My Houzz: Budget-Friendly Decorating Updates for a Great Room in Texas
Antiques rub elbows with new furnishings in this Dallas ranch, where the living and dining area got a $5,000 makeover
After living in their ranch-style home for three years, Reed and Jennifer Wilcox decided it was time to give their living room and dining area an update. Working on a tight budget, they decided to skip the remodel for now and instead incorporate smaller, more affordable updates. The couple enlisted the help of decorator and friend Whitney Weigand to help them create a concept, plan a layout and decorate the entire space for less than $5,000.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Reed and Jennifer Wilcox; their children, Hayes, Eloise and Cliff; and their dog, Keo
Location: Lake Highlands neighborhood of Dallas
Size: 2,000 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Reed and Jennifer Wilcox; their children, Hayes, Eloise and Cliff; and their dog, Keo
Location: Lake Highlands neighborhood of Dallas
Size: 2,000 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
The Wilcoxes originally hoped to wallpaper the accent wall behind the dining set, but after seeing the $900 price tag, they opted for a do-it-yourself approach. They painted the wall a dark version of Analytical Gray by Sherwin-Williams, then used a stencil and metallic paint to create a pattern. The total cost for the accent wall came in at just under $65.
The biggest splurge for the family was re-covering this 100-year-old French-style sofa and chair. They had purchased the set in its original condition from a gentleman in Louisiana; the fabric was previously a dark floral. Jennifer had the pieces re-covered in cream linen and then detailed the woodwork with metallic paint. "I could have bought three couches for what I spent to re-cover the one, but I love this piece," she says.
"I love walking in the front door," says Jennifer. "From this vantage point, I can see several of my favorite things in my home."
Weigand helped the couple pair their existing furnishings with new area rugs, task lighting, pillows, textiles and artwork. "We designed the room with the kids in mind," Jennifer says. "Nothing is off limits, but my rule is no shoes on the cream couch!"
The lamps on either side of the leather sofa look similar, but their origins couldn't be more different. The lamp on the right is an expensive designer piece, and the one on the left was found in bulk trash. Jennifer painted the base metallic and replaced the shade.
The lamps on either side of the leather sofa look similar, but their origins couldn't be more different. The lamp on the right is an expensive designer piece, and the one on the left was found in bulk trash. Jennifer painted the base metallic and replaced the shade.
The re-covered French chair and an antique armoire share a quiet corner of the living room. "I love the history, charm and meaning behind antique furniture," says Jennifer. "We have several pieces in our home that have great stories behind them."
The kitchen, updated by the previous homeowners, enjoys bright light all day from a large skylight. Bar stools wrap around the island, and a picture window above the sink allows the couple to keep an eye on their kids in the backyard.
White vase: ceramic, Home Goods
White vase: ceramic, Home Goods
The kitchen is open to a cozy family room, complete with a hearth and flat-screen TV. French doors provide access to the back patio and yard.
In 2011 the Wilcox home was featured on the Lake Highlands Area Early Childhood PTA home tour, which was followed by an auction that raised several thousand dollars for educational and other programs. "It was a wonderful way for us to give back to the community who has supported us in so many ways," Jennifer says.
Sofa: Silhouette Sofa, Crate & Barrel; pillows: Target
Sofa: Silhouette Sofa, Crate & Barrel; pillows: Target
A mounted shelf with hooks provide space for school supplies, jackets and knapsacks. The couple is always trying to keep things neat and easily accessible for their three kids. "It's all about space management," says Jennifer. "We do a lot of purging in our house."
The master bedroom is painted in a dark sable gray and has oversize warm wood furniture. Plush curtain panels and throw pillows make for an inviting and cozy atmosphere.
The wooden bed frame was a wedding gift from Reed's parents. Jennifer hung a trio of framed pictures from an old book about Louisiana on the headboard. The photos are a sweet reminder of where the family got their start.
The couple commissioned local artist Jessica Mandala to sketch pictures of their children's christening gowns and Jennifer's wedding dress. They hang together above an working antique Singer sewing machine that belonged to Jennifer's grandmother.
Because the family was on a decorating budget, they embraced their hall bathroom's original pink tile and painted the walls with horizontal gray stripes. Jennifer offers this advice to other married homeowners: "A happy marriage is made when husband and wife have separate bathrooms. It has worked for Reed and me for the last 10 years!"
The girls share a well-appointed bright blue bedroom filled with books and toys. Letters spelling out their names hang above the beds, suspended by ribbons.
Bedding: Pottery Barn Kids
Bedding: Pottery Barn Kids
Portraits of the children hang next to their original artwork. "I just can't seem to get rid of my children's artwork — it's creating congestion in my closets," says Jennifer.
Cliff's bedroom sometimes doubles as a guest room for Jennifer's mother, who visits often. Since it's tough to sleep three adults and three children, the couple plans to redesign their floor plan in the coming years. They'd love to add a second story and update their current bathrooms too.
Every spring around dusk, the family can see bats flying around the back patio just before the sun sets. "It's quite amazing," says Jennifer. "When we told our neighbors about the bats, they made a bat sound amplifier so not only could we see the bats, but we could hear them too."
The Wilcoxes snuggle up for a photo in their backyard. "We walk our children to school; we walk to the grocery store; we walk to the neighborhood pool and park; and live in one of the largest cities in the U.S. — that is the best of both worlds," Jennifer says.
See more photos of this house | Show us your home
See more photos of this house | Show us your home
Dining chairs: Lyle Side Chair, Crate & Barrel