New Construction with Curated Charm in Texas
Rollerblading on Peachtree Lane until the streetlamps came on, swimming until dusk on Stagecoach Drive; my childhood homes in Texas hold many of my fondest memories. I may not live there anymore, but the Lone Star State will always be with me. That being said, I am always extra excited when we get to feature the homes of fellow Texans.
Ryan and Cary Ray completely overhauled their 3,500-square-foot Highland Village, TX home. “It needed so much work,” Cary says. “It was built in 1999 and had seashells everywhere; tile, sinks, sconces, hardware — everywhere,” Cary says. The two were able to see the burgeoning potential under all those questionable designs, and were eager to take on the fixer-upper. New flooring, paint jobs, demolishing walls and from-scratch bathrooms took up the majority of the four-year renovation. It was quite the undertaking, but the since neighborhood was so great, the couple charged through.
Decorating the space took time as well. Waiting for deals, scouring Craigslist, and hunting at estate sales were just some of the ways that the young couple was able to achieve the “welcoming, collected” home they had always wanted. “I see so many beautifully decorated spaces that feel so rigid… I never want to take my home that seriously,” Cary explains. A little bit rustic, a little bit modern — I adore the interplay of the home’s various styles. Take a closer look and you’ll see how this couple has fit two brand headquarters, vintage finds and various collections into their charming Texas abode. Enjoy! —Garrett
Photography by Ryan Ray
Cary and Ryan initially found it a bit difficult to design around the living room. "There are two doors to the backyard in this space, and the room itself isn’t very big." This comfy sectional was the perfect solve, and the family loves relaxing with their feet up on the ottoman. Art from West Elm and eBay adorn the walls. Pillows from World Market, West Elm and Pottery Barn live on the sectional.
Cary scored this stunning, gold trunk for $30 at an estate sale. One of the home's three fiddle-leaf figs brings a touch of the outdoors into the living room. The sofa and clock are from the Restoration Hardware Outlet.
The raw-wood Restoration Hardware Outlet table has had paint, many dinners and wax spilled on it. That messy history is exactly what the couple loves about it. The copper Anthropologie chairs were a steal on Craigslist. Light fixture by Restoration Hardware Outlet.
Cary's dish collection sits on an IKEA shelf in the dining room. Some are vintage while others were found at Anthropologie.
The kitchen, dining room and office connect to create one large, airy space. That natural light and open-air atmosphere means the family spends most of their time in this downstairs space. Benjamin Moore "Stonington Gray" paint covers both the dining room and living room, creating cohesion between the spaces.
The home office used to be a porch, but the Ray's tore out its fountain, removed the french doors and bricked it in.
Positioning the office's desk to be looking out the window was non-negotiable. It keeps a smile on Cary's face as she works. Napkins, aprons, cushion covers, pottery; you name it, and her shop Salt Shop Handmades will soon sell it. The chair is from West Elm, and the desk is vintage.
Cary's favorite paintings – found on eBay – live here on the home office's dresser. She can't pinpoint exactly what draws her to paintings of old men, but says "I tend to go for the ones with kind eyes or what I presume to be seriously-good storytelling skills."
The home office has the largest window in the home. "It helps bring in much needed light to the [living] room on the other side." These Pottery Barn chairs along with the white cabinet were picked up on Craigslist.
A family friend's old chairs were given a new look through turquoise, linen upholstery. Though the home doesn't lack light, this room gets the least. The chairs' brilliant hue adds the "pop" that Cary was looking for.
The lighting is by Restoration Hardware Outlet. An IKEA cowhide rug and Pottery Barn sconces center the space.
Cary and Ryan have lovingly deemed their storage wall "book rainbow and other gems."
The original kitchen wasn't happy enough for the pair. Dark cabinetry, green countertops and cheap tile made it a real eyesore. By simply painting the cabinets white, the entire room was transformed into a bright and airy retreat. A small rug from One Kings Lane sits under the sink.
The North-Texas home's windows were a huge selling point for the couple. What Cary calls her "happiest plants" live on this windowsill soaking up the southern sun.
Cary snagged all these vintage, Spode "Jewel" dishes on eBay. Her wrapping-paper lining is an ingenious and frugal trick that adds great depth to the cabinetry. What a fun backdrop for the collection!
Photographer Ryan Ray and shop owner Cary.
When she is not collecting vintage dishes, Cary is curating vintage art. Her collection of old, nautical-inspired pieces fits so well on this wall. It's fittingly painted in Behr "Marine Magic."
The half bath's mirror was upcycled from an old wine barrel. The faucet is from Wayfair, and the lighting is from Fort Worth Lighting.
Having a guest room with twin beds – decorated with pillows in Lewis & Wood fabric – always garners interesting reactions from guests. The decor is so splendid, however, that I doubt they're truly anything less than thrilled to spend a night or two here. The side table and mirror were found on Craigslist, the headboards are from West Elm, the rug is from Anthropologie, and the sconces were bought at Urban Outfitters.
"It was important for me to put together a guest room with the intention of making our guests feel comfortable and important. A place to put away their things, a chair to read in, fresh sheets to sleep in; these things go a long way for friends who are far away from home." Ballard Designs is responsible for the gorgeous mirror, the plaid ottoman is from Anthropologie, and IKEA makes the white armchair.
More of the couple's vintage collection tops the guest room's dresser. Sherwin Williams "Rainwashed" – cut in half – was used on the walls.
The master bedroom "is a dark, cozy retreat" for the creative couple. Having a bedroom that they "enjoyed going to bed in and waking up to each day" was a top priority when decorating. Wisteria makes the round mirror, and the side tables are from World Market.
The master bedroom is painted in Farrow & Ball "Down Pipe," and decorated with Restoration Hardware bedding, West Elm shams, Red sconces, and photography by Ryan.
A charming seating area makes the room not only a spot for sleeping, but for reading, creating and relaxing as well. The chair is from West Elm.
At the top of the stairs, an American flag pops off of the Benjamin Moore "Tuxedo" paint job.
Bringing anyone into your home is stressful, so I can't imagine having clients over for consultations and meetings. Ryan's beautiful studio; however, is always client-ready with a clean and vintage feel. Chelsea Petaja made the artwork above the Restoration Hardware sofa. The rug, coffee table and chair were found at West Elm. Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. carries the sconces.
Ryan's desk faces the cozy, cognac-leather seating area. The desk was made from a giant piece of butcher-block wood.
Cary's mom is no stranger to the at-home studio for Salt Shop Handmades. The upcoming online shop is a true collaboration between mother and daughter. Her Mom's an "incredible creative who can pretty much do it all," so we are excited to see what's in store from the new brand!
A preview of some of the handmade oil paintings, linens and pottery that the shop will carry.
The home's floorplan.
The is a lovely, calm, well thought through house, and I really enjoyed the pictures. That said, from over here in London, the phrase “the room itself isn’t very big” made me chuckle. Oh, to teleport some Texan-sized rooms into London flats.
Gorgeous place! I love those turquoise chairs. I actually just installed the same light fixture in my bathroom! It looks great, but in my own bathroom it doesn’t provide very much light (and I don’t have an overhead light. I wonder if there is an overhead light in this bathroom or how light gets in otherwise? (with the dark walls I’d imagine this was thought through!)
Oh how I love this couple and their beautiful home! They did such a lovely job creating a space that is beautiful yet accessible and cozy. Two talented, creative hearts. xox
From the bricked in porch to the turquoise chairs and the light above them, this place has so many amazing aspects! Wow!
I love these people— their home perfectly represents their joy! Love love love!
I love the creativity of this couple and how everything coordinates without always matching. I make unique custom curtains that aren’t expensive in lots of patterns and colors.
Where can I find this ottoman? Love it!
Where is that dark grey lamp in the guest room from?
Where can I find the black drawers that go with the butcher block to make the desk?
Most of us have a somewhat new construction house. It is a struggle to give it that old charming feel of a historic home. These couple proved that it can be done. I love every corner of this place.
Love the desk! Where can I find the black drawers? Was it custom?
I have always wondered what it would lookalike to mix metals – kitchen hardware: looks like some brass and some bronzed. Like it!!!
Hi,
I’m currently redoing a kitchen and wondering which bridge faucet you have – Perrin & Rowe? P.S. Would you do this again or a pull down type?
Thanks in advance!