A Mid-Century Modern Revival: The Nolen Home in Lake Highlands

From the refined tastes of her high school days at Ursuline Academy of Dallas, Rebecca Nolen has always possessed a distinct and sophisticated design aesthetic. I recall her bedroom being the envy of our friends, a space curated with an elegance far beyond our years. Even her choice of snack, a Welsh rarebit, during a study session, showcased a worldly palate, a stark contrast to my usual post-school Cosmic Snacks. It was clear then that Rebecca had an innate understanding of style and quality, a trait that has only deepened and matured over the years, culminating in the spectacular mid-century modern renovation of her Lake Highlands home.

Crafting a Vision: Inspired by Icons and Personal Style

In 2005, Rebecca and her husband Richard embarked on a journey to find their perfect home. Their discerning taste, honed over years of admiring architectural masterpieces, guided their search. Richard fondly recalls visits to iconic residences like the Eames House in Los Angeles and a Neutra House in Palm Springs. These experiences weren’t just about appreciating design; they were about understanding a way of living. “The Eames House, with its vibrant red and blue panels, might appear almost like a child’s toy from the outside,” Richard explains, “but inside, it’s a treasure trove reflecting Charles and Ray’s travels and lives. It wasn’t a sterile monument to design; it was a home. That’s precisely the spirit we aimed to capture.”

This philosophy — a blend of modern design with lived-in warmth and personal history — became the cornerstone of their renovation project. They sought to create a space that was both aesthetically striking and deeply personal, echoing the inviting yet sophisticated ambiance of the legendary Eames residence.

The “Ranchette” Reimagined: From Drab to Dream Home

When Rebecca and Richard first laid eyes on “the ranchette” in 2005, it presented a formidable challenge. The 1,341-square-foot, three-bedroom property on a quarter-acre corner lot in Lake Highlands was undeniably dated and drab. Yet, beneath its tired exterior, they saw immense potential. “Honestly, we only looked at about three houses, and this was the first one,” Rebecca recalls. “It was pretty much a dump – torn carpeting, ratty wallpaper, broken fiberglass shower enclosures, and a failing HVAC system. But it was flooded with natural light, and the kitchen was enormous. There was something about it that just felt right.”

Beyond the inherent charm, one crucial detail solidified their decision: the absence of a popcorn ceiling. “Popcorn ceilings still rank among my worst nightmares,” Rebecca admits, highlighting a common, yet often overlooked, pain point in older homes. This seemingly small detail signaled less work and a clearer path to their mid-century vision. The Nolens weren’t deterred by the initial disrepair; instead, they were inspired by the blank canvas and the promise of transformation.

A Neighborhood Transformed: Inspiring Mid-Century Modernity

The work the Nolens have meticulously poured into their home over the years is nothing short of spectacular. They transformed a mundane, uninspired house into a vibrant showcase of mid-century personality, imbued with elegant style and thoughtful design choices. But their influence doesn’t stop at their doorstep. “We have neighbors who genuinely get what we’re doing and, in turn, raise the bar themselves,” Rebecca notes. “There are some serious mid-century modern remodels happening around us, constantly giving us fresh ideas.”

This communal spirit of design is evident throughout Highland Meadows. Rebecca recounts an instance where next-door neighbors embraced the mid-century modern aesthetic for an outdoor update, incorporating oversized aluminum house numbers, replacing a traditional brass lantern with a giant globe pendant, and boldly using a quirky chartreuse paint color for their trim. This shared passion for mid-century modern design creates a cohesive and evolving aesthetic across the neighborhood, making Lake Highlands a burgeoning hub for this architectural style.

The Allure of Lake Highlands: Community and Convenience

The Nolens’ decision to settle in Lake Highlands, specifically the Highland Meadows neighborhood near Northwest Highway and Plano Road, was a deliberate one. This area boasts a rich collection of mid-century modern homes, including a significant residence designed by John Bartel, further solidifying its appeal for architectural enthusiasts. Rebecca has long championed the area’s potential, stating, “Ten years ago, I said Lake Highlands would be the next Lakewood, and I still think I’ll be right… eventually.”

Beyond its architectural heritage, Lake Highlands offers an unparalleled quality of life. The Nolens cherish being close to White Rock Lake, a beloved natural oasis for recreation and relaxation. The recent proliferation of farmers’ markets, along with local favorites like The Green Spot and Haute Sweets Patisserie, contributes to a vibrant community atmosphere. “Things just keep getting better and better here,” Rebecca enthuses. A significant part of Lake Highlands’ charm lies in its established community; many neighbors are long-time residents from the 1960s and 70s, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support. This blend of evolving amenities and deep-rooted community spirit makes Lake Highlands an exceptional place to call home for those seeking a modern lifestyle with a touch of nostalgia.

A Design Philosophy: Modern, Not Sterile

The Nolens’ personal style icons are, fittingly, Charles and Ray Eames. Their home embodies a design philosophy that champions modernity without succumbing to sterility. It’s a space that feels curated and thoughtful, yet utterly inviting and unpretentious. The interiors are neither kitschy nor overly serious, striking a perfect balance between playful elements and sophisticated design. This approach is beautifully illustrated by the distinct pieces found throughout their home: a pillow featuring Alexander Girard’s iconic tribute to the moon landing, alongside a charming papier-mâché umbrella stand from San Juan Capistrano, whimsically shaped like a mustachioed man. Each item tells a story, contributing to an overall narrative of global travels, personal passions, and a deep appreciation for unique artistry, all within a clean, mid-century framework.

The Transformation Begins: Immediate Impact Changes

The Nolens’ dedication to their home renovation was so profound that planning began even before the sale was finalized. “I started picking at the wallpaper before we even closed – I don’t advocate that, but it was already peeling up, and I couldn’t resist!” Rebecca confesses with a laugh. The previous owners had attempted a ‘Ralph Lauren’ aesthetic, but it was executed with budget materials, resulting in a look that felt cheap and dated. One of their first acts upon gaining ownership was to transform the oppressive jewel-toned walls with a clean, bright white, instantly opening up the space. The fake chair rail, a common design faux pas of the era, was promptly removed, stripping away unnecessary clutter and allowing the walls to breathe.

Fortuitously, a large dog belonging to the previous owners had already taken care of the hallway carpeting, which was happily destined for bulk trash pickup. This presented an immediate opportunity for an upgrade, and the Nolens quickly installed warm maple flooring from Seconds and Surplus, establishing a consistent and inviting base throughout the main living areas. The “gag-worthy” blue gingham wallpaper in other areas also met its demise, further contributing to the fresh, white canvas that would define their home’s new aesthetic. These initial, impactful changes set the stage for the thoughtful mid-century modern design that would unfold.

Revamping the Functional Spaces: Kitchen and Bath Floors

Beyond the cosmetic, crucial functional improvements were high on the priority list. “We got rid of a stove that looked like it belonged in 2001: A Space Odyssey, but not in a good way,” Rebecca quips, highlighting the need to replace outdated appliances with more streamlined, modern alternatives. For the hall and master bath floors, they opted for simple white square ceramic tiles. This choice was both economical, costing maybe $75 per floor, and sentimental, reminiscent of the clean, classic look Rebecca grew up with. In the kitchen, the existing parquet flooring was badly buckled and beyond repair. After removing it, the concrete slab was stained and sealed, providing a durable, low-maintenance, and stylish industrial-chic surface that perfectly complemented their emerging mid-century aesthetic.

Evolving Enhancements: Lighting, Landscaping, and Curb Appeal

Over time, the Nolens continued to refine and upgrade their home, focusing on details that enhanced both aesthetics and functionality. Nearly all the light fixtures in the house have been replaced, a testament to the importance of lighting in creating a specific ambiance. Modern sconces now illuminate the hall bath, iconic Nelson bubble lamps grace the kitchen and dining room, and a stylish Le Klimt fixture adds character to the guest bedroom. Each choice contributes to the overall mid-century modern glow. The exterior received significant attention as well: large perennial beds were added to the backyard, a full-house sprinkler system was installed, the aging air conditioner was replaced, and perhaps most strikingly, the original pink exterior brick was painted a soft, inviting white.

Rebecca had envisioned painting the brick even before they purchased the house. “My childhood home was this same color pink brick, and it was painted as soon as we moved in,” she explains. “In 20 years of living there, we never had to repaint, so I knew it would be a successful, long-lasting change.” The key, she stresses, was choosing the right shade: a soft, warm white that wouldn’t feel stark or overwhelming. She recounts a cautionary tale of neighbors whose stone house was painted a “terrifying and blinding” bright white, a mistake she was determined to avoid. A major visual improvement for curb appeal came with the replacement of the rotting wooden columns with custom-designed metal panels. Rebecca drew inspiration from interlocking circular themes seen during their travels in California, and their talented next-door neighbor expertly welded and installed these unique architectural elements, adding a distinctive and modern touch to the facade.

The Dream Master Bathroom Renovation

Not all changes happened simultaneously; some projects, like the master bathroom, required careful planning and patience. Two years ago, they finally undertook a dream remodel of their master bathroom, transforming it into a luxurious and highly functional space. The “Vegas” fiberglass shower enclosure, complete with distracting flecks of gold glitter, was decisively replaced with a sleek glass shower. Oversized gray subway tiles adorned the shower walls, while the floor featured a charming and tactile pennyround tile. “The master bath remodel is something that makes me happy every single day,” Rebecca shares, underscoring the profound impact of well-executed design.

Every fixture was chosen with meticulous care and shared enthusiasm. From the elegant chrome cross-shaped taps to the practical handshower on a slide bar, and especially the thoughtfully designed shower door with no crevices for cleaning, every detail contributes to a seamless experience. The pennyround tile feels wonderful underfoot, adding a sensory delight to the space. Even hidden functionalities, like an outlet concealed inside the medicine cabinet for charging Sonicare toothbrushes, speak to the Nolens’ commitment to thoughtful design and everyday convenience.

Future Projects: Kitchen, Baths, and Outdoor Living

With much of the house transformed, the Nolens still have ambitious plans on the horizon, starting with the heart of the home: the kitchen. “The 60s cabinets have fixed shelves that simply don’t accommodate a modern-day cereal box, and they’re not in great shape,” Rebecca explains, highlighting the functional deficiencies of the current space. They are considering IKEA’s new SEKTION system, attracted by its modularity and abundance of drawers. While Rebecca is keen to explore countertop materials beyond ubiquitous granite, her one concession to current trends will be a stylish waterfall peninsula, adding a contemporary edge to the mid-century inspired space.

Other significant renovations include integrating a panoramic, floor-to-ceiling sliding door in the kitchen, designed to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living and maximize natural light. The hall bathroom is also slated for a remodel, which will feature a custom-built, floating walnut vanity and replace the existing fiberglass shower enclosure with an interesting, unique tile. Several windows will be replaced with much larger counterparts to enhance the home’s bright and airy feel. Richard, ever the enthusiast for outdoor amenities, envisions adding a serious wood-burning pizza oven to the backyard at some point. Looking far down the line, Rebecca even muses about replacing their existing shed with a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU), an idea sparked by admiring model summerhouses during a trip to Scotland a few years ago. Their home is a testament to continuous evolution and a long-term vision for ideal living.

Wise Words for Homeowners: Renovation Wisdom

Drawing from their extensive experience, the Nolens offer invaluable advice for other homeowners embarking on their own renovation journeys. Rebecca’s primary piece of wisdom is straightforward yet profound: “Don’t wait until you’re about to sell the house to renovate it. If you’re going to spend the money, why not do it when you can enjoy the changes yourself?” This philosophy encourages homeowners to invest in their immediate quality of life, rather than deferring improvements solely for future resale value. Enjoying a beautifully designed and functional home now offers dividends in daily happiness and comfort that far outweigh waiting.

Another sage bit of wisdom from Rebecca centers on the often-overlooked long-term costs associated with home improvements. She urges homeowners to consider repair, replacement, and cleaning efforts when making renovation decisions. “It may look great for a little while, but can you refinish or repair the flooring or tile when it inevitably gets scratched?” she challenges. She points out that even with careful use, wear and tear are inevitable. Opting for materials that are durable, easily maintainable, and repairable can save significant time, money, and frustration in the long run. Her practical advice underscores the importance of not just initial aesthetics, but also the enduring livability and maintenance of a thoughtfully designed home.