10 Cool Updated Ranch Houses

Ranch-style homes enjoyed immense popularity from the 1950s to the 1970s. Today many of those same homes are still around — faux-wood paneling, avocado-green tile and all. If you are looking to update a ranch-style home, gather inspiration from these 10 homeowners who have brought their homes into the 21st century with style.

Tara Bussema - Neat Organization and Design

Tara Bussema - Neat Organization and Design

Revamped Ranch in Costa Mesa

Who lives here: Ryan and Catherine Gale, daughter Gianna and son Rowen
Location: Costa Mesa, California

Concrete walkways, low-maintenance plantings and a new wood fence brought Ryan and Catherine Gale’s 1960s ranch-style home up to date while maintaining the home’s original footprint. The revamped central courtyard provides ample outdoor living space — which the family can use year-round, thanks to the mild Southern California climate.

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Heather Merenda

Heather Merenda

Indoor-Outdoor Flow in Vancouver

Who lives here: Patti Houston, Rick Williams and their youngest daughter, Jordan (age 21)
Location: North Vancouver

When Patti Houston and Rick Williams set out to completely renovate their 1954 ranch-style house in North Vancouver, they started with the kitchen. “We removed all the walls between the kitchen, dining and living areas to create a totally open space,” says Houston. “I love to cook, and that’s where we all hang out.” A bank of folding windows by NanaWall behind the sink connects to an exterior counter with stools, making it the perfect spot for entertaining and relaxing.

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Amity Worrel & Co.

Cheerful Color in Austin

Who lives here: James Spindler, Mina Kumar and their children, Rosemary and Louis
Location: Austin, Texas

Mina Kumar and James Spindler gave their ranch home in Austin a fresh, updated look with beautiful hickory wood floors, a custom turquoise kitchen island and a striking wall of encaustic cement tiles.

Tiles: Architerra

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Susan Teare, Professional Photographer

Susan Teare, Professional Photographer

Bright and Ecofriendly in Vermont

Who lives here: Tom Marrinson and Allison Beach
Location: Hinesburg, Vermont

When Tom Marrinson and Allison Beach bought their 1973 split-level ranch home in Vermont, it was more for the stunning property surrounding it than for the home itself, which was drafty and dark.

After living with things as they were for more than 10 years, the couple embarked on a major renovation to create a lighter, brighter and more energy-efficient home. The new kitchen features an open plan, custom cabinetry and energy-efficient windows and appliances.

Exterior galvanized steel: MBCI; fiber-cement siding: Certainteed

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Valerie McCaskill Dickman

Bill Bolin Photography

Southern Style in Texas

Who lives here: Christy and Adam Blumenfeld and their children, Alexandra and Ben
Location: Dallas

Homeowner Christy Blumenfeld loves to garden, so one of the first things she did after her family moved into their 1948 ranch-style house in Dallas was to plant 25 dogwood trees — which serve as a reminder of her Alabama roots — around the property. Now the tree-shaded drive creates a welcoming entrance to the home, which the couple also updated with larger windows, shutters and carriage-style garage doors.

In the kitchen two separate sinks and two faucets are flanked by appliances. The countertops are Calacatta gold marble, and the island is concrete. “Concrete is so easy to keep,” she says.

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Angela Flournoy

DIY Determination in Dallas

Who lives here: Ilya and Arina Gurfinkel and their son, Milan
Location: Dallas

Ilia and Arina Gurfinkel gave the master bath of their 1975 ranch-style home a major upgrade by replacing the outdated tile and a too-big tub with an elegant new bathtub, a floor-length mirror and a custom vanity. By doing most of the labor themselves, the couple was able to splurge on the new fixtures they really wanted.

Tub, sinks: Victoria + Albert Baths; vanity: (similar) Classic Double Sink Console, Pottery Barn

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Dana Nichols

Dana Nichols

Casual Coastal Style in Orange County

Who lives here: Michelle and Brad Perozzi with their 9-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter
Location: Santa Ana, California

One of the first things the Perozzis did when remodeling their 1960 ranch home was to remove an awkward pony wall dividing the entry area from the rest of the living room, opening up the space. Elsewhere in the home, the couple used sturdy materials, like jute rugs, to create coastal-feeling interiors that can stand up to active family life.

Previously floor-to-ceiling glass and skylights made the dining room too hot during the day, and blinds were dust collectors. The designers replaced all that glass with transoms and French doors to match the original style of the home.

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Sarah Greenman

Sarah Greenman

Kid-Friendly Home in Dallas

Who lives here: Ryan and Erin McLaughlin; their children, Kate (10) and Owen (5); and their pets, Lemon, a parakeet, and Scout, a terrier mix
Location: Lake Highlands neighborhood of Dallas

A farmhouse sink and lighting from Schoolhouse Electric set a charming tone in the McLaughlins’ newly opened-up kitchen. The kitchen in the family’s 1950s-era ranch home used to be much smaller, until the couple took down a wall separating it from the family room, creating one open-concept space. The new breakfast bar provides the perfect spot for the children to draw, do homework and snack.

The furniture in daughter Kate’s bedroom is hand-me-downs and vintage finds from local garage sales. A friend gave her the pouf covered in a geometric print. A cascading gallery wall of art, mirrors, frames and ephemera hangs above her headboard.

Paint: Reflecting Pool, Sherwin-Williams

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Kimberley Bryan

Kimberley Bryan

Diamond in the Rough in Portland

Who lives here: Heather Tucker
Location: Piedmont neighborhood of Portland, Oregon

When first-time home buyer Heather Tucker purchased her 1938 home, it had sat unoccupied for four years and was in terrible shape. “When I bought it, there were lots of issues,” she says, “like how the previous homeowner had plastered over live wires in the ceiling.” After hiring pros to take care of the safety issues, Tucker did much of the landscaping and painting herself — today, after four years of hard work, her home is bright, cheerful and charming, inside and out.

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Sarah Greenman

Sarah Greenman

A Twister’s Silver Lining in Dallas

Who lives here: John Gilliland and Lenore LoCascio; their children, Jack (age 16), Finn (14) and Haymanot (10); their dog, Lulu; and cats Ziggy and Marley
Location: Forest Hills neighborhood of Dallas

When a tornado damaged their ranch-style home, John Gilliland and Lenore LoCascio took it as an opportunity to remodel. Working with Melissa Williams of W2 Studio, the family added a fourth bedroom, guest bath and second family room, and reconfigured the kitchen — all while staying within the original footprint of the house.

Outside, concrete squares create a modular, low-maintenance walkway to the new facade. Geometric planters, a built-in teak bench and a bright green ground cover respect the modern feel of the remodeled house.

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SOURCE

www.americanhomecontractors.com/blog

To Dos: Your December Home Check List

From prepping for winter storms to gift-wrapping (or cookie-baking) marathons, December is a busy, holiday-focused month. Make the most of it by planning ahead, setting intentions and focusing on meaningful events rather than trying to do it all. The weather outside may be getting frightful, but that just means it’s the perfect time to get cozy indoors with a mug of hot cocoa. Check off these tasks for an easier, safer and cozier month.

Awad + Koontz Architects Builders

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1. Get ready for winter storms. Keep snow shovels, gloves, ice melt and window scrapers near the door. Mark the sides of your driveway and other key places with reflective poles, to help the snowplows see where to go. Even if it doesn’t snow where you live, it’s smart to keep the pantry stocked with food, bottled water, candles and flashlights in case of power outages.

Simple Pleasures: Stocking Up for Winter

Jeni Lee

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2. Disconnect hoses. If you haven’t done so yet, shut off the water supply to your outdoor faucets. After shutting off the water, turn on the faucets outside to allow any water left to drain out. Then disconnect garden hoses, drain the water and roll up the hoses to store them inside.

3. Decorate for the holidays —and sort holiday decor for the future. When you pull out the holiday gear this year, pay attention to what you are passing over. If you didn’t use a decor item last year and don’t feel like putting it up again, do your storage space a favor and donate it to charity.

Illuminations

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4. Make space for mucky boots, coats and scarves. If you have a coat closet by the door, clean it out to make way for bulky winter coats and boots. If you don’t have a hall closet, set up your own systems to handle mucky items. A boot tray on the floor, a bench for sitting on, wall hooks for coats and a basket for hats and mittens should do the trick.

5. Update emergency supplies. Put your mind at ease that you are prepared for emergencies by making sure you have a well-stocked emergency kit in the house and in the trunk of your car. At the very least, include bottled water, a hand-cranked radio, a flashlight and extra batteries, a cell phone charger, food, blankets and a first-aid kit. At home also keep your most essential documents in one easily accessible place.

Get Organized: First Aid, Emergency and Medical Supply Checklist

Sasha Meredith Designs

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6. Boost home security. If you will be traveling over the holidays, use light timers for interior lights and ask a friend or neighbor to take in mail. If it’s going to snow while you are away, hire a service to plow or shovel your walkways. It will give the impression that your house is being lived in and make coming home much more pleasant. Even if you are staying at home, consider adding motion-sensor exterior lights to make it less inviting to potential burglars.

7. Check for drafts. Feel a chilly draft when you’re hanging out in the living room? Don’t just reach for a blanket; get out the weather stripping! Taking care of gaps that let in cold air can make a big difference in how well your home holds heat.

Jeni Lee

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8. Set up a gift-wrapping station. Preparing early for the gift-wrapping frenzy means it won’t have to be frenzied at all. Stock up on pretty papers, ribbon, gift tags and tape — anddon’t forget to grab some plain boxes and gift bags for hard-to-wrap items, too. Set up your supplies near a table with enough room to spread out, and you’ll be ready to wrap.

Heide Hendricks

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9. Give the guest room some love. Expecting overnight visitors over the holidays? Get your guest quarters shipshape now and avoid a last-minute rush to get ready. If you can’t remember the last time the guest bedding was used, it may need to be laundered. Clean the room, make the bed and include a few extra touches, like a fluffy bedside rug and a carafe for water.

The Cure for Houzz Envy: Guest Room Touches Anyone Can Do

One Small Room - OSR Interiors & Building Design

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10. Set your intentions for the holiday season. Avoid the steamroller sensation that comes from giving in to too-high expectations this holiday season and commit to focusing instead on what is most important to you. If you have children, consider what you most want them to remember about the holidays at home once they are grown — and think back to what meant the most to you when you were young.

Tolaris Homes

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11. Go on a holiday home tour. Most holiday home tours are run by local historical societies — look in your local paper for happenings in your area. This time of year is often the only time some of the loveliest historic homes are open to the public, and fully decorated for the holidays at that! Going on a holiday home tour is a great way to get into the holiday spirit … and maybe get some ideas for your own home.

SOURCE

http://www.americanhomecontractors.com/blog

How to Ditch the Drapes and Let Your Windows Shine

Drapes are a beautiful — and functional — home privacy solution, great for covering up an unwanted view inside or out. But when your home has beautiful windows and privacy isn’t an issue, why hide them? Consider some of these classic and creative ways to dress your windows, whether you live in a secluded country house or a high-rise city apartment.

Emerick Architects

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TATUM BROWN CUSTOM HOMES

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Black Sashes

Sashes in interior design refer to the parts of the window holding each pane of glass in place — the frames within the frame.

Painting your sashes black is a classic way to create instant drama in a window without adding anything else. It’s common in countryside estates but looks perfectly contemporary in a more modern home that isn’t the size of an estate.

Fox Force Five Construction

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The window becomes like a sleek black picture frame, presenting the view beyond like art that changes a little each day.

Tip: Pair this look with small touches of black elsewhere so the space feels harmonious without looking gothic. Inexpensive frames or espresso wood chairs are perfect complements.

Victor Myers Custom Homes & Real Estate

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Green Sashes

Or try a dark green window sash. It’s softer than black but still classic and neutral, as it picks up the colors in nature. A magnificently tall ceiling like this one is beautiful but not required

Toronto Interior Design Group | Yanic Simard

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Elegant Moldings

When a client’s home has historic character, I never want to cover it up. Shades mounted inside the window frame, paired with eye-catching trim, allow light control without feeling fussy.

If you don’t have historic molding, a window is a great place to add some. It’s a smaller task than lining a whole ceiling, and you can do it in just one room.

Tip: I often paint window trim the same color as the wall to obscure any flaws or uneven edges. But I use a higher-gloss paint to make it shine.

Frame Your Views With Great Moldings and Casings

Crisp Architects

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If you have expansive windows, molding will create a more “decorated” look on the wall without blocking the view. It adds texture — so you won’t feel as though you’re surrounded solely by cold glass — while keeping the space airy.

Keep in mind when considering this look that north-facing windows are the best ones to leave bare, as they don’t receive harsh direct light. South-facing windows without shades or blinds could leave you blinded and overheated at midday. (The reverse is true in the Southern Hemisphere.)

Uncovered windows also can create more heat loss, so if you live in a cold climate, you may want to consider adding a heat-retaining film or an in-window shade for winter warmth.

LDa Architecture & Interiors

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Layered Windows 

Mirrors. Here’s a look I recently enjoyed while visiting the Shangri-La Hotel in Vancouver: mirrors layered over bathroom windows. It creates a resort feel but is practical and can be re-created at home.

Hanging a mirror in the window (either on a picture wire or by fixed metal supports) fills in the window enough to create a sense of privacy while still allowing light to filter in. For more privacy simply cover the exposed glass with translucent film.

Using a mirror this way allows you to move the vanity to areas you didn’t think possible. Imagine the floor plans you could create with your sink in front of a window.

Antonio Martins Interior Design

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The look also works with the mirror offset against the window. Using a window shade that matches the wall color helps smooth the asymmetry.

Bosworth Hoedemaker

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Shelves. As the trend of open upper shelves continues to grow, people are looking for new ways to apply them. One of my favorite ways is stretching shelves across windows.

Bosworth Hoedemaker

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Naturally, you’ll want to consider how your windows open and ensure that they remain operational.

This arrangement works with many shelves, or one, at a lower height for everyday items and a higher height for special pieces, such as the good china.

The look is especially effective when your kitchen view is of a neighboring building. You won’t feel too boxed in, but the emphasis will be drawn away from the wall beyond.

Tim Cuppett Architects

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Where possible, extend the look beyond the counters to help tie together a full room. This shelf can be used as a display space for flowers, photos or seasonal decorations.

Cathy Stathopoulos, CKD

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Lights. If you have a well-placed window in your kitchen but the angle does not invite a lot of light, it could be a perfect place to add a pendant light. The fixture will help illuminate the counter and will give the feeling of a natural radiance emanating from the outdoors.

Dungan Nequette Architects

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These layering looks can be combined to even greater effect.

ILevel

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Art. If your tastes run to the whimsical or eclectic, consider hanging art in front of a window. This creates an unexpected statement and is especially effective in contemporary condos that have no other place for art.

Tip: Make sure your art is secured well to the trim (and is in a UV-filtering frame). Or simply hang a light, inexpensive print on a stick-on hook for a fun look that can be changed when you want a different view. 

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