My Houzz: Art Influences a Dallas Ranch Overhaul
An aging suburban staple becomes a sleek contemporary home brimming with artwork, light and harmony
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 »
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 front exterior of the couple's renovated ranch and two of the trees that started it all. 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. |
| |
| 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 |
| |
| 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." |
| |
| 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. |
| |
| 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 |
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 |
| |
| 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. |
| |
| 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! |
Comments
Sarah Greenman That back yard is divine and so is the master bath.
11 months ago · Like
· 
1
1
Erin Lang Norris Being a homeowner of a ranch myself, I really loved this tour! My favorite part is the den that used to be a garage...and also the entryway door! But it does leave me curious- is there still a garage anywhere?
11 months ago · Like
· 1
1
sooosally Thank you, thank you, thank you! It is so hard to find pictures of remodeled ranch houses.
11 months ago · Like
· 1
1
SPACIFY INC, Wow!! that is amazing ideas for remodeled houses.
11 months ago · Like
Brett Gray Hi Erin - I'm Brett, the homeowner. Indeed, the previous owner built a separate garage. Thanks for the nice comments, all.
11 months ago · Like
· 7
7
Lynda Walker Beautiful home, incredible art!
11 months ago · Like
· 2
2
John Prindle nice house... and great photography (jealous of that super-wide lens!)
11 months ago · Like
· 2
2
Tim Loecker I can attest that these guys remodel to perfection. Wouldn't we all kill to have their artwork collection?! Great work guys.
11 months ago · Like
· 3
3
morgana44 Well done...1950 flashed forward to 2012. Amazing what can be done with a very simple straight forward ranch...when you have a great sense of style. Marvelous.
11 months ago · Like
· 2
2
Lauren Rader/Releasing the Creative Powers Within As an artist and art lover, I love seeing a house with lots of artwork. Here's some of my work below and you can also go to LaurenRader.com for more. 
11 months ago · Like
· 1
1
roddy24 Very nice ,open and not to much furniture .Love the wood fireplace leading to the outside.
11 months ago · Like
Candace Bordelon I love in the Dallas area, and it's nice to see something that is more "real" and local. We are remodeling our 1970s home. I'm going to check out your website for artwork!
11 months ago · Like
leilaw2 Can you share the nice neutral paint color that seems to be used throught?
11 months ago · Like
patscats2 I'll take that back yard. Most of the house is pretty, not really my style, but the artwork really adds warmth and it's not so stark in some rooms. I really love that piece that looks to be in the foyer.
11 months ago · Like
Fine Art & Portraits by Laurel Just let me bring a few books and move into that den!
11 months ago · Like
· 1
1
Budget Blinds of Dallas & Park Cities What a great home. Beautiful job!
11 months ago · Like
klaygirl5 Fantastic remodel Brett & Kindred! We are getting ready to renovate our 1953 ranch and would like to do a similar set-up with the fireplace (indoor/outdoor use). I was curious how you were able to make that work. I can see how both fireplaces could share a chimney, but I was wondering how you keep the inside fireplace sealed from the outside elements. It appears that the opening goes straight through. Thanks and congratulations on a beautiful house.
11 months ago · Like
· 1
1
ghenger Great style! Love it.
11 months ago · Like
houzfrau I'd like to know the neutral paint color as well. Thanks!
11 months ago · Like
Valerie McCaskill Dickman Hi all:) Thanks for reading and for your comments. Re: the paint, unfortunately can't provide specifics. The homeowners informed me that they're all custom blends. I can tell you that they used a very flat finish throughout. Thanks again.
11 months ago · Like
· 1
1
rogerhooks Any photos of remodels of smaller Northern California Ranch style homes in the 1400 sq. ft. range?
11 months ago · Like
united97 gorgeous home! do you have any blinds etc. for privacy?
11 months ago · Like
Your New Home LLC Love this house. The dog portrait next to the bed was my favorite. Gotta love dog portraits.
11 months ago · Like
schiemap I so want a ranch we live in a traditional 2 story and am ready to change
11 months ago · Like
1655graff Well done! You did a great job of updating it while retaining a clear sense of its authorial intent.
4 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on July 12, 2012.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
