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My Houzz: Southern Charm and Heritage in a Dallas Cottage
A first-time Texas homeowner creates hospitality with family heirlooms, quirky mementos and an inviting color palette
Home tour contributor for Houzz, freelance writer, photographer and former PR agency executive with a penchant for creative arts.
Home tour contributor for Houzz, freelance writer, photographer and former... More »
“Rotating pieces within the family is a great way to edit,” says first-time Dallas homeowner Ann Jane Cox. “I’ve found it to be a cost-effective, guilt-free way to declutter and keep things fresh.” Cox, a public relations professional, actively swaps finds with her 96-year-old grandmother and her mother, Frances, aka “Fancy.” She attributes her design inspiration partially to her upbringing in north Louisiana and time spent attending Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. “The rest," she says, "is likely genetic.”
After much collecting, bartering and experimentation, five years later, Cox finally feels settled in her 1950s brick cottage. Her cozy yet formal home proves you don't have to sacrifice style for substance — especially if you design with intention and from the heart.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Ann Jane Cox
Location: Dallas
Size: 1,600 square feet; 3 bedrooms
That's interesting: A framed 1963 home-economics project of the owner's mother's graces the guest bedroom.
After much collecting, bartering and experimentation, five years later, Cox finally feels settled in her 1950s brick cottage. Her cozy yet formal home proves you don't have to sacrifice style for substance — especially if you design with intention and from the heart.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Ann Jane Cox
Location: Dallas
Size: 1,600 square feet; 3 bedrooms
That's interesting: A framed 1963 home-economics project of the owner's mother's graces the guest bedroom.
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by Taylor Shead
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| This area originally had no mantel or shelves, and the walls were "so textured it could seriously cut you," Cox says. They were also, coincidentally, painted blood red. Cox added a fresh coat of crisp white paint and built-in shelving to help create a refined and cozy cottage look. One of Cox's decorating tips for other homeowners is to be fearless when looking for items in nontraditional places. The Lucite coffee table came from a friend who sells finds exclusively on Facebook. Walls: White Ice, Benjamin Moore; Lucite table: GypsySoulInteriors |
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| The mantel painting once hung in the den of Cox's childhood home. She believes the man featured is the father of the artist and admits to enjoying the painting's subtle intensity. The blue and brown color palette is repeated in other portraits throughout the home. |
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This piano bench was built by Cox's great-grandfather and accompanied her to college. Prior to that, Cox's mother also took it with her to college. Both mother and daughter went through color phases over the years, as seen in the layers of paint on this bench.
Artwork: Meredith Pardue (left); garage sale find (right)
Artwork: Meredith Pardue (left); garage sale find (right)
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by Taylor Shead
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| Among Cox's meaningful possessions are two vintage chinoiserie chairs that once belonged to her family's beloved, longtime next-door neighbors. "I remember the chairs from my childhood, and they represent many wonderful memories," she says. When the neighbors passed away, a daughter gave her the chairs. "They mean a great deal to me and are the very first thing I put in the space." |
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| Among the family pictures in Cox's entryway are images captured by friends in Mississippi. |
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by Taylor Shead
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| Cox experimented with a darker wall color in the dining and sitting areas to help showcase her grandmother's wedding-gift Wedgewood, circa 1930s. Wall paint: Wood Grain Brown, Benjamin Moore; chandelier, table and chairs: On Consignment, Dallas |
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| Most large pieces in Cox's home lean toward traditional, but she likes to "bring in some quirk" with small items. She started collecting busts several years ago and recommends getting others to pitch in when making acquisitions. "One year, all the gifts I received were busts," she says. "It made for a somewhat bizarre Christmas, but I love it!" |
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| Her mother bought this secondhand portrait for $15. Now Cox continues the tradition of giving the confident, nameless dame a second home. |
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| The sitting area, adjacent to the dining area, shares a fireplace with the master bedroom and continues the blue and brown color scheme from the living room. Louis XV chairs: Hermitage Antiques; brass table: Again and Again; rug: Ikea; peacock feather artwork: White Elephant; drapes: custom, Childress Fabrics |
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| Cox says custom bedding and window coverings are a must. "To me, this is like getting dressed," she says. "It makes it really feel like you are putting your personal stamp and doesn't have to cost as much as some people think." For a miscellaneous window, she suggests searching the remnant fabric sections of stores for luxe materials and brands at reduced prices. You can also keep it basic but mix and match. For example, her master bedroom headboard features a custom-made reversible slipcover. |
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| A picture of Cox's grandmother and an antique porcelain heart-shaped box Cox received for high school graduation sits on a Wisteria mirrored chest that she uses as a bedside table. |
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| Cox designed a guest bedroom around this four-poster bed, which is more than 120 years old. Wall paint: Ashley Gray, Benjamin Moore |
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Continuing to think outside the box and celebrate her family, Cox proudly showcases a framed project of her mother's from a 1963 Louisiana State University home economics class.
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| Cox says she feels most at home when she has visitors staying over. The enlarged vintage photograph is of Cox's grandmother when she was in her 20s. Lamps: www.isuwanee.com; mirrors: Target; pillows: Ikea; blankets: Pottery Barn Teen; paint color: White Ice, Benjamin Moore |
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In this childhood photo, Cox sports a sour disposition due to poor lemonade sales.
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by Taylor Shead
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| Owner Ann Jane Cox at home. Though dedicated to rearranging as a constant sport, she pauses momentarily to enjoy her final "phase one." "You can only design for where you are in life at this very moment," Cox says. "For me, for now, this reflects who I am." More: Historic Home in Austin, Texas Balancing His and Hers Style Traditional-Style Townhouse in Colonial Williamsburg Tour hundreds of inspiring homes |
Comments
karenonmagnetic This is really lovely - I like the eclectic design. We have the same mantra in our family - just swap it around between us all! Not so sure about the turtle shells, though beautiful they are illegal to own where I live! Really enjoy the history of your home. Cheers, Karen
15 months ago · Like
tracyaine You have fantastic taste, loved that you saved so many family items! THolland
15 months ago · Like
designchallenged love, love, love this home and the use of so many family items. great job!
15 months ago · Like
poeticmoma Beautiful job. It feels very personal and unique. Your comments are from the heart. The only suggestion I have is to flip the dresser and table and put both red chairs on the right wall...if possible!
15 months ago · Like
Bob R Fantastic photo shoot but doesn't anyone need to use a phone or check the time anywhere? Both bedrooms had no clocks or a phone. The difference between a real home and just some great pictures is when you can see both. Meanwhile it's lovely, once the real items we really use are added just as tastefully.
15 months ago · Like
bookbear7 the floors are lovely. What type of wood? Did you put them in?
15 months ago · Like
Valerie McCaskill Dickman Hi Bob R: Interesting observation. However, her home was not staged differently for the photos - that's how she prefers it. It's not unusual, from my perspective. My husband and I have a four bedroom home with no visible clocks or landlines in any bedroom - including our master. We wear watches and use our cell phones. We can provide an alarm clock for guests, if needed, although they usually prefer our personal wake-up w/ a smile and cup of coffee in-hand. Everyone uses technology differently. Thank goodness for variety!
15 months ago · Like
Valerie McCaskill Dickman Hi bookbear7: Per the homeowner, those are the original 1953 narrow plank oak floors. Thanks for asking!
15 months ago · Like
Laurel Ennis I find the artwork very disturbing. Especially the hard-faced farmer and his daughter hating on him. Why? One wonders. What has he done? It's all very dark and lowering.
15 months ago · Like
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ooshi Lovely home. Cozy without to much "stuff." LOVE the lemonade stand photo!
15 months ago · Like
susan53 Beautiful! I especially like the dining room/sitting area. Very eye-catching.
14 months ago · Like
gbscherer Well done! It's eclectic, warm, and oh so inviting. It would be a joy coming home to this house. I too always feel the need to "move things around." It keeps rooms from getting stagnant I believe. The figurines of the composers bring me back to my childhood. We had some lined up on the piano where I sat practicing for hours. Thanks for sharing!
14 months ago · Like
moulton Just beautiful. Every room was done with such taste.
14 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on May 24, 2012.
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