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My Houzz: Patience and Resourcefulness Pay Off in Dallas
Unhurried remodeling lets a growing family stay within budget and get exactly the look they want for their Texas home
Artist, freelance writer, home tour contributor for Houzz, designer, actor, mother and author of the blog La Maison Boheme. Greenman lives in a 1970s Texas ranch house, which she has transformed into a bohemian haven and family home. She loves eclectic, boho style but also has a soft spot for Midcentury modern and Swedish design. Learn more at www.sarahgreenman.com.
Artist, freelance writer, home tour contributor for Houzz, designer, actor,... More »
James and Lynsey Purl pick one major remodel project for their home every year. One year they moved a central wall. Another year they overhauled a bathroom. Last year they built a stone deck off their back door and installed an outdoor grill. "You don't have to do it all at once," says James, who has done much of the work himself. "You have to be patient," Lynsey says. "Plus this way of remodeling keeps us out of debt, and we don't have to settle."
This year's project is centered not on the house but on the heart, since the Purls are expecting their third child. Lynsey has spent months preparing the nursery and making space for their new arrival. "The baby's room is so tranquil and inviting that sometimes I just sit in there alone for a dose of calm energy," she says.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: James and Lynsey Purl, Ava (6 years old) and Hudson (3)
Size: 1,741 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Location: Lake Highlands neighborhood of Dallas
This year's project is centered not on the house but on the heart, since the Purls are expecting their third child. Lynsey has spent months preparing the nursery and making space for their new arrival. "The baby's room is so tranquil and inviting that sometimes I just sit in there alone for a dose of calm energy," she says.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: James and Lynsey Purl, Ava (6 years old) and Hudson (3)
Size: 1,741 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Location: Lake Highlands neighborhood of Dallas
by Sarah Greenman
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Pink and gray reign in the new nursery, with feminine details and vintage filigree. Lynsey feels relieved that the nursery was completed well in advance of the baby's arrival. "Usually the third kiddo has to make do, but I wanted to welcome her home with a special space," she says.
Crib: JCPenny; bedding: Cottage & Cabin Interiors, Etsy; recliner, flower print: Home Goods
Crib: JCPenny; bedding: Cottage & Cabin Interiors, Etsy; recliner, flower print: Home Goods
by Sarah Greenman
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Lynsey shopped Etsy to outfit the nursery with unique textiles. She says, "I didn't want to turn to page five of a catalog and say, 'Look, there's our home.'"
Curtains: Martha & Ash, Etsy; dresser: Ikea; chandelier: eBay
Curtains: Martha & Ash, Etsy; dresser: Ikea; chandelier: eBay
by Sarah Greenman
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Minimal closet space means that the family had to get creative about storage. The upright dresser is a family heirloom that holds baby's layette.
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A small, elegant dining room overlooks the front yard and greets guests as they enter the house. The farm table, which Lynsey found at an antiques store and painted white, seats six. "I love decorating, but it can be expensive. So the women in my family swap decor from house to house to keep it fresh," she says.
Buffet: Nadaeu; captain's chair: World Market; chandelier: Lowe's, wall prints: Target
Buffet: Nadaeu; captain's chair: World Market; chandelier: Lowe's, wall prints: Target
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The couple moved the back wall of the dining room when they bought the house in 2005. They wanted more space in their living room, which shares the wall, and didn't mind losing square footage in the dining space. "I'm pretty good at fitting a lot into a small space," says Lynsey.
Dining chairs: Antique Alley; shelves: World Market; paint:
Dovetail, Sherwin Williams
Dining chairs: Antique Alley; shelves: World Market; paint:
Dovetail, Sherwin Williams
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A small bar tucked into the corner holds stemware, wine and other entertaining essentials.
Wine buffet: Marshall's; lamp: Target
Wine buffet: Marshall's; lamp: Target
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A French-style table and chairs perch at the edge of the kitchen in a cozy breakfast room. A tall matching cabinet provides storage and easy access to dishes, cake stands and serving bowls.
Pendant light: Ikea; paint:
Dorian Gray, Sherwin Williams
Pendant light: Ikea; paint:
Dorian Gray, Sherwin Williams
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The heart of the Purl home is the living room. Comfort and functionality were key in designing this space. "We're a busy family, and everything needs to be durable for the kids," says James. "And while we don't have a lot of square footage, it's all well utilized." Hardwood floors and leather furniture make cleanup a snap, and most of the furniture does double duty as toy storage.
Coffee table: Weir's Furniture Outlet
Coffee table: Weir's Furniture Outlet
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Gray ikat curtain panels frame French doors. Throw pillows in varying textiles on the sofa and club chairs echo the home's overall gray and white color scheme. "If Nate Berkus and Rachel Ashwell had a love child, that would be my style," says Lynsey.
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Between the living room and the kitchen, an ornately framed chalkboard hangs above a set of drawers. A chalkboard label fronts each drawer. "It's all about staying organized," says Lynsey. "This is where I jot down our to-do list or sometimes a menu."
Storage unit: Hobby Lobby
Storage unit: Hobby Lobby
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This unique antique shelving unit sits against another living room wall. "This piece helps keep toys tidy and off the floor," she says. "But I think I'm becoming the basket queen."
Baskets: World Market
Baskets: World Market
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The gray and white color scheme continues in the master bedroom. Casual, traditional and elegant, the bedroom is outfitted with chevron curtain panels, mirrored side tables and a wooden sleigh bed.
End tables: Craigslist
End tables: Craigslist
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Masculine details, linen shams and cozy knit textiles keep the room grounded. "It was important to me that our bedroom reflect our need for peace and comfort," says Lynsey.
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The Purls enjoy decorating with natural objects and used a bundle of twigs from their front yard on top of their dresser. A botanical print, mirrored tray and chevron vase complete the vignette.
Vase: Target
Vase: Target
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Ava and Hudson share a cheery bedroom. Mismatched letters and a rustic U.S. map hang above a distressed blue dresser, which also serves as a changing table.
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The gray and white color theme continues in the children's bedroom, but red and yellow accents keep it playful. The trundle bed is easy to set up and maximizes square footage.
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In the backyard, a charming kid-size house provides extra space for toys and imaginative play. "The kids are out there so much, we should probably include it in our home's square footage," says James.
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A loft space, hardwood floors and pint-size furniture are a hit with the kids and their friends. "I'll probably just move out here when I'm old enough," says 6-year-old Ava.
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The front porch of the main home has an inviting collection of retro patio furniture, potted greenery and a vintage kitchen hutch.
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The 80-foot sycamore trees in the front yard were a major draw when the Purls purchased their home. "Every home in this neighborhood is unique, and the old trees make it even more special," says James.
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James, Lynsey, Hudson and Ava sit for a quick photo on their new back patio. "Remodeling our house one year at a time has allowed us to grow as a couple," says Lynsey. "Our tastes have changed over the years, and the slow pace means we can make our home functional for our family and stay more connected."
Thanks!
Dining room - Dovetail - Sherwin WIlliams
Breakfast room: Dorian Gray - Sherwin Williams
Living/Kitchen: Kilim Beige - Sheriwin Williams
Baby's room: Simply Gray (from Valspar but we had it matched at Sherwin Williams)
Exterior brick: Stone Gray ( Olymipic paints but also had matched at Sherwin Williams)
Can't find the kid's room color yet but looking :)