First-Time Home Buyers Make a Desert Boho Dallas House

Name: Miks Riggs, my husband, dog named Douglas, and currently 2 foster children
Location: Valley Ranch — Dallas, Texas
Size: 2,800 square feet
Years lived in: 5 months, owned

It was a big deal for my husband and I to buy this home—it’s our first! I have lived in 11 different apartments in the last eight years, so I was used to moving, but that doesn’t mean I enjoyed it! We got married two years ago, so we were ready to feel more grounded and find a home to raise a family. Right now, we have an instant family of five—our dog named Douglas, a foster baby, and a foster toddler! Our home is in a family neighborhood with great schools and parks, but what really sealed the deal was the view: The house sits along a canal. My favorite things to do are to rock in the rocking chair on the balcony with the fire pit on or float in the pool while my husband grills.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Desert bohemian home.

What is your favorite room and why? My favorite room is the master bathroom because that was our biggest splurge, on a budget. We have our dream bathtub and shower tower. My favorite way to unwind at the end of the day is to soak in the tub. It’s my husband’s favorite way to relax too, so each day, we legitimately plan who gets to use the tub and when haha. We have a smaller tub in our kids’ bathroom, and I’m in love with its wall tiles, but it just doesn’t feel as luxurious.

If you could magically change something about your home, what would it be? Our kitchen is in need of an upgrade. We had to choose between remodeling the master bathroom or kitchen, and we chose bathroom because, like I just mentioned, we’re obsessed with baths. It wasn’t an easy choice because we’re both foodies, and my husband loves to cook. However, the original bathroom was way more outdated than our kitchen is!

Any advice for creating a home you love? I won’t lie, remodeling before moving in was a huge stress. The home wasn’t our style when we bought it, but we saw its potential, so we changed what we couldn’t stand—the upstairs carpet to hardwood floor, the strange yellow wall paint to white with emerald green accent walls, and the upstairs bathrooms. We had to be financially responsible, so we bought all our tiles at Floor & Decor, our tub was about an eighth of its retail price at Seconds & Surplus, and we bought items like our cute sink faucets and bowls at IKEA and on Amazon. In other words, find the right stores and warehouses with quality products and unbeatable prices! Make sure to read reviews!

Thanks, Miks!

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