The love Dallas has for the midcentury home knows no bounds. Some people completely modernize them, and some recreate a total 1950s vibe. Then there are those owners who are born with an eye for design and a sense of whimsy who create a home that’s an experience. That would be Cindy and Jeff Maya.
When they bought this Midcentury Modern in University Hills in 2012, it was a plain Jane. The Mayas were looking for exactly that, a blank canvas they could make their own. Over the past 14 years, they turned that canvas into a work of art.
“My husband loves woodworking,” Cindy said. “Everything that was done here was done with love. We’d brainstorm in the evening, and I’d come home from work the next day, and Jeff would have it done!”
One of the couple’s clever changes to their Midcentury Modern home was wrapping the garage in an artistic wood pattern and adding a frosted garage door. What was once an eyesore has become a work of visual art during the day. And in the evening, when it’s lit up, it provides a warm welcome.
“It’s been a labor of love,” Cindy said. “The first thing we did was get rid of the carpet and tear down the wall between the living, dining, and kitchen areas to open it up.”
They captured some square footage from the spacious living areas and reconfigured the principal bedroom. A few years ago, they added 186 square feet to the kitchen by incorporating part of the outdoor covered porch.
“It’s so perfect now,” Cindy said. “When I walk past the entrance into the courtyard, it makes me smile every time. It’s a magical place to me.”
Yes, that is indeed a Murphy bed!
The Mayas spent a great deal of time considering their outdoor spaces as well. In addition to the courtyard, there is a backyard that winds around the home with a large turfed section leading to a fire-pit area. “That’s one of my favorite spots,” Cindy said. “We have lights out there and a Japanese Maple, it’s really special.”
This Midcentury home has also been party central for years.
“During my son’s junior and senior years in high school, everyone hung out here,“ Cindy said. “They watched the Super Bowl and World Series. We hosted annual Friendsgivings for up to 70 kids. There were many times I’d wake up and never know who was sleeping on the floor, and I loved that our house was the one the kids came to.”
The delightful screened porch is a true extension of the living space.
Jeff has a large workshop in the back of the yard that is air-conditioned. For those of you looking for a separate office space or to create an ADU, this is a perfect spot.
University Hills is minutes from White Rock Lake and in the Lakewood school district. If you are tired of cookie-cutter houses, this is a great opportunity to snag a home with true character!
Eve Holder with eXp Realty has 7208 Wake Forrest Dr. available for $700,000.
Check out a video on the property here!