A 1977 Texas Ranch House Is Full of Color, Art, and Modern and Vintage Furniture
Name: Tracy Bennett, husband, two boys, and dog
Location: Irving, Texas
Type of home: 1977 Ranch
Size: 3280 square feet
Years lived in: 2.5 years, owned
Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: We stumbled into buying this home haphazardly. We were just “looking for fun” at real estate websites while updating our 1950s starter home to sell. When I came across the listing for this home I asked my friend and realtor if we could “just go look at it for fun.”
When I opened those big red double doors and looked into that space it was like the first time you find your wedding dress and know “it’s the one.” I gasped out loud and said, “OMG this is our house.” I knew. Its super unique layout made it sit on the market for a bit, so our offer was accepted straight away!
A few short months later we were in our dream home and I had huge plans for decorating and DIYing all the things. I saved pin after pin and stayed up late planning out the rooms and which one I’d do first.
We decided to sell all our current furniture upon moving and buy all new things to start from scratch. We made an agreement to try and buy as much as possible made in the USA or other countries that most things are not made in. This proved harder than I thought, but we made it happen and it turned out wonderfully.
Keep in mind, this was three months before Covid hit and we had an upstairs office that we thought would be great for my husband, a Financial Wealth Strategist, on the occasion that he might work from home. Little did we know that would end up being his permanent office. It couldn’t have been a better space. Upstairs, a bit secluded, and now he never wants to return to the office 12 miles away!
My boys got their own “hallway” on the lower level and share a bathroom, which they love. They are in their own spaces and couldn’t be happier. Murphy only hates not having a fenced-in backyard, but he has adjusted and loves his walks now.
I am a graphic designer and social media home decor and DIY influencer (@4009decorates) so working from home with all the windows and light has been perfect for me. Covid allowed me to find the silver lining in finding a passion for home design and DIYs and failing and learning along the way.
I identify as a self-proclaimed interior decorator and avid DIYer. A happy-go-lucky, easy-going person who loves to have color, modern furniture mixed with vintage, and tons of art. I am an unabashed art snob, as in I won’t buy or display much that isn’t original. Whether it be my kids’ art or Andy’s grandmother’s, or a local artist (Maren Devine Art is my fave!). I have also loved collecting some not original vintage pieces from FB Marketplace.
Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Colorful, inviting, unique, fun
What is your favorite room and why? My favorite room has to be my boys’ bathroom! I think because it was the first room I designed and made over all on my own. It is unexpected, bold, and fun. They absolutely love it!! (It was featured on Apartment Therapy a few months ago!)
What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The last thing I bought were the peel and stick wallpaper from Wallpops for our guest bath that I am currently making over.
Any advice for creating a home you love? Creating a home you love starts with you. I think anyone can do this. Don’t stick to trends is my motto. Sure, you can use some as a guide to help you define your style, but they are not a hard-and-fast rule in my opinion. I think using pieces that you value, are sentimental, and/or bring you joy are important. Don’t be afraid to make bold, unexpected choices in your designs or your furniture. I bought a teal sofa and it is definitely the most loved pieces by guests!
This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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