RANCH REMODEL

This Northern California ranch home gets a modern farmhouse refresh while staying true to its roots.

This Northern California ranch home gets a modern farmhouse refresh while staying true to its roots.

When you and your family have outgrown your house, sometimes it makes sense to enlarge it rather than move. With a growing family and a small, outdated 1946 house, the homeowners of this Northern California former horse property decided it was time for a renovation. They reached out to mother-and-daughter team Deborah Costa and Kristine Renee of Design Alchemy to remodel the home to better fit their needs. Deborah and Kristine crafted a beautiful, practical design that reflects the relaxed and comfortable feel of a ranch-style farmhouse.

THE PROCESS

Deborah has an extensive background in design and remodeling and got to work right away to determine what kind of layout and overall style would best fit the family’s active lifestyle. Later on, Kristine came in to assist with finishing touches and sourcing materials. “We took great pains to construct a modest, comfortable home that would look as if it had been there for decades,” Kristine says.

Kristine recommends using neutral and classic hard surfaces, such as marble, for

a timeless look. Then add personality through lighting,

rugs and furniture.

The renovation involved completely redesigning the layout of the home for better flow and functionality, while adding on another 1,200 square feet of space. “The main challenge (as in most remodels) was working around the structural components already in place while still trying to achieve the design goals,” Deborah says. “Once the walls were opened up, we discovered opportunities to raise ceilings and open up walls even more than we had originally planned.”

One of the major layout changes was the location of the entryway. “It was originally where the current master bath was located, so the orientation changed drastically,” Kristine says. This allowed for better flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Old and new come together in the family room to create a warm, relaxing space full of farmhouse charm. Designers Deborah Costa and Kristine Renee kept the original brick fireplace as well as the vaulted ceilings and window placements. “The homeowners really wanted the space to feel composed and opted for two sofas facing each other, while still ensuring that the room was inviting and comfortable for TV hangouts,” Kristine says.

(above) From the backyard, some of the major changes are visible. “New siding and the stunning blue roof were added, and a blue stone pathway both in the front and back of the house was added to flow with the soapstone kitchen island,” Kristine says. With the help of a landscape architect, they added a full-size lap pool as well.

(right) After altering the orientation of the entryway, Deborah and Kristine opened up these once-enclosed stairs. “We removed side walls, added a custom iron railing, installed solid wood treads and risers to match the new hardwood and created a welcoming bottom landing,” Kristine says. Under the stairs, they put in a wine storage area, another nod to farmhouse functionality.

(top, right) In the family room, pattern, texture and materials come together to create a cohesive and comfortable look. “Each [sofa] was upholstered in coordinating but not matching fabrics,” Kristine says. Overhead, the chandelier coordinates with the black accents throughout the room. New windows and bifold doors lead outside and create a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

(above) The Carrara marble kitchen counter divides the living room from the kitchen without blocking the view. Originally there was a wall between the two spaces, but Deborah and Kristine removed it to provide an open concept layout. “The house was very segmented with low ceilings in most rooms,” Kristine says. The family dog, Buster, takes a snooze on the new hardwood floors.

(opposite, bottom and above) Originally small and dark, the kitchen received a makeover to create a light and airy feel. “The goal was to enlarge the space, improve functionality, connect with the outdoors and create a much brighter, inviting area for the family to congregate,” Kristine says. Carrara marble and black hardware pair with original features such as the soapstone island to create a look that balances old and new.