Lakewood Midcentury Modern Proves Great Things Come in Small Packages

The general perception about Lakewood is that you need to have a million or more to move into the neighborhood. And for that million you’ll get a historic mansion or a huge newly constructed modern home. Our Saturday Six Hundred is a Lakewood midcentury modern, at 7158 Wildgrove Avenue, that proves you can get into the neighborhood for well under a million— and in high style.

This is what I like to call a Frank Sinatra starter home — a lot of class packed into a small package. This stylish package is move-in ready, listed with Donald Wright of Gilchrist & Company and it’s only going to cost you $649,000 to call it home.

At 1,379 square feet, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom home embodies all of the best elements hip buyers wanted back in 1952. The flat roof, angular details, and window walls that blur lines between indoors and out are all important hallmarks that have stood the test of time. In fact, we see these same elements recreated in new sustainable construction today. In the 1950s, bigger was not considered better, and the midcentury movement took advantage of clever use of space and smart design. This home is a sterling example of what worked then, working now, and why hip buyers of 2016 are not much different than those of 1952. It’s also important to note the trend towards smaller homes continues to grow so these midcentury homes are getting snapped up the moment they hit the market.

“Most people think a home under 1,400 square feet is going to feel small, but the way the space has been used is unbelievable,” Wright, said. “It’s a very open home and there’s a real sense of bringing the outside, inside. It has that same feeling you get when you walk into a really nice hotel, relaxing and well done. It’s really one of the best examples of midcentury modern I’ve seen.”

Smart updates have been made without compromising the original style of the home. Modern urban touches, like a sliding metal barn door between the kitchen and living areas, amp up the cool factor.

The kitchen has an astonishing amount of storage space, deftly engineered into a line of sleek white cabinetry.

I’m particularly in love with the wallpaper in the nursery. It’s Brazilliance by Dorothy Draper Fabrics & Wallcoverings, and just goes to show how much impact you can make with one wall. You’ve probably guessed the sellers have more than a passing knowledge of design. Katie Wietjes, of Katie Allen Interiors, and her husband own this great home. So, if you want to recreate any of these looks, you know where to turn.

It’s refreshing to see every owner over the years has fully embraced the pristine vintage black and mint green original bathroom. It’s in flawless condition.

The family room opens onto a lush backyard retreat, designed by Star Landscape. There’s plenty of room for entertaining and a gorgeous pool, which is basically a requirement for every Texas home.

Wildgrove is a great street with an amazingly eclectic style. The neighbors are friendly and location scouts have discovered this stylish pocket of Lakewood, so you won’t be surprised to see photo and film crews from time to time. It’s also within walking distance of White Rock Lake and Lakewood Elementary is a hop, skip and a jump away. This gem has only been on the market a couple of days so if you have a heart for midcentury modern, give Wright  a call — today.