My Houzz: Modern Dallas Renovation
A clean, neutral color palette and wood detailing give a family home a fresh update
Sara Cukerbaum received her B.A. from New York University in 2004. She later returned to study Interior Design at The Harrington Institute of Design in Chicago. After graduating, Sara worked as a designer at several high-end residential firms on a variety of published projects in Chicago, New York, and Dallas. She then returned to her home state of Texas where she founded SLIC Interiors in Austin.
Sara Cukerbaum received her B.A. from New York University in 2004. She... More »
This Houzz tour holds a special place in my heart, as it belongs to my parents, Neal and Sally Cukerbaum, and I witnessed firsthand its two-year renovation. Architect Mark Domiteaux and Designer Lori Golman helped them to create a space that combined modern design with their existing antiques for a home that feels both original and intimate. “We wanted something that was modern but still warm," Sally says.
When our family moved into the home in 1995, the kitchen's appliances were outdated, polished marble floors covered the living areas, and plastic frames lined every window. Neal and Sally waited until the kids flew the nest before renovating. “We started with the wood floors and couldn’t stop," Sally says. They replaced the polished marble with a dark maple wood, then tackled the windows, removing the plastic frames with painted wood. "The home’s architecture is rooted in traditional design, but we are modern at heart so it took time to recreate the space and make it a home we love.”
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Neal and Sally Cukerbaum
Location: Plano, Texas
Size: 4,200 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 4 baths
Design team: Lori Golman Interiors, Mark Domiteaux, Domiteaux Architects, landscape architect Harold Leidner
When our family moved into the home in 1995, the kitchen's appliances were outdated, polished marble floors covered the living areas, and plastic frames lined every window. Neal and Sally waited until the kids flew the nest before renovating. “We started with the wood floors and couldn’t stop," Sally says. They replaced the polished marble with a dark maple wood, then tackled the windows, removing the plastic frames with painted wood. "The home’s architecture is rooted in traditional design, but we are modern at heart so it took time to recreate the space and make it a home we love.”
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Neal and Sally Cukerbaum
Location: Plano, Texas
Size: 4,200 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 4 baths
Design team: Lori Golman Interiors, Mark Domiteaux, Domiteaux Architects, landscape architect Harold Leidner
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Neal and Sally's master bedroom features wenge wood paneling in the fireplace and in the master bathroom cabinetry. An upholstered custom leather headboard, and surrounding built-in bookshelves serve as a focal point in the room.
The custom dark wenge wood cabinetry contrasts nicely with thick limestone countertops. The polished nickel sconces are from Holly Hunt. "Our interior designer Lori Golman played a huge hand in selecting these beautiful finishes for our bathroom. We could not have achieved this look without her," says Sally. The modern his and her sinks and fixtures are from Kohler.
The custom dark wenge wood cabinetry contrasts nicely with thick limestone countertops. The polished nickel sconces are from Holly Hunt. "Our interior designer Lori Golman played a huge hand in selecting these beautiful finishes for our bathroom. We could not have achieved this look without her," says Sally. The modern his and her sinks and fixtures are from Kohler.
by Sara Cukerbaum
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A negative-edge tub faces the master bedroom's fireplace. A flat-screen TV above the tub makes this a perfect place for Neal to relax after a long day at work. Sliding doors separate the bathroom from the bedroom's hallway.
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The family room sofas were custom-made. The brown leather reclining armchairs are from Crate & Barrel. Wenge wood paneling is used again here, adding to the rich color scheme in the family room.
by Sara Cukerbaum
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The formal living room mixes modern furnishings with collected antiques in a natural color palette. Sally painted the bright yellow artwork on the fireplace mantel. Dark chocolate maple floor adds a brilliant and rich texture to the living areas.
by Sara Cukerbaum
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The dining room's modern light fixture from Restoration Hardware adds a drama to the 1930s Spanish Chippendale dining table.
"As the renovation continued (and continued), we had to be very conscious about fitting in with the original bones of the house and the style of the exterior," Sally says. "It can be a very fine line and we tried hard not to cross it. With the exception of the master bath being taken down to the studs, all the work was really cosmetic."
"As the renovation continued (and continued), we had to be very conscious about fitting in with the original bones of the house and the style of the exterior," Sally says. "It can be a very fine line and we tried hard not to cross it. With the exception of the master bath being taken down to the studs, all the work was really cosmetic."
by Sara Cukerbaum
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Neal and Sally added shelves on the island to house Sally's growing cookbook collection. Hanging steel pendant lamps from Restoration Hardware adds an industrial touch. The kitchen features wenge floating shelves and a backsplash of rectangular limestone tiles.
Framed artwork: Restoration Hardware
Framed artwork: Restoration Hardware
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The kitchen shelves were designed to show off Sally's modern dishes and glassware. Faux limestone tiles line the back wall adding beautiful texture.
"We're thrilled that with the help of our amazing designer and architect we were able to achieve a home that is unique, portrays us, and has a little surprise factor without going over the edge," says Sally.
"We're thrilled that with the help of our amazing designer and architect we were able to achieve a home that is unique, portrays us, and has a little surprise factor without going over the edge," says Sally.
by Sara Cukerbaum
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The family's custom trestle-style table is made from antique salvaged wood. Paired with upholstered Donghia armchairs, it is the perfect place for a delicious family meal.
by Sara Cukerbaum
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An arbor helps shade outdoor BBQs and dinners through the long Texas summers.
Sally's proudest homeowner moment: "After a dinner party at our home last night, we almost had a group that 'stayed for the turn,' which apparently means staying long enough for the next meal to be served."
More:
My Houzz: Eclectic and Colorful in Central Austin
My Houzz: Austin Haven with Amazing Views
Next: Browse hundreds of inspiring homes
Sally's proudest homeowner moment: "After a dinner party at our home last night, we almost had a group that 'stayed for the turn,' which apparently means staying long enough for the next meal to be served."
More:
My Houzz: Eclectic and Colorful in Central Austin
My Houzz: Austin Haven with Amazing Views
Next: Browse hundreds of inspiring homes
Ideabook published on Jan. 26, 2012.
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The colour of the units is quite common in Europe, and the square look isn't going to go out of fashion.
I particularly like how the grain continues through the cupboards, I know this doesn't sound like a big thing, but lesser units would have mixed the grains up and lost the clean effect that works so well.