1950s Ranch House Updated With Contemporary Style, Coastal Details
Neumann Mendro Andrulaitis Architects turned this 1950s ranch house in Santa Barbara, Calif., into a modern stunner by adding more natural light and outdoor access. Where new appliances and custom cabinetry update the interior, tropical plants evoke the idea of a tropical oasis.
Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these links.
March 09, 2015
By:
Morgan Galbraith
From:
NMA Architects
Before: Outdated Exterior and Front Yard
With a faded tan exterior and unadorned lawn, this 1950s ranch house in Santa Barbara, Calif., lacked the bright, beachy-keen personality of its coastal surroundings.
From:
NMA Architects
After: Tropical Villa With Lush Landscape
With a little TLC from the NMA team, this ranch home now features a beautiful coral stone exterior and a dark gray standing seam roof. Rain chains replace traditional gutters for a look that feels fresh and draws visual interest, while the front yard now boasts plenty of gorgeous greenery.
From:
NMA Architects
Front Yard Features Tropical Plants
Following the stone path leads to this lush landscape by Earthform Design, which includes palm trees, tropical plants and native bent grass that use 50% less water than more conventional lawns. Above, a white overhang provides relief from the afternoon sun.
From:
NMA Architects
Before: Dark and Confined Living Room
Though sliding glass doors connected the living room to the exterior, a lack of light overhead made this space feel dark and cramped. Walls on all sides further closed this room off from the rest of the house.
From:
NMA Architects
After: Contemporary and Airy Living Room
Wanting to create a more intentional, open floor plan, the architects and a local contractor removed the walls between the living room, dining room and kitchen. In turn, this once confining space now feels both airy and contemporary, with a leather sectional for lounging.
From:
NMA Architects
Before: Outdated Finishes, Furniture
Stucco walls and upholstered furniture gave this family room a dose of texture, but felt too outdated for modern living. A wall of windows opened the space to natural light, but cast shadows by late afternoon.
From:
NMA Architects
After: Spacious Great Room With Luxe Touches
Without the walls to separate them, the dining room and living room become united for a single space that's airy and open. A gas fireplace, track light fixtures and unobstructed windows ensure that the room is bright from morning to night.
From:
NMA Architects
Before: Traditional, Closed-Off Kitchen
Before the renovation, the only connection from the traditional kitchen to the backyard was a small utility door. In turn, the space felt closed off, with very little counterspace to prepare meals or entertain.
From:
NMA Architects
After: Modern Kitchen With Indoor-Outdoor Access
To breathe new life into the space, the architects installed limestone countertops and African mahogany cabinets. The tongue-and-groove ceiling is original to the 1950s home, but given a fresh coat of white paint and lit with track lighting, while bifolding doors open to the backyard for easy entertaining.
From:
NMA Architects
Before: Small-Scale Back Patio
Without a direct connection to the outdoors, moving from the kitchen to the back patio once meant backtracking to the living room. Here, sliding glass doors opened to a small square of stone that lacked both shade and privacy.
From:
NMA Architects
After: Serene, Glass-Enclosed Courtyard
Wanting to give their client space for al fresco dining, the architects used retractable doors to open the kitchen to the backyard. Enclosed within a glass wall, the courtyard now includes a reclaimed wood table and eight chairs for hosting intimate gatherings with friends.
From:
NMA Architects
Great Room Includes Subtle, Coastal Touches
Though limestone countertops and floors give the great room a polished and contemporary look, prints of waves rolling on the shore and glass-blown pendant lights nod to the home's coastal environment.
From:
NMA Architects
Zen Bedroom With Custom Platform Bed
The focal point of this peaceful master suite is the custom-designed platform bed, along with the floating nightstands and a wall-to-wall dresser in African mahogany. A wooden armchair sits in the corner for leisurely reading, while the rest of the space exudes modern simplicity.
From:
NMA Architects
Bedroom Includes Indoor-Outdoor Access
This bedroom earns a touch of the outdoors with sliding glass panels that lead to a private patio. By keeping the floors within the same shade, the two spaces easily flow into one another for a seamless transition.
From:
NMA Architects
Private Patio With Tropical Landscaping
Mahogany-trimmed glass doors lead the way to a quiet oasis, complete with a small outdoor table and pair of chairs. Towering palm trees and other tropical plants surround the space, providing a natural element of privacy.
From:
NMA Architects
Modern Home Office With Built-In Desk
Turning off the bedroom leads into the hallway, where a makeshift offices sits directly in front of wall-to-wall windows. Here, a leather armchair pairs with a built-in desk for a chic, contemporary workspace.
From:
NMA Architects
Wood-Trimmed Spa Bathroom
This spa-style master bathroom brings the outdoors in with a large window and retractable doors that open to the backyard. The vanity features a square sink with a contemporary chrome faucet, neutral countertops and flat-front mahogany cabinets.
From:
NMA Architects
Flowing Indoor-Outdoor Connection
Because their client originally wanted an outdoor tub, the architects used retractable doors to give the owner's bathroom a similar indoor-outdoor experience. A zen garden encloses the space to ensure complete privacy.
From:
NMA Architects
Freestanding Tub With Waterfall Feature
This relaxing spa bathroom features a bathtub with chrome fixtures and a luxurious waterfall feature. A small glass shelf is positioned next to the tub, providing a convenient spot for bathroom essentials.
From:
NMA Architects
Spacious White Master Bath
This bathroom's minimalistic design relies on the juxtaposition of all-white fixtures and rich mahogany wood accents to create eye-catching contrast. Meanwhile, a cluster of pendant lights hangs over the soaking tub for additional visual interest.
From:
NMA Architects
Serene Outdoor Courtyard
With beautiful mahogany-trimmed doors, the bathroom opens to a quiet courtyard area. Palm trees and other plants are integrated into the pebbled landscape for a lush look, while a fence keeps the area totally private.
From:
NMA Architects
Neutral Shower and Skylight
All-over neutral tiles and a shower with an opaque glass enclosure make this guest bathroom feel completely luxurious. A window within the shower and a skylight overhead fills the room with soothing natural light.
From:
NMA Architects
Exterior Showcases Natural Elements
Outside, a row of towering trees creates a natural wall for privacy. Stone planters with flowering succulents complements the green landscape, as well as brings symmetry and balance to the renovated ranch house.
From:
NMA Architects
