Houzz Tours
My Houzz: Modern Dallas Renovation
A clean, neutral color palette and wood detailing give a family home a fresh update
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When our family moved into the home in 1995, the kitchen's appliances were outdated, polished marble floors covered the living areas, and plastic frames lined every window.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When our family moved into the home in 1995, the kitchen's appliances were outdated, polished marble floors covered the living areas, and plastic frames lined every window.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
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.
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.”
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.
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
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.