the midcentury ranch for a new generation
Here’s what we were dealing with: a cramped, closed kitchen.
This 1955 home is small and the like it that way. BUT they need a smidge more kitchen space and better flow between space. They hoped to transform the kitchen into a tidy and organized spot both cooks will enjoy.
3 min readThe right addition creates great wfh and hangout space.
Here’s what we were dealing with: A mid-century modest 1952 ranch resting on a fairly large lot with a lot of trees. A screened porch was doing little to connect to the great yard and the family was craving a way to create a family room and kitchen that would flow together.
Our goal was to design an addition in step with the original time period of the 1950’s ranch that could become what the clients called their Love Shack – the central focus of the home and a place for the whole family to connect.
We provided options at three scales, including the must have elements in each. First we follow the existing roof line and stick to the existing construction type of the house, creating a “cross gable” addition on one level that pushes out further into the yard. Next we contrast the existing house with a lighthouse shaped addition that creates a lovely lantern effect. Finally, we split the difference quite literally with a split level addition with room for both a small mudroom and office.
2 min readFind the perfect WFH spot in the space you already have.
Here’s what we were dealing with: This 1952 basic ranch had a basement with plenty of space but not much style. With the right updates it could be the perfect spot for a cool home office, plus guest area. The bathroom needed a serious upgrade to be guest-worthy and the balance of the basement needed the right divisions for everything to work.
Our goal was to build a snazzy right-sized office with sound privacy, while reserving space for guest stays. Bonus points were awarded for including a potter’s corner.
We provided both an option that claims lots of currently finished and unfinished, along with a version concentrated in the existing finished footprint. Both options improved the bathroom in place for ease and savings on plumbing costs.
3 min readYou can create a high-end owners’ suite without moving walls. Floating storage and built-ins, along with just the right nudges elevate without adding space.
Here’s what we were dealing with: a bland owners’ suite lacking mid-century charm and functional storage.
This charming 1956 ranch already had a functional floor plan. The clients wanted an mcm feel for the bathroom upgrade and better storage, without too much disruption. Luckily for these clients hoping to concentrate their budget in other areas, busting down walls is not the only way to add a high-end owners’ suite.
Our goal was to liven up the existing owners’ bathroom with minimal changes to the plumbing and consider the overall bed/bath situation in the private areas. We focused on creating a more charming en suite with updated finishes and reclaiming the second bath from some unfortunate renovation decisions by a former owner.
Our three schemes provide options at every level of renovation. A slight tweak can yield significant changes. Cleverly placed floating storage and full-height built-ins can transform a space without tanking the budget. Plus, they allow for generous high-end storage within a smaller footprint than a walk-in closet. Snagging a few inches from a closet discreetly broadens a bathroom for a more comfortable experience.
3 min readStealing (space) pays off big when it allows you to create a fabulous high end owner’s suite.
Here’s what we were dealing with: a neglected home, but with many quintessential MCM details intact. The existing bedrooms were functional, but the bathroom and powder room arrangement was very snug.
This 1955 home was a fantastic one-of-a-kind mid-century design! The existing layout could still be very functional for modern living with few changes. Some beautiful and interesting elements remained intact – including paneling, original windows, and slate flooring in the entry. There is a significant possibility that two or more generations will live in the house together at various times and that the oldest generation will age in place.
Our goal was to combine space from nearby rooms to create an true owners’ suite with accessibility features for aging in place. We also wanted to carve out a true second bathroom on the main level.
Our three schemes allow the owners options at every level of renovation. We proposed several ways to combine space from nearby rooms to create a true owners’ suite and a true second bathroom. Built-ins allow for generous high end storage within a smaller footprint than a walk in closet.
Here’s what we were dealing with: a very basic ranch that had been through an unfortunate 1990’s remodel.
Built in 1956, this was a modest house from the get go. But one that reflects the focus on maximized efficiency as a defining feature of the era. The homeowners described their home as a “pretty boring, standard builder grade ranch”. They wanted to add some style to the exterior and connect to the outdoor space for daily living. The house had one of the trickiest kitchen layouts we’ve ever encountered in a mid-century home!
Our goal was to add some interest to the exterior aesthetics and make the most the outdoor space by improving the connection to the living spaces with an adjustment (or transformation) of the kitchen.
We focused on solutions that could be implemented in phases – adding surrounding elements, anchoring the porch, and even replacing the siding eventually. The house’s pleasant form and classic ranch elements would allow for a dramatic shift with small one-off projects or with simple updates. The potential for a kitchen addition in remodel budget allowed us to explore a deck as an option to improve flow out to the backyard.
Here’s what we were dealing with: a mid-mod cutie that was doing double (and at times triple!) duty for a busy family. Adjusting the layout to function for family time, school and work – all happening at home – was the top priority.
This 1960 house came with a some awkward space allocations, but enough square footage to meet all the needs of a young family. The house had great curb appeal and outdoor areas. Inside, homeschool space, work space, and hang out space were must haves. Plus they really needed a better bedroom and bathroom configuration to take the pressure off during high demand times of day.
Our goal was to provide options to rework the bathrooms for better busy times like teeth brushing and bath time. The existing bedrooms were functional, but lacking in storage. We proposed several ways to borrow space from nearby rooms to improve bathroom function and provide options for expanded spaces, as well as add ample and accessible storage in multiple areas.
Our three schemes allow the family more and less private options. plus space trade-offs. We proposed several ways to reconfigure storage and the hallway to make a both better owners’ bath and super second bathroom. Built-ins allow for additional storage within a smaller space saving footprint.
3 min readWe filled in this kitchen for maximum cooking area, super storage, GREAT flow between spaces and room for multiple cooks.
Here’s what we were dealing with: a funky 1990’s kitchen remodel that didn’t function well or feel right for the home.
This 1955 home situated in a historic area is just one of many beautiful examples of mid century design on the block. The owners were hoping to turn back time a bit while adding features to make modern living easier. They hoped to transform the kitchen into an organized space where everything has a distinct place, while adding warmth and personal touches.
Our goal was to highlight the original design features of the home – beautiful beams and a great layout – while re-allocating the main space to create a functional entry and cohesive, welcoming living spaces. We wanted to design a multi-cook and kid kitchen connected to the social spaces.
This kitchen needs to do a lot. It’s a cooking space (for multiple cooks), a social hub and an “everything” family space. Our schemes tweak or modify an existing plan and improve the layout to give it a shine in both practicality and style! We focused on allowing for maximum cooking area, more storage, GREAT flow between spaces and a better way for two or more to gather around the island.
2 min readA clever layout shift may be all you need to take a shoebox kitchen from cramped to comfy.
Here’s what we were dealing with: A tight kitchen with very little space for expansion, a desperate lack of storage and out-of-date appliances.
This splendid architect designed 1964 home was nestled in a neighborhood of similar unique builds. The original single-cook kitchen tucked into a corner between stairs and exterior walls. Beautiful original paneling created warm social spaces in the adjacent dining and living area which opened onto a lovely in-ground pool.
Our goal was to pack in as much functional storage as possible while opening up the space to accommodate two cooks a little more comfortably. With little space for expansion, we worked within the existing footprint and discreetly snagged some space from the adjoining utility closet.
Our three schemes show creative options that stay (mostly) inside the box. Condensed full-height built-ins give huge flexibility for storing kitchen wares or hiding appliances. Cleverly designed built-in furniture in front of a window can be a way to increase storage while maintaining natural light. A mini-island adds bonus storage plus a shareable work surface.
3 min readWe upped the drama and function in this living room by adding an eye-catching hearth and introducing a sunken seating area.
Here’s what we were dealing with: a very underwhelming entry and living room that had been thoroughly HGTV-ed with white paint EVERYWHERE…even on the fireplace brick…and an adjacent shaker kitchen.
This 1955 split level was built in a development of about 60 houses, each a minor variation on the same basic design. It was originally dripping with cool, before the unfortunate redo. The owner’s love to host (especially game nights) and are looking to create a space that’s “one part atomic era design catalogue, one part ’60s Vegas speakeasy, and one part Bond villain lair.”
Our goal was to up the drama and function of the entry and living room by adding an eye-catching hearth and, possibly, introducing a sunken seating area. We also planned a transformation in the adjacent kitchen to make it a social hub and remove it’s unfortunate farmhouse flavor.
We designed three schemes to add atomic era cool by improving the eye catching factor of the hearth and, possibly, introducing a sunken seating area. We preserved the circulation pattern of entering straight from the front door or stepping off to the side to rest in the sitting area. The crawl space below would make it possible to “sink” the living area by as little as one step or as deeply as three.
