast nook just off the kitchen. A mix of chairs and a banquette around the table makes good use of the space.
Pendant light: The Great Indoors
Pendant light: The Great Indoors
The master bedroom enjoys beautiful views of the backyard.
Wall paint: Refuge, Sherwin-Williams; upholstered sleigh bed: West Elm
Wall paint: Refuge, Sherwin-Williams; upholstered sleigh bed: West Elm
An oddly shaped alcove in the master suite became a small seating area. The hand-me-down chairs were reupholstered in chartreuse velour.
The most recent update to the Godkins’ home is their master bath, completed in 2015. The couple waited many years on this project because they weren’t sure how to lay it out. They had many space-planning discussions with their designer.
“The original bathroom was a mess, stripped down to studs. We could have gone in any direction, so the real inspiration came from all the possibilities,” Laura says. “We loved modern, clean lines and how form and function work together. We started with tile selection first and let that guide us.”
“The original bathroom was a mess, stripped down to studs. We could have gone in any direction, so the real inspiration came from all the possibilities,” Laura says. “We loved modern, clean lines and how form and function work together. We started with tile selection first and let that guide us.”
Laura’s favorite part of the bathroom remodel is the large free-standing soaking tub. Blassingille says that choosing a tub can take time. “It’s an item much like a bed or a sofa. If you are going to use it, it has to be comfortable. This one is both comfortable and beautiful.”
Mermaid soaking bathtub: Wyndham Collection
Mermaid soaking bathtub: Wyndham Collection
One of the couple’s sons enjoys a space-themed bedroom in complementary colors of orange and blue. Original built-in shelves provide display space for books, globes, toys and more.
The boys’ rooms are separated by a Jack-and-Jill bathroom. “Things change very fast when children are involved, and each space in your home will evolve as they grow. Designate a comfortable space where everyone can relax together, and incorporate cozy spaces for one-on-one and alone time,” Blassingille says. “Life gets busy; your home should be a place to recharge as well as entertain, regardless of your chapter in life.”
Tree House twin-over-twin bunk bed: Pottery Barn Kids
Tree House twin-over-twin bunk bed: Pottery Barn Kids
A tiny modular half bath off the laundry room provided an opportunity to get creative with tile. The vertical layout adds interest in a previously ho-hum room.
Tile: Daltile
Tile: Daltile
A bright, user-friendly laundry room was a must for Laura. “Before the remodel, this part of the house was a dark dead end. But now, it’s really inviting,” she says.
Laura and Brad Godkin are pictured here with their two boys. The couple still have a list of projects they’d like to tackle but are enjoying their renovated space for now.
When choosing a contractor, Brad recommends trying one out on a small project first to make sure he or she is trustworthy and dependable. “Then you can employ them with confidence for larger projects,” he says.
“Focusing on one project at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed is my advice,” Laura adds.
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
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When choosing a contractor, Brad recommends trying one out on a small project first to make sure he or she is trustworthy and dependable. “Then you can employ them with confidence for larger projects,” he says.
“Focusing on one project at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed is my advice,” Laura adds.
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
Browse more homes by style:
Apartments | Barn Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Floating Homes | Guesthouses | Homes Around the World | Lofts | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Small Homes | Townhouses | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | Vacation Homes
Who lives here: Brad and Laura Godkin and their two sons
Location: Dallas
Size: 3,322 square feet (309 square meters); four bedrooms, 3½ bathrooms
Year built: 1962
A large family room with vaulted ceilings is at the center of the house. Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors provide natural light and a sweeping view of the back deck and yard.
The Godkins wanted a comfortable, streamlined design that meshed with the home’s midcentury roots. The house also needed to work for the couple’s two growing boys.
When designing a home with children in mind, Blassingille likes to play devil’s advocate. “If you tell me you want a white leather sofa and a shag rug, I’m going to ask you how that will look covered in Cheerios and apple juice,” she says. “On the other hand, I remind clients they won’t need a place for that highchair forever. So I try to take the wants of tomorrow and needs of today, and blend function and style.”