House Tour: A zen surf shack where Californian coastal vibe meets mid-century modern furniture

Architect Chad Dorsey's 3,000 sq ft home, dubbed the Surf Shack, located near White Rock Lake in Dallas, Texas, blends Californian coastal aesthetics with timeless mid-century modern furniture and wabi-sabi finishes. Dorsey acquired the property after spotting a for-sale sign while working on a client’s home in the area. The existing single-story house was demolished to make way for a new construction, envisioned after Dorsey was inspired by the plot's circular driveway and overgrown trees, which reminded him of a beach path in California. The home is shared by Dorsey, his partner Kurt Bielawski, and their two dogs, Jackson and Lucy. The architectural design of the Surf Shack emphasizes an effortless and unassuming appearance. The main structure is clad in stained shingles, mimicking the Japanese shou sugi ban technique of charred cedar board, and features black corrugated metal roofs. The interior and exterior spaces are unified by a white-based and light-colored material palette, reflecting the sunny Californian coastal vibe. The driveway, paved with white gravel, seamlessly transitions into the concrete flooring of the living space, creating a cohesive visual flow. Inside, the design incorporates concrete flooring, bleached walnut millwork and doors, warm white surfaces, and linen drapery to introduce softness and a sense of aged comfort. This design philosophy aimed to create an environment that felt established and well-maintained, as if it had existed for many years. The furniture collection primarily consists of vintage and mid-century pieces that Dorsey has owned for a long time, alongside restored and reupholstered found items. Notable pieces include 30-year-old black leather and wood armchairs, a gift from his architect uncle, and a Herman Miller sideboard from his parents. A coffee table with a fractured timber top, purchased 15 years prior at a sample sale, is also a prominent feature. Dorsey's aesthetic focuses on using natural materials with simple, textural finishes. Examples include raw steel bookshelves in the living room, designed to appear floating, and cork wall panels that provide a soothing texture in the lounge area. Copper shelves in the kitchen complement artisanal copper accents in the backsplash, enriching the muted color palette which also features bleached walnut, marble, and concrete. Artworks, such as a mud-room graffiti wall by muralist Joe Skilz and Thomas Langley’s 'Buy Mum A House' piece, add personal touches. Custom elements include a marble top for the dining table by Kara Mann for Milling Road at Baker Furniture, and a steel bed frame in the master bedroom, also by Kara Mann, which contributes to the room's Zen ambiance with a low table and ikebana-style vase. The overall design embodies Dorsey’s concept of “relaxed luxury,” characterized by understated elegance and a focus on tactile experiences. This approach involves custom furnishings with handcrafted elements and meaningful objects, reflecting the personalities of the residents. The attention to detail, though sometimes subtle, is intended to be appreciated by those with discerning eyes, creating an approachable yet sophisticated living environment. #CalifornianCoastalVibe #MidCenturyModern #WabiSabiFinishes #HomeTour #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #RelaxedLuxury #NaturalMaterials #VintageFurniture #CalifornianCoastalVibe #MidCenturyModern #WabiSabiFinishes #HomeTour #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #RelaxedLuxury #NaturalMaterials #VintageFurniture