Years earlier, I'd designed this couple's first home—a place where they raised their family. Now, with the kids moved out, they were ready for something different. They didn't need as much space and they wanted to do something fun.

They had infectious enthusiasm for midcentury modern design and bought a 1960s ranch that had good bones but needed a complete rethinking. They wanted to honor the era of the home while making it work for how they actually live today.

The first floor presented several challenges: awkward step-down spaces that interrupted the flow, a massive interior stone fireplace, a cramped kitchen and dining area, and a master suite that felt like an afterthought. We reconfigured the layout entirely, eliminating those step-downs to create a more open, flowing plan. The kitchen and dining areas expanded significantly, and the master suite was completely reimagined with a generous closet, a functional bathroom, and a morning sitting porch over-looking their heavily wooded lot.

What made this project particularly enjoyable was the client's clear vision for the aesthetic. We worked together to capture that authentic midcentury look—groupings of windows that bring the wooded landscape inside, a mix of materials true to the style, and bold dark siding with natural wood accents that makes the home feel grounded in its natural setting. The result honors the home's 1960s roots while creating spaces that flow naturally and feel right for today.