James and Lynsey Purl select one major remodel project for their residence every year. One year they transferred a fundamental wall. They overhauled a bathroom another year. They built a rock deck away from their rear door and put in an outdoor grill. “You do not need to do it all at one time,” says James, who’s done a lot of the work himself. “You need to be patient,” Lynsey states. “Plus this manner of remodeling keeps us from debt, and we do not need to settle.”
This year’s project is centered not on the home but on the center, since the Purls are expecting their third child. Lynsey has spent months preparing the nursery and creating space for their new birth. “The baby’s room is really calm and inviting that sometimes I just sit in there alone to get a dose of calm vitality,” she states.
at a Glance
Who lives here: James and Lynsey Purl, Ava (6 years old) and Hudson (3)
Size: 1,741 square feet; 3 bedrooms, two baths
Location: Lake Highlands neighborhood of Dallas
Sarah Greenman
Pink and gray predominate in the new nursery, together with feminine details and classic filigree. Lynsey feels relieved the nursery has been completed well beforehand of the baby’s arrival. “Usually the third kiddo must make do, but I wanted to welcome her home with a distinctive distance,” she states.
Crib: JCPenny; bedding: Cottage & Cabin Interiors, Etsy; recliner, flower print: Home Goods
Sarah Greenman
Lynsey shopped Etsy to outfit the nursery with fabrics that are unique. She states, “I didn’t want to turn to page five of a catalogue and say, ‘Look, there is our house.'”
Curtains: Martha & Ash, Etsy; dresser: Ikea; chandelier: eBay
Sarah Greenman
Minimal closet space means that the household needed to get creative about storage. The vertical dresser is a family heirloom that holds baby’s layette.
Sarah Greenman
A small, elegant dining area overlooks the front lawn and greets guests as they enter into the home. The farm dining table, which Lynsey located at an antiques shop and painted white, seats. “I really like decorating, but it can be expensive. So the women in my household swap decoration from house to house to keep it fresh,” she states.
Buffet: Nadaeu; captain’s seat: World Market; chandelier: Lowe’s, wall prints: Goal
Sarah Greenman
The couple moved the rear wall of the dining area when they purchased the home in 2005. They wanted more room in their living room, which shares the wall, and didn’t mind losing square footage from the dining room. “I’m pretty good at fitting a whole lot into a little space,” states Lynsey.
Dining seats: Antique Alley; shelves: World Market; paint:
Dovetail, Sherwin Williams
Sarah Greenman
A little bar tucked into the corner retains stemware, wine and other entertaining essentials.
Wine buffet: Marshall’s; lamp: Goal
Sarah Greenman
A French-style dining table and seats perch at the edge of the kitchen at a cozy breakfast area. A tall matching cabinet provides storage and easy access to cake stands and serving bowls.
Pendant lighting: Ikea; paint:
Dorian Gray, Sherwin Williams
Sarah Greenman
The center of the Purl house is the living area. Comfort and functionality were key in designing this distance. “We are a busy household, and everything has to be lasting for your kids,” states James. “And while we do not have lots of square footage, it’s all well used.” Hardwood floors and leather upholstery make cleanup a snap, and most of the furniture does dual duty as toy storage.
Coffee table: Weir’s Furniture Outlet
Sarah Greenman
Gray ikat curtain panels framework French doors. Throw pillows in varying fabrics on the sofa and bar seats echo the home’s overall gray and white colour scheme. “If Nate Berkus and Rachel Ashwell had a love child, which would be my style,” states Lynsey.
Sarah Greenman
Between the living room and the kitchen, an ornately framed chalkboard hangs above a set of drawers. A chalkboard label fronts each drawer. “It is all about staying organized,” says Lynsey. “That is where I jot down our to-do list or sometimes a menu”
Storage unit: Hobby Lobby
Sarah Greenman
This distinctive classic shelving system sits against another living area wall. “This bit helps keep toys clean and off the ground,” she states. “But I think I’m getting the basket queen”
Baskets: World Market
Sarah Greenman
The gray and white colour scheme proceeds from the master bedroom. Casual, conventional and tasteful, the bedroom is outfitted with chevron curtain panels, mirrored side tables and a wooden sleigh bed.
End tables: Craigslist
Sarah Greenman
Masculine particulars, linen shams and cozy knit textiles keep the room grounded. “It was significant to me personally that our bedroom reflect our need for peace and comfort,” says Lynsey.
Sarah Greenman
The Purls enjoy decorating with natural items and used a bundle of twigs from their front lawn in addition to their own dresser. A botanical print, mirrored tray and chevron vase complete the vignette.
Vase: Goal
Sarah Greenman
Ava and Hudson share a cheery bedroom. Mismatched letters along with a rustic U.S. map hang above a distressed blue dresser, which also serves as a changing table.
Sarah Greenman
The gray and white colour theme continues from the children’s bedroom, but yellow and red accents keep it playful. The trundle bed is easy to establish and optimizes square footage.
Sarah Greenman
From the backyard, a charming kid-size home provides additional space for toys and play. “The kids are out there so much, we should probably incorporate it in our home’s square footage,” states James.
Sarah Greenman
A attic space, hardwood floors and pint-size furniture are a hit with all the kids and their friends. “I will probably just move here when I’m old,” states 6-year-old Ava.
Sarah Greenman
Front porch of the primary house has an inviting collection of retro patio furniture, potted greenery and a classic kitchen hutch.
Sarah Greenman
The 80-foot sycamore trees at front lawn were a major draw when the Purls purchased their house. “Every house in this neighborhood is exceptional, and the older trees make it much more special,” states James.
Sarah Greenman
James, Lynsey, Hudson and Ava sit for a fast photo on their new rear patio. “Remodeling our home one year at a time has allowed us to develop as a couple,” says Lynsey. “Our tastes have changed over the years, along with the slow pace means we can make our home operational for our loved ones and stay more connected.”