Builder Philip Dunphy and interior designer Alejandra Martinez Dunphy head up a family of five, like their “Modern Family” namesakes. But their West Midtown home has a much different look from the Dunphy clan’s residence on TV.
This modern family renovated and added on to a house dating to the 1920s, transforming it into a home that mixes Victorian era architecture with Italian furnishings and current, eco-friendly elements.
“When we found out that we were expecting twins, we realized that we needed to move to a bigger house. Not only did we want to renovate it, but we wanted to make it as healthy as possible for the babies and also we wanted to make it as a green as possible,” said Alejandra, who holds a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) designation from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Eco-friendly decisions included the insulation and building materials, paints, furniture, flooring and accessories.
Snapshot
Residents: Philip Dunphy of Dunphy Properties and Construction, Alejandra Martinez Dunphy, owner of AD | Design Studio, and their three children, Brianne, 5, and 2-year-old twins Patrick and Camille.
Location: West Midtown.
Size: About 4,600 square feet, four bedrooms, three baths.
Year built: 1925, renovation and addition completed 2010.
Architectural style: Victorian.
Favorite architectural feature: The coffered ceiling and trim in the living room and dining room. The couple reused some of those original features or found Victorian-era replicas.
Interior design style: Victorian with a modern twist.
Favorite design feature: The entertainment center along one wall in the den was designed around two medicine cabinets that were original to the home. "We didn't want to throw them away. Unfortunately our bathroom didn't accommodate them, so we built that whole back cabinetry around it," Alejandra said.
Favorite green feature: The rain barrels, which capture and store rainwater that is used to irrigate their organic vegetable garden. The family grows tomatoes, herbs, sweet potatoes and other items.
Favorite outdoor feature: A nearly 12-foot deep front porch provides a vast space for the family and friends to gather. "The deeper the porch, the nicer the shade is," Philip said.
Favorite accessory: A gold-leaf mirror, which is among the antiques that Alejandra's mother collected. "It's very traditional. Then I have it right off these very clean-line, Italian white leather chairs," said Alejandra, who is from Peru. "It's stunning. I just love that. It's so eclectic, but at the same time, it looks just right."
Favorite kid-friendly feature: The mudroom, which has a bench, cubbies to organize shoes and other items, and a big wall to display calendars, artwork and reminders.
