Case Study:
Ranch Makeover

This ranch sits on a picturesque piece of land, but it was too small for the owners’ tastes, needed drastic updating and lacked a presence on the property. Through our interviews with the client, we identified three primary goals: 1) Open up the living/dining area. 2) Introduce a French country motif to the interior. 3) Take better advantage of the natural surroundings.

Let There Be Light
The front of the house faced a nearby pond, yet you would have scarcely known it from the inside. To enhance the interface with the water, we opened up the view by adding three bay windows. Next, we transformed and brightened the living room by removing the wall paneling and creating a cathedral ceiling. The result: more natural light, a feeling of greater spaciousness and a gracious view of the pond.

Just Her Style
We worked closely with the homeowner to help her identify her style. Her preferences lean toward French country, which means casual but stylish, with lots of detail, patterns and accessories. You can see how this theme is coming to life in the furniture, fabrics, window treatments (in progress) and other furnishings — all of which we are playing a role in selecting. Now, the informal elegance of the interior lifts the couple’s spirits every time they come home, inviting them to relax and unwind from the stress of the day.

Follow the Curves
Pre-renovation, the exterior of the home was nondescript. Vaulting the ceilings, however, has added three peaks to the roofline and established the feel of a country cottage. The introduction of columns helps to frame and announce the front door. And the gently flowing curves of the serpentine patio reinforce the connection between the house and the outdoors while expanding the living space to the patio in the summer. Taken together, these improvements give the ranch a real presence on the property and the street.

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From the Client's Lips...

"I had no idea how welcoming and nurturing our home could be. John opened up the space to give us the breathing room we always wanted without breaking our budget. And Sally has taught me to identify my personal style of décor and shown me how to stay true to it as I shop with her or on my own. My home just feels so right now."
- K.M., Beverly, Mass.