This Raised Ranch Was Reinvented as a Vibrant Family Home With Old Florida Soul

Jacque Hamilton acquired her dream home in WaterColor, Florida, nearly two decades after first discovering it. The property, located on Buttercup Street and designed by architect Jim Strickland of Historical Concepts, captivated Hamilton with its distinctive front porch, French doors, and floor-to-ceiling windows. After initially being unable to purchase it, she rented the home and later managed it as a rental through her business, Exclusive 30A. The house, having served as a rental for twenty years, required significant repairs and an update to reflect Hamilton's personal style and modern durability needs. Hamilton engaged Birmingham-based designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas for the renovation, a recommendation from the original architect. Hillegas undertook a comprehensive decorating project, focusing on revitalizing the interior without structural changes, thanks to Strickland's well-conceived floor plan. The renovation process, completed in just four months, was expedited by Hillegas's resourceful approach, which involved reupholstering existing furnishings, repurposing fixtures, incorporating antique pieces, and pre-stocking textiles to minimize delays. A key design element is the front porch, which Hillegas transformed into a cozy and private space using curtains and shutters in a classic blue-and-white color palette. Benjamin Moore's Narragansett Green (HC-157) was chosen for the shutters, and Perennials' Vintage Stripe fabric in Lagoon was used for the curtains, setting a consistent color scheme throughout the house. Inside, Hillegas employed creative solutions for window treatments, layering tent-flap curtains with a bold print (Katsugi in Blues by Schumacher) on the front and a stripe on the back over woven blinds from India, to achieve visual impact efficiently. The open-concept kitchen and living area, a potential design challenge, was effectively delineated by Jim Strickland's strategic placement of ceiling beams. Hillegas enhanced the kitchen's functionality and aesthetic by installing a counter-depth panel-ready refrigerator to blend with existing cabinetry, which was repainted in Sherwin-Williams' Natural Tan (SW 7567). The island received a vibrant touch with Sherwin-Williams' Labradorite (SW 7619). Personal touches included incorporating Hamilton's dining table and hutch. Throughout the home, found objects were displayed as art, such as a collage of antique hats above the bed in the master bedroom, creating a beachy, casual ambiance. The master bed was dressed with linens from Peacock Alley, a Pottery Barn quilt, and a vintage throw. Built-in bookcases were updated with grass cloth wallpaper from Crezana, and the walls and ceiling were painted in Sherwin-Williams' Alabaster (SW 7008). The primary bathroom saw its existing vanity, light fixtures, claw-foot tub, and wooden elements revitalized with fresh paint, while original pickled walls upstairs were preserved to maintain their vintage appeal. The stair landing was updated with a Roman shade in a Quadrille fabric, New Batik Cloud New Brown on Tint. In the bedrooms, Hillegas blended new and vintage elements. One guest bedroom features a brown-and-white color palette with Caribbean-inspired decor, including a sunburst mirror and natural woven table, reflecting the coastal surroundings. The bedspread was custom-made, and the headboard covered in Heather Chadduck Textiles' Little Bamboo in Chocolate. Another guest bedroom showcases a playful mix of blue patterns reminiscent of the ocean, with drapes in a Heather Chadduck Textiles fabric complementing the blue-and-white bedding. The design approach successfully transformed the property into a personalized and functional Florida getaway, combining timeless style with practical durability for family use. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #FloridaHome #CoastalLiving #HomeDecor #DesignTransformation #WaterColor

Susannah and Alex Bartko, long-time Atlanta residents, discovered a 1960s ranch house in their desired school district. The property's flat, walk-out backyard and its location on a quiet cul-de-sac were the main attractions, providing an ideal setting for their two young daughters. While the house had good structural integrity, its outdated layout necessitated a renovation. The Bartkos, who enjoy entertaining, sought a home with a seamless flow between rooms. They engaged Melissa Welker of Melissa Lacy Design, a local designer, to manage the renovation. The primary objective was to create a more open floor plan to enhance the home's spaciousness and functionality for the family. Melissa noted that the house required fundamental upgrades and an infusion of character. She integrated inherited and unique pieces to achieve a collected-over-time aesthetic, emphasizing the importance of adding 'soul' and patina alongside improved functionality. The design team drew inspiration from English styles found in design books, which guided the overall decorating scheme. Despite only slightly enlarging the home's original footprint, the team creatively reconfigured the space. The kitchen was relocated to the front of the house, a mudroom was added off the garage, a linen closet was converted into a powder bath, the family room ceiling was vaulted, and the oversized basement was divided into multiple functional areas. Melissa focused on practicality while also incorporating architectural details like trim and casings to add depth. She emphasized the importance of a fluid layout in common areas, stating that a 'dead-end room' should be avoided during gatherings. Intentional design choices, such as high-gloss black double doors with unlacquered brass hardware, added elegance and privacy to pass-through spaces. The entry was anchored by a central table, an unexpected element that creates a traditional foyer feel and offers flexible placement. The front two rooms, typically formal living and dining areas in traditional ranches, were underutilized. Melissa transformed this sun-drenched space, thanks to large bay windows, into the new kitchen and a welcoming sitting room, which also serves as the family's daily dining spot. The decision to move the kitchen to the front was driven by the desire to maximize natural light, a crucial consideration for ranch-style homes. To optimize seating in the kitchen, a banquette and antique breakfast table were positioned flush against the island, which is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Lush, AF-475. Melissa highlighted that the upholstered banquette adds warmth to the kitchen. Blue Willow china, inherited from Susannah’s parents, was displayed on the wall as decor. This connected kitchen and sitting room became the primary living and entertaining space for the family. While the home's main palette consists of neutral tones, Melissa introduced vibrancy through collections, mixed-and-matched throw pillows, art, and fabrics. For instance, the banquette in the kitchen features Lisa Fine Textiles' Calico Floral Stripe. The previously 'scary, eighties-tiled breakfast room' at the back of the house was transformed into a light-filled dining space. This area maintains a formal yet inviting atmosphere with Belgian bluestone flooring, Farrow & Ball's Oval Room Blue (No. 85) on the walls, an Urban Electric Company light fixture, and a round table accommodating up to eight people. Custom fixed-glass doors were installed on both exterior and interior walls of the dining room to allow natural light to penetrate deeper into the house, including the adjacent family room with its brick fireplace. To brighten the family room, the ceiling was vaulted and painted in Benjamin Moore’s White Dove (OC-17), while the walls were painted in Dove Wing (960). Unique pieces, such as a print of 'Strawberry Hill Library' by Dale Goffigon, were chosen for their personal resonance and to create a fresh contrast with existing oil paintings. Melissa updated a passed-down maple chair with a slipcover and velvet cushion for the family room. For symmetry, a locally made sofa from Travis and Company was centered opposite the fireplace, with a second, longer sofa dividing the space from a walkway to the dining area. An ottoman replaced a traditional coffee table to ensure comfort and safety for the children, while also adding texture and pattern to the room. The bright sunroom, a favorite gathering spot, features Benjamin Moore’s Dove Wing paint on the walls and Brandon Beige, 977, on the floor, complemented by playful textiles. Existing windows, a skylight, a rattan sofa from Susannah’s grandparents (refurbished with paint and a new cushion), and a garden stool create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Downstairs, the awkward basement was made more functional by dividing it into a playroom with ample storage, a gym, and a movie nook with a sectional. This created a secondary entertaining space for family gatherings, specifically for the children. For the younger daughter's bedroom, Melissa incorporated a whimsical custom headboard to elevate a small nook, making it feel cozy and unique. The design process focused on integrating cherished family heirlooms and creating a functional yet character-filled home. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #EnglishDesignStyle #RanchHome #FamilyHeirlooms #KitchenRemodel #FunctionalLayout #AtlantaHomes #SouthernLiving

Interior stylist Leah Ashley Finn, returning to Texas from California, collaborated with her father, Gary Wright, known as “Builder Gary” of River Hills Homes, to construct a multi-generational farmhouse in Dripping Springs, Texas. The family had purchased 7 acres of rural land previously as an investment, which had served as a retreat for picnics. As their family of four outgrew their current home, particularly after Finn’s mother moved in during the 2020 pandemic, they decided to build on their land, which Finn describes as the ideal environment for her children to grow up. Finn's vision for the Finn Family Farm was a home that appeared to have existed for generations, drawing inspiration from the German immigrants who settled in Central Texas over 175 years ago. The design, chronicled in the streaming series _Home to Homestead_ on The Design Network, incorporated a limestone exterior reminiscent of historical regional architecture. A key aspect of Finn's approach was sustainable living, including a rainwater collection tank and raising chickens for fresh eggs and fertilizer. The project emphasized integrating with the natural surroundings; instead of a traditional grass lawn, the property features native Texas pollinator plants, reducing maintenance and promoting water conservation with its 65-gallon rainwater collection system. Contrasting with modern open-concept designs, Finn opted for a more traditional layout with distinct rooms, fostering a sense of discovery within the home. The kitchen, for instance, includes a U-shaped breakfast alcove with nostalgic groove paneling and built-in seating, completed with a bistro table and woven leather chairs. Finn also champions 'slow decorating,' a process of patiently sourcing preloved and reclaimed items. The mudroom showcases this philosophy with an 1800s French pharmacy cabinet and a vintage cast-iron sink, both found at the Original Round Top Antiques Fair. The interior design further blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor elements by using the same smeared exterior limestone for kitchen walls, referencing early German settler homes. A custom kitchen island was designed to mimic a vintage piece, and refurbished pendant lights from Nomadic Trading Co. contribute to the rustic aesthetic. Instead of popular indoor/outdoor living features like large sliding doors, Finn emphasized natural light through numerous large windows and French doors. She also practices repurposing furniture, exemplified by a living room cabinet bought on Facebook Marketplace for under $200 and antique dining chairs from a Llano, Texas, garage sale. The guest bathroom features a thrifted side table converted into a skirted vanity using vintage Etsy fabric and brass fixtures from Signature Hardware. The guest rooms showcase a playful use of patterns and textures. One primary guest space, designed for frequent visitors, combines neutral patterns on walls, upholstery, and linens to create dimension. Custom draperies by Everhem are adorned with large pink tassels from Round Top. Another guest room includes built-in bunk beds painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Pewter Green, offering additional sleeping arrangements for both children and adult guests. For a modern touch in the bathroom, Finn blended metals, such as brass knobs with polished nickel faucets and showerheads. The space includes a silver cast-iron tub, a plastered walk-in shower, and an outdoor shower. Travertine tiles from Taylor Designer Floors and small vintage rugs complete the neutral palette, adding warmth. #FarmhouseDesign #TexasHome #SustainableLiving #ReclaimedDecor #InteriorStyling #MultigenerationalHome #ArchitecturalHistory #DrippingSprings #CustomHome

Celebrity photographer Harper Smith and country music star Cameron Duddy embarked on a journey to transform a Texas Hill Country farmhouse into a personal retreat, a move that also represented a shift towards a quieter, more creative life. The couple, originally from Topanga, CA, discovered the farmhouse through a serendipitous real estate app notification during a trip to Austin, a sign that prompted them to purchase the property the very next day. Their desire for a more peaceful existence, away from the fast pace of their careers, led them to relocate with their children and potbellied pig, Pepper, to this rural setting. The initial vision for the farmhouse involved a "big modification" project guided by Harper's detailed mood boards, aiming to open up rooms, introduce extensive glass elements, and eliminate the existing varnished oak woodwork. However, the renovation uncovered unexpected challenges, including mold in the walls, necessitating a more comprehensive demolition than planned. This setback prompted Harper to re-evaluate and refine her design vision. She collaborated with interior designer Amy Pigliacampo, who praised Harper's clear aesthetic and irreverent spirit. Their partnership led them to source unique pieces, with Harper prioritizing art acquisition first, believing that other decor elements can follow. The home's design embraces a blend of styles and personal touches. The living room features walls wrapped in windows, deliberately left bare to maximize natural light and views of the surrounding landscape. The rustic stone fireplace was updated with a German smear finish, giving it a whitewashed appearance. The kitchen incorporates Japandi style, a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics, characterized by modern slab-front cabinets, natural wood, and fluting. Unique elements include stools crafted from a single tree trunk and Calacatta Viola marble with bold lavender veins for the backsplash, chosen to complement a small landscape painting that inspired the room's palette. Thin dolomite counters contribute to a contemporary feel. The decor favors warm naturals such as raw wood, unlacquered brass, leather, and oiled wood floors, chosen for their ability to develop patina over time. Rounded edges are a recurring motif, from arched exterior doors to the kitchen island, dining tabletop, and primary bedroom headboard, adding a modern softness. Personal expression is evident throughout the house. Harper's use of color is deliberate and impactful, particularly in the bathrooms. The primary bathroom features a shower surround that mimics slab stone and graphic interlocking floor tiles, which Harper meticulously crafted herself. This tile project, involving her family and even their pets' footprints, became a metaphor for the personal and slightly messy life they wished to build in their home. The primary bedroom exudes sophistication with warm green curtains, contrasting with the bare windows elsewhere, and layers of neutral shades in gray, cream, and ecru. Kitt's bedroom is designed as a young space cowboy's dream, featuring a horizontal mattress, cowboy-themed sheets, a space-inspired pendant crafted by Harper, and a sky-blue painted IKEA play table. The en suite bath showcases graphic green tile from Clay Imports, emphasizing local sourcing, and a fluted marble sink. The landing at the top of the stairs, intended as a future game room, currently serves as a family hangout space, adorned with a framed poster of Cameron’s step-grandmother, actress Connie Stevens, adding a touch of personal history. The overall design philosophy values depth, age, and character, allowing for imperfections and a lived-in feel, reflecting the couple's desire for a home that truly embodies their life and loves. #TexasFarmhouse #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #JapandiStyle #RuralRetreat #HarperSmith #CameronDuddy #AmyPigliacampo #PersonalizedDecor

This article explores how Richard Gere's living room offers a fresh perspective on ranch-style living, particularly for those skeptical of traditional farmhouse aesthetics. While many modern farmhouse living rooms are often characterized by clean lines and a stark black-and-white color palette, Gere's space deviates from this convention. His living room embraces the core characteristics of a ranch-style space, emphasizing natural wooden accents and a warmer color scheme that includes beiges and greens. The design incorporates curated accessories that imbue the space with a personal and welcoming feel, moving away from a perceived ordinary or contrived farmhouse look. The article highlights that Richard and his wife Alejandra's living room is a warm interpretation of a classic style. The design successfully integrates thoughtful color choices and carefully selected pieces to create a space that is both timeless and reflective of their personalities. This approach challenges the notion that farmhouse style must adhere to a rigid set of design rules, demonstrating how personalized elements can elevate the aesthetic. Heather Goerzen, director of design and content at Havenly, notes that this specific ranch-style aesthetic is gaining traction and is expected to influence interior design trends in the coming year. She explains that this resurgence of ranch-style living is marked by a luxurious twist, prioritizing the raw energy of rustic wood, bold leather, and earthy, sun-baked tones. This evolution aims to move beyond the sometimes overly manufactured modern farmhouse look, favoring authenticity over curated perfection. Goerzen suggests that the emphasis is shifting from mere rustic charm to a more sophisticated and bold interpretation of classic American styles. Beyond the ranch-style itself, the article also points out that Richard and Alejandra's choice of eclectic accessories aligns with an emerging trend in interior design. Goerzen elaborates on this trend, indicating a departure from fleeting, mass-produced decor. The focus is increasingly on collecting meaningful, curated pieces over time, with each item telling a unique story. This shift reflects a growing desire for lasting, unique decor that embodies personal history and character, moving away from rapid home trends. The article concludes that whether through vintage rugs or unique sculptures, the new emphasis is on quality and character, allowing each item to contribute to the narrative of a living space. #RanchStyleLiving #FarmhouseDecor #CelebrityHomes #InteriorDesignTrends #ModernFarmhouse #EarthyColorPalettes #CuratedDecor #AuthenticInteriors #TimelessDesign