Midcentury Rancher Gets a Modern, Colorful Update

After being stripped down to the studs, this midcentury rancher gets a much-needed modern makeover. The project creates a roomier kitchen, a master bathroom and a multipurpose room while adding loads of color and personality to what was previously a drab, dull home.

From: Susannah Watts

Related To:

Hardwood Details Up the Curb Appeal of This Previously Drab Midcentury Home

What was previously a boxy midcentury home was given an architectural upgrade to add drama and functionality. The front door, previously located at the back of what was the carport, was brought forward to be more in line with the front of the house. The carport was turned into an enclosed garage, and the garage door and front facade were enhanced with hardwood detail, giving the home much-needed visual interest. Black walls and a lime green door adds pops of color and ups the curb appeal even more.

From: Susannah Watts

BEFORE: Exterior

From: Susannah Watts

Lime Green Front Door, Dramatic Material Choices Create Strong Curb Appeal

A lime green front door provides an unexpected pop of color to this updated midcentury modern home. Dramatic color and material choices are the perfect recipe for strong curb appeal.

From: Susannah Watts

BEFORE: Living Room

From: Susannah Watts

Existing Fireplace Gets Low-Cost Update With White Paint, New Mantel

The existing fireplace in this midcentury modern home was given a fresh update by painting the dull brown brick surround a bright, light-reflecting white -- an easy, low-cost update. A wooden mantel was added, making the space look fresh and modern without replacing the entire fireplace.

From: Susannah Watts

Reading Nook With Eames Recliner and Vertical Bookshelves

A slim space along the wall of an open-plan kitchen and living room doesn't go to waste. Instead, an Eames recliner chair and vertical bookshelves turn the space into a reading nook without taking up too much space.

From: Susannah Watts

L-Shaped Living Room Includes Space for Sofas, Small Reading Nook

A cozy living room sits just outside the open kitchen space in this renovated midcentury modern home. The L-shaped layout of the room creates a small bonus space that works well as a reading nook. An Eames recliner chair and vertical bookshelves make the space functional without taking up too much room.

From: Susannah Watts

BEFORE: Living Room

From: Susannah Watts

Blue Velvet Sofa Provides Pop of Color in Open-Plan Space

A blue velvet sofa provides a pop of color against the backdrop of the primarily white open-plan kitchen. Leather throw pillows echo the look of the barstools at the kitchen island counter, tying the design of the two rooms together.

From: Susannah Watts

BEFORE: Kitchen

From: Susannah Watts

BEFORE: Kitchen

From: Susannah Watts

Midcentury Modern Kitchen is Made Brighter, Larger and More Functional With Wall Removal

Several walls were removed during the renovation of this midcentury modern home to combine the kitchen and what was the sunroom. The result was a large, airy space in place of what was a small, boxy and awkwardly arranged kitchen. A large island houses the sink, creating a more logical work triangle with the refrigerator and sink. White surfaces reflect light, improving the previously dark space.

From: Susannah Watts

Expansion of Kitchen Increases Space for Cabinetry, Storage

Several walls were removed during the renovation of this midcentury modern home to combine the kitchen and what was the sunroom. The result was a large, airy space in place of what was a small, boxy and awkwardly arranged kitchen. The changes created additional space for cabinetry and storage.

From: Susannah Watts

Kitchen Cabinetry Includes Spot for Stylish Liquor Cabinet

With the addition of extra cabinetry during renovation of this midcentury home and kitchen, space was created for little luxuries like this liquor cabinet. The cabinet was lined with colorful wallpaper, making it attractive enough to leave open for display.

From: Susannah Watts

BEFORE: Laundry

From: Susannah Watts

Laundry Room/Craft Room Offers Place to Have Fun With Design and Color

The laundry room in this renovated midcentury modern home doubles as work and craft space. Smaller spaces offer the perfect opportunity to have a little fun with color and design as this room does with a bold blue filing cabinet, yellow stool and Hygge & West wallpaper.

From: Susannah Watts

BEFORE: Dining Room

From: Susannah Watts

Dining Room Design Blends Heavy, Dark Lines With Curves of Light Fixture

Black-framed chairs mimic the dark trim of the windows and sliding door, creating a cohesive look in this updated midcentury modern dining room. The curved lines of the dramatic light fixture and funky candle holders help soften these heavy lines.

From: Susannah Watts

BEFORE: Bedroom

From: Susannah Watts

Master Bedroom Features Queen Bed, Dresser and Chair

The master bedroom space was reduced in size during a renovation to make room for a master bathroom and a third bedroom for this midcentury modern home. Even with the smaller footprint, the room still offers ample space to comfortably fit a queen-sized bed, dresser, nightstands and chair.

From: Susannah Watts

White Dresser With Wood Drawers Pops Against Navy Blue Walls

Wood tones run the risk of appearing too heavy when placed against a dark wall, such as this midnight blue bedroom hall. But just a touch of white can balance things out, as it does with this dresser and matted artwork.

From: Susannah Watts

Master Bedroom Features Decadent Color Palette of Midnight Blue, Olive and Sienna

Midnight blue walls provide a bold backdrop in this master bedroom for a luxurious olive green, velvet headboard. A warm sienna colored bolster pillow offers a pop of contrasting color while rounding out this rich and decadent color palette.

From: Susannah Watts

Midnight Blue Nightstand Blends Into Matching Wall

Painting the nightstand the same midnight blue color as the walls in this bedroom helps them to blend in, making the small space feel larger. A warm brass lamp adds a touch of warmth to the moody look.

From: Susannah Watts

BEFORE: Kids Bedroom

From: Susannah Watts

Shared Girls' Bedroom Uses Lofted Bed to Create Space

Because this small bedroom must be shared by two young girls, spacial planning was very important. A lofted bed for the older of the two girls creates room for the younger girl's crib and a storage or play space. A bunk bed can replace the setup as the girls age. A light, monochromatic palette was used to make the room feel larger than it is. Fabrics and accents with distinct patterns and textures are used to make the space from feeling too plain.

From: Susannah Watts

Monochromatic Palette Makes Small Kids Room Feel Larger

A light, monochromatic palette was used in this small bedroom to make it feel larger than it is. Fabrics and accents with distinct patterns and textures are used to make the space from feeling plain.

From: Susannah Watts

Kid-Sized Eames Rocker At Home in Midcentury Modern Kids Room

A kid-sized Eames rocking chair placed in this kids room is a nod to the midcentury era of the home. Fun patterns create visual interest to a neutral, monochromatic color palette.

From: Susannah Watts

Black Ceiling, Floating Vanity Give Illusion of Space in Small Master Bathroom

Space was trimmed from the master bedroom and living room during renovation of this midcentury modern home to make way for a true master bathroom. A black ceiling and floating vanity give the illusion of extra room in the bathroom, while the playful lighting fixture adds a touch of whimsy to the space.

From: Susannah Watts

Stall Shower With Stylish Geometric-Print Shower Curtains

Space was trimmed from the master bedroom and living room during renovation of this midcentury modern home to make way for a true master bathroom. To make the best use of the small space, a stall shower was used. Fun, geometric-print shower curtains are a stylish and affordable alternative to a glass enclosure.

From: Susannah Watts

BEFORE: Bathroom

From: Susannah Watts

Bathroom is Made Bold By Green Geometric Tile, Floating Vanity

What was previously a pink-tiled bathroom with a mint-colored tub is completely transformed thanks to geometric green tile adorning the wall and a contrasting floating vanity. The layout was kept the same during the renovation, minimizing the number of expensive alterations needed for the space.

From: Susannah Watts

Small Bedroom is Multifunctional as TV Room and Guest Room

A small, colorful third bedroom was created during the renovation of this midcentury modern home. A majority of the time it functions as a TV room. A sleeper sofa transforms it into a guest room, and a built-in shelving unit adds storage to the space.

From: Susannah Watts

Cork Works as Inexpensive, Sound-Absorbing Wall Covering

Cork is an inexpensive way to jazz up a feature wall. As an added bonus, it provides an easy surface for hanging artwork and is great for sound absorption. Stylish artwork offers a high-end contrast to the humble wall covering.

From: Susannah Watts

BEFORE: Rear Exterior

From: Susannah Watts

Midcentury Design Style Creates Cohesive Look in Backyard

Midcentury-inspired lines are used to create a cohesive design to this backyard -- a space where design is often overlooked. A fence with horizontal boards mimics the lines of the patio pavers. Cafe string lighting makes this space livable into the nighttime.

From: Susannah Watts

BEFORE: Patio

From: Susannah Watts

Cohesive Color Choices and Design Styles Upgrade Patio for Renovated Home

A drab outdoor space was spiced up with a coat of black paint on the exterior of the home and new patio pavers during renovation. A stylish patio table and market umbrella echo the colors and style of the home for a cohesive look to the space.

From: Susannah Watts

Outdoor Dining Table With Heavy-Duty Market Umbrella

An outdoor dining table with a heavy-duty market umbrella turns the backyard into an al fresco dining oasis. The cafe string lights offer an additional romantic touch.

From: Susannah Watts