My Houzz: Art Influences a Dallas Ranch Overhaul
An aging suburban staple becomes a sleek contemporary home brimming with artwork, light and harmony
A stunning art collection and modern furniture make their home in this contemporary ranch house in a tree-lined Texas neighborhood. Realtor Kindred Roach and long-time partner Brett Gray, a public relations executive, were drawn in by the pair of majestic, towering trees on the home's front lawn and decided to give the run-down 1953 ranch-style home a complete overhaul.
One year later, the couple finally moved into their re-created space and are thrilled with their larger, brighter, organic architecture-inspired home and, of course, the magnificent trees that surround it.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Kindred Roach, Brett Gray and their dogs, Walt and Angie
Location: Dallas
Size: About 2,500 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms
One year later, the couple finally moved into their re-created space and are thrilled with their larger, brighter, organic architecture-inspired home and, of course, the magnificent trees that surround it.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Kindred Roach, Brett Gray and their dogs, Walt and Angie
Location: Dallas
Size: About 2,500 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms
The backyard is visible from the front entrance, incorporating the outdoors into the home. The entrance opens into a large, multifunctional space, with a sleek sitting area positioned around an indoor-outdoor fireplace. The see-through fireplace is embedded in a handsome wall of black walnut and flanked by a pair of sliding glass doors.
VMD: Who or what inspires your style?
Brett Gray: We're fortunate to have many great friends with terrific style who continually inform and inspire us. We especially enjoy art, good photography and proper lighting, which we feel is as important, if not more so, than furnishings.
Art above fireplace: Michael Tole; enlarged, triple split-framed print: William Fraser; sofa: Crate & Barrel; Barcelona chairs: Design Within Reach; area rug: Karastan
VMD: Who or what inspires your style?
Brett Gray: We're fortunate to have many great friends with terrific style who continually inform and inspire us. We especially enjoy art, good photography and proper lighting, which we feel is as important, if not more so, than furnishings.
Art above fireplace: Michael Tole; enlarged, triple split-framed print: William Fraser; sofa: Crate & Barrel; Barcelona chairs: Design Within Reach; area rug: Karastan
A stylish modern door makes a striking first impression in the home's entryway, which is also where the first piece of artwork in the home is introduced — a contemporary watercolor by Santa Fe, New Mexico, artist Sarah Bienvenu.
The open-concept entry is also the location of the formal dining space. The dining table is a robust piece of round glass atop a custom Inmod wooden base.
VMD: When did it really feel like your house was your own?
KR: Our house felt very much like our own from the start; we were actively involved in the remodeling plan and design. We've collected art for the past 15 years, and we believe our art makes the house our home.
Collage on metal artwork: Debbie Klein; area rug: Karastan
VMD: When did it really feel like your house was your own?
KR: Our house felt very much like our own from the start; we were actively involved in the remodeling plan and design. We've collected art for the past 15 years, and we believe our art makes the house our home.
Collage on metal artwork: Debbie Klein; area rug: Karastan
This dapper step-down den used to be the home's garage. Just off the kitchen, it's centered by a wall installation of floor-to-ceiling Indian black slate, a dramatic backdrop for the home's second fireplace and a built-in flat-screen TV. When weather permits, six oversized crank-style windows provide fabulous natural light and a cross breeze.
"Our windows allow great lighting at different parts of the day," says Gray. "The shadows and angles of the light bring changes to the rooms, not only throughout the day but across the seasons."
"Our windows allow great lighting at different parts of the day," says Gray. "The shadows and angles of the light bring changes to the rooms, not only throughout the day but across the seasons."
A reverse view of the den illustrates the open layout design with a breakfast/bar area and the kitchen. Indicative of the couple's new love of minimalism, the understated decor includes a custom leather sectional, a coffee table and a silk shag rug.
VMD: What is your design philosophy?
BG: Until we lived in this property, we were mostly traditional/eclectic. Now we lean towards contemporary, museum-finish walls, good lighting for our art and windows that bring the outdoors inside.
KR: "Less is more" is our new philosophy. And it's easier to maintain.
VMD: What is your design philosophy?
BG: Until we lived in this property, we were mostly traditional/eclectic. Now we lean towards contemporary, museum-finish walls, good lighting for our art and windows that bring the outdoors inside.
KR: "Less is more" is our new philosophy. And it's easier to maintain.
In addition to being a Realtor, Roach is also a formally trained chef, and he designed a kitchen meant for doing plenty of cooking. The beautiful and professional-grade space features a rich blend of stainless steel, black walnut and soapstone. It's accented by a white penny tile backsplash and a backyard view.
VMD: If you could have four famous people over for dinner, you'd invite ...
BG and KR: Ellen DeGeneres, Warren Buffett, Liz Smith and Kinky Friedman
VMD: If you could have four famous people over for dinner, you'd invite ...
BG and KR: Ellen DeGeneres, Warren Buffett, Liz Smith and Kinky Friedman
Ardent entertainers, the couple installed this bar area in black walnut directly across from the kitchen. The area includes a spot for informal dining on a tulip table and scoop chairs from CB2.
VMD: What's your proudest homeowner moment?
KR: We are always proud when we invite new people over and they comment positively about the house.
BG: It always surprises people who've seen our previous homes, which were incredibly different.
VMD: What's your proudest homeowner moment?
KR: We are always proud when we invite new people over and they comment positively about the house.
BG: It always surprises people who've seen our previous homes, which were incredibly different.
This half bath — a new addition to the original two-bathroom home — sits just off the bar area and features an intricate floor tiled with mosaic glass in an elegant sea foam hue.
The largest of the backyard trees (a portion of which can be seen in this view from the master bedroom) greatly influenced the remodel. The original plan called for an extension of the master bedroom and bathroom. When the homeowners realized that it required the tree to be removed, they promptly reworked the plan.
Art above bed: artist and friend Ted Kincaid
Art above bed: artist and friend Ted Kincaid
An expansion of the home was required to create their vision for the master closet and bathroom, and it's the only true modification to the home's original footprint. The shiny new space includes two floating vanities in black walnut and a generous supply of Carrara marble.
The guest bathroom redo resulted in a different but equally no-nonsense look, with white contemporary cabinets and a floor of Indian black slate.
An extra bedroom — used as an office — stands out with its bold, custom green-apple wall color. "We wanted an energetic, upbeat shade," says Roach. Even with the eye-catching hue, the room maintains the polished, streamlined tone of the rest of the home.
VMD: Finish this statement: "Our solution to clutter is ... "
KR: We hate clutter and don't have any. We have a garage sale about every other year. It's very liberating!
VMD: Finish this statement: "Our solution to clutter is ... "
KR: We hate clutter and don't have any. We have a garage sale about every other year. It's very liberating!
One of the outdoor sitting areas features a ceiling fan, antique ceiling tile art and a flat-screen TV. It lies under the couple's latest investment — a built-in mosquito misting system.
VMD: Where is your favorite spot in your home?
BG: I'd have to say the outdoor patio on a nice summer day. Fans whirling, good music, dinner on the grill, friends hanging out in the pool ...
KR: Definitely. Even in the winter, we turn on the fireplace and enjoy the patio.
VMD: Where is your favorite spot in your home?
BG: I'd have to say the outdoor patio on a nice summer day. Fans whirling, good music, dinner on the grill, friends hanging out in the pool ...
KR: Definitely. Even in the winter, we turn on the fireplace and enjoy the patio.
Taking full advantage of their sizable lot, the couple installed a refreshing saltwater pool, which they enjoy nearly year-round thanks to the mild Texas winters. It's surrounded by a healthy, landscaped yard and a vegetable and herb garden, all of which were they designed and planted themselves.
VMD: What do you want to do with your house next?
BG: We're done. I honestly can't fathom another house or major project. After moving six times, we call this one our final resting place.
KR: Amen!
Houzz call: Do you live in a creative ranch-style home? Share it with us!
VMD: What do you want to do with your house next?
BG: We're done. I honestly can't fathom another house or major project. After moving six times, we call this one our final resting place.
KR: Amen!
Houzz call: Do you live in a creative ranch-style home? Share it with us!
Valerie McCaskill Dickman: Kindred, as a Realtor, do have any advice for potential home buyers?
Kindred Roach: You can always modify a structure. Focus first on finding a neighborhood that truly works for you ... whether it's nearby restaurants, affordability, architectural style, schools, access to roads etc.