Retro-Cool Playfulness Fits a Dallas Family

Built during the introduction of space travel, an invasion of British music and the first season of The Jetsons, that this 1959 mod-style house is a beautiful expression of midcentury style. Following a constant three-year search, Brian and Katherine Bishop found this funky Dallas home and upgraded it to fit their loved ones, leaving echoes of its design roots. The couple’s quirky and colorful sense of style perfectly matches the house, which has been inspire their evolving design decisions.

in a Glance
Who lives here: Brian and Katherine Bishop and their children, Ava (6 years old), Lola (4) and Otto (18 weeks)
Size: 2,000 square feet; 3 bedrooms, two baths
Location: Dallas

Sarah Greenman

A glowing orange modular shelving system dominates the back wall of their living room. Chrome accents and geometric artwork pop from the grey wall. “Brian’s dependence to the recliner is out of control,” Katherine says. “He has been collecting them for decades, and we have them all over the house in a variety of colours.”

Wall paint: High Speed Steel, Valspar

Sarah Greenman

A triangular hearth oversees the sunken living area, which the Bishops jokingly call “the downstair.” Indestructible plastic round chairs are fantastic for the children, that love climbing on the living room furniture. “The first time I walked into the house and found that fireplace, I was sold,” says Katherine.

Area rug: Target; seats, chrome sculpture: Lula B’s

Sarah Greenman

“We removed the dark wood paneling once we moved in and painted everything,” says Katherine. The modular sofa is a reupholstered find from eBay.

Wall paint: High Speed Steel, Valspar; throw pillows: Target

Sarah Greenman

Music often inspires Brian’s design aesthetic. He switched this built-in bookcase into a music epicenter which boasts two record players, music storage and a built-in speaker program.

Sarah Greenman

The living area gives way to a media room which overlooks the backyard. The backyard expands across a large wooded incline and down to a creek. “I love being able to get into the creek from our backyard to explore with our kids,” says Katherine.

Sarah Greenman

The couple’s favourite view of the residence is from the outside looking in. “Seeing the home lit up like this makes it feel really happy and warm,” says Brian.

Sarah Greenman

The few had some design help from Cindy Jett of Mode Design at Dallas. The largest challenge was balancing the retro look with their contemporary family life. “We wanted to remain true to the initial design of the house, but we also want modern conveniences,” says Katherine. “It has to be based around our loved ones, or it just will not work”

A row of contemporary seats is tucked under the TV in the press room.

Orange magazine stand: Collage; gloomy seats: Lula B’s

Sarah Greenman

Amid the vivid orange and true blue shades, and chrome and plastic accents, natural elements like small potted succulents maintain the home grounded.

Sarah Greenman

A contemporary black leather sofa and armchair seem as they’re levitating on their clear plastic bases.

Fortunately, the Bishops have an easy time making design decisions together. When they shop, they often find themselves picking out the exact same item.

Sofa, armchair: eBay; java table: chrome, Lula B’s

Sarah Greenman

The couple worked together with architect Craig Beneke to remodel the home and update the kitchen ; the kitchen remodel was a two-year project. “It is tough for most people to reestablish everything all at one time, so we do just a tiny bit at a time,” Brian says. The couple removed a backsplash and installed a long single glass pane in its place, which fills the room with light and a great view of the backyard.

Chairs: Panton, Eurway

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This orange backsplash was a daring choice that paid off. “I love color that really pops, and I’m not afraid to make large design decisions,” Katherine says.

Countertops: Silestone; cabinets: Poliform

Sarah Greenman

A low-profile electric stovetop overlooks the backyard. “I desired gasoline, but once Brian saw the electric honeycomb cooktop, I knew there was no talking him out of having them” says Katherine. “He’s got a love for many things hexagon.”

Stove: Scott Cooner

Sarah Greenman

The master bedroom features large plate glass windows having a backyard perspective and a wall of exposed brick. Funky furnishings, such as a round tufted chair in neon orange, maintain the space fresh and fun.

Bedding: Target; mirror, orange chair: Lula B’s

Sarah Greenman

The 2 daughters share a bedroom just off the living area. Vertical paned windows flank an exposed brick wall. The modular bunkbeds were hand crafted by Denny Pilcher, a handy family friend.

Sarah Greenman

The Bishops found these gleaming plastic dresser drawers in Dolly Python, a vintage shop in Dallas. They wash easily and provide ample storage for the kids’ toys and clothes.

Dollhouse: Moolka

Sarah Greenman

Bright colours and contemporary furniture join the girls’ room visually with the rest of the house.

Dresser: Room Service Vintage; TV stand: Target

Sarah Greenman

An illuminated “A” shares tabletop space with three miniature mushrooms. Puzzles, games and toys neatly away in these cabinets.

Cupboards: Stuva, Ikea

Sarah Greenman

A geometric cinder block wall gives way to a ice-blue front door on the exterior. A vertical window permits the household to see people as they approach the doorway.

Sarah Greenman

Brian enjoys collecting vintage stair-step planters. Katherine teases him about his hobby. “If Brian loves something, he can’t stop at just one. He must have multiples,” she states.

Sarah Greenman

Like most midcentury homes in their area, the Bishops’ home has a low, single-story profile. Landscaping is going to be the family’s next big project.

Sarah Greenman

Ava, Brian, Katherine, Otto and Lola on the couch. “We love gathering, but our home is not a museum,” says Katherine. “We live here, and so do the kids. It has to work for the entire family.”

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