A Ranch Style Remodel – Fit for a Family of Five

Single story rambling ranch-style homes are a quintessential part of Americana, and particularly nostalgic to the neighborhoods of Austin and my California roots. Today, we’re exploring how Caroline Levenson Design literally raised the roof in this ranch remodel to make room for a family of five.

Mushroom colored cabinetry with dark wood island in a bright kitchen with vaulted ceilings.
 Mushroom colored cabinetry in a bright kitchen with vaulted ceilings.

The clients first approached Caroline Levenson Design for help refining the flow and functionality of the space as well as facilitating the interior design. Of course, the straightforward approach to adding more space is an addition, but with a large, beautiful tree just outside the kitchen window, the only way to accomplish this was to build up instead of out. The original renovation plans included making the space feel larger by raising the original ceilings to a soaring 20’ as well as the addition of a three-car garage with a flex space above. 

The framing on the project had begun when the CLD team were brought on, and they dove right in installing everything from cabinetry and flooring to custom millwork and fixtures within a year.

Dark green pantry design with butcher block counters.
Butcher block counters add warmth to the pantry, perfectly placed between the kitchen and adjacent formal dining room. Deep, inky green tones give this space major english vibes while the sleek shaker style feels modern.

During the initial design discovery phase, CLD dug into the clients’ personal experiences – discovering that the owner grew up in a home with cathedral style vaulted ceilings. That sparked immense inspiration and signaled the theme throughout this ranch-style remodel. The tall ceilings were the homeowners nod to her childhood home.

Open concept living room and kitchen with white sofa and mushroom colored kitchen cabinets.
Dining room with round wood dining table and upholstered dining chairs.
ranch style family home tour with vaulted ceilings and tall stone fireplace

Aesthetically, the team was tasked with crafting something clean and polished without being too stuffy. Crisp lines and organic materiality run throughout the entire home for an inviting entertaining space that is free of clutter. Tapestry Beige by Benjamin Moore was used on the walls, trim, and ceiling to accomplish a clean, neutral, monochromatic backdrop to the crisp space.

Mushroom colored laundry room with black granite counters.
The laundry room features custom cabinetry by Dixie Kitchens, while Caroline Levenson created a custom paint color that covered everything from the cabinets and millwork to the doors and ceiling.

With storage being one of the most important factors in the remodel of this home, Caroline and Raven had to get creative with their custom cabinetry solutions. The flex space, which provides the children with a space to interact with and play daily, also serves as a guest bedroom with an ensuite bath. A cleverly hidden murphy bed, camouflaged by custom millwork paired with a built-in daybed allows guests to visit without compromising precious square footage for daily life. 

To provide more storage and utilize wasted space, the addition of a custom recessed linen closet was incorporated into their bonus room bathroom. This addition allows a place for guests to store their toiletries while also allowing them to neatly tuck away their linens when the murphy bed is put away.

In the little girl’s bedroom, CLD designed a charming reading nook that sits adjacent to a built-in crafting desk. This dedicated space has hidden storage for hobbies as she grows, while designating a space for homework. With any large family, flexible spaces prove to be invaluable. My personal favorite detail is the vertical millwork and bench that also acts as a storage drawer!

Powder blue reading nook and built in desk in little girl's room.

The intentionality behind every space in this 1960’s ranch-style home remodel has inspired me to rethink every nook and cranny in my own home. Caroline Levenson Design reminds me that even with a family of five, sometimes you don’t need more space, you just need to be intentional with the space you have and design with functionality in mind.

Project Credits:

Designer – Caroline Levenson Design

Photographer – Bess McKinney Photography

Builder – Lamon McDaniels

Stylist – Simple Sugar Styling

Florals – Shona Burger

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