Tre Dunham
Inspiration for a large country l-shaped brick floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Austin with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island and brick backsplash

The 2021 Southern Living Idea House is inspiring on multiple levels—from the stunning location in Louisville, Kentucky overlooking the Ohio river, to the design-driven home that marries European countryside vibes with a timeless aesthetic. Dubbed the “forever home,” the concept was to design for all stages of life, with thoughtful spaces that meet the ever-evolving needs of families today. The 5,545-square-foot, Colonial Greek Revival Cottage-style home is located in The Breakers at Prospect community and is the collective effort of many. While it may have formerly been a trend to embrace open layout living spaces, following the pandemic families are seeking spaces in the home that feel separated, to allow for privacy. Rooms with clear intentions allow more options for areas in which to spend time, depending on your mood, and this home perfectly balances livable and lively ideas. Marvin products were chosen for this project to maximize the use of natural light, allow airflow from outdoors to indoors, and provide expansive views that overlook the Ohio River. MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Marvin Awaken Skylight Marvin Ultimate Casement Window Marvin Ultimate Double Hung G2 Window Marvin Ultimate Picture Window Marvin Ultimate Direct Glaze Round Top Window Marvin Ultimate Swinging French Door G2 BUILDER: Jason Black and Jimmy King of Artisan Signature Homes ARCHITECT: Brandon Ingram of C. Brandon Ingram Design INTERIOR DESIGNER: Sarah Bartholomew, Sarah Bartholomew Design LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Josh Myers of Myers & Co. Landscape Architecture PHOTOGRAPHY: Laurey W. Glenn, Marta Xochilt Perez, and Kriech-Higdon Photography for Southern Living

Mid Century Modern Renovation - nestled in the heart of Arapahoe Acres. This home was purchased as a foreclosure and needed a complete renovation. To complete the renovation - new floors, walls, ceiling, windows, doors, electrical, plumbing and heating system were redone or replaced. The kitchen and bathroom also underwent a complete renovation - as well as the home exterior and landscaping. Many of the original details of the home had not been preserved so Kimberly Demmy Design worked to restore what was intact and carefully selected other details that would honor the mid century roots of the home. Published in Atomic Ranch - Fall 2015 - Keeping It Small. Daniel O'Connor Photography

Mid Century Modern Renovation - nestled in the heart of Arapahoe Acres. This home was purchased as a foreclosure and needed a complete renovation. To complete the renovation - new floors, walls, ceiling, windows, doors, electrical, plumbing and heating system were redone or replaced. The kitchen and bathroom also underwent a complete renovation - as well as the home exterior and landscaping. Many of the original details of the home had not been preserved so Kimberly Demmy Design worked to restore what was intact and carefully selected other details that would honor the mid century roots of the home. Published in Atomic Ranch - Fall 2015 - Keeping It Small. Daniel O'Connor Photography

This 1950’s mid century ranch had good bones, but was not all that it could be - especially for a family of four. The entrance, bathrooms and mudroom lacked storage space and felt dark and dingy. The main bathroom was transformed back to its original charm with modern updates by moving the tub underneath the window, adding in a double vanity and a built-in laundry hamper and shelves. Casework used satin nickel hardware, handmade tile, and a custom oak vanity with finger pulls instead of hardware to create a neutral, clean bathroom that is still inviting and relaxing. The entry reflects this natural warmth with a custom built-in bench and subtle marbled wallpaper. The combined laundry, mudroom and boy's bath feature an extremely durable watery blue cement tile and more custom oak built-in pieces. Overall, this renovation created a more functional space with a neutral but warm palette and minimalistic details. Interior Design: Casework General Contractor: Raven Builders Photography: George Barberis Press: Rebecca Atwood, Rue Magazine On the Blog: SW Ranch Master Bath Before & After

Photos by Charlie Halsell
Inspiration for a huge cottage galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, concrete countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island and blue backsplash

Example of a cottage kidney-shaped pool design in Austin

Studio21 Architects designed this 5,000 square foot ranch home in the western suburbs of Chicago. It is the Dream Home for our clients who purchased an expansive lot on which to locate their home. The owners loved the idea of using heavy timber framing to accent the house. The design includes a series of timber framed trusses and columns extend from the front porch through the foyer, great room and rear sitting room. A large two-sided stone fireplace was used to separate the great room from the sitting room. All of the common areas as well as the master suite are oriented around the blue stone patio. Two additional bedroom suites, a formal dining room, and the home office were placed to view the large front yard.

This 60's Style Ranch home was recently remodeled to withhold the Barley Pfeiffer standard. This home features large 8' vaulted ceilings, accented with stunning premium white oak wood. The large steel-frame windows and front door allow for the infiltration of natural light; specifically designed to let light in without heating the house. The fireplace is original to the home, but has been resurfaced with hand troweled plaster. Special design features include the rising master bath mirror to allow for additional storage. Photo By: Alan Barley

Kimberly Gavin
Example of a mountain style carpeted bedroom design in Denver with beige walls

The original ranch style home was built in 1962 by the homeowner’s father. She grew up in this home; now her and her husband are only the second owners of the home. The existing foundation and a few exterior walls were retained with approximately 800 square feet added to the footprint along with a single garage to the existing two-car garage. The footprint of the home is almost the same with every room expanded. All the rooms are in their original locations; the kitchen window is in the same spot just bigger as well. The homeowners wanted a more open, updated craftsman feel to this ranch style childhood home. The once 8-foot ceilings were made into 9-foot ceilings with a vaulted common area. The kitchen was opened up and there is now a gorgeous 5 foot by 9 and a half foot Cambria Brittanicca slab quartz island.

Empire Contracting Inc 707.884.9789 Photos By: Sea Ranch Images www.searanchimages.com 707.653.6866
Example of a 1960s u-shaped eat-in kitchen design in San Francisco with stainless steel appliances, open cabinets, wood countertops and multicolored backsplash

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Storage was extremely important for this project because she wanted to go from keeping everything out in the open to have everything tucked away neatly, and who wouldn’t want this? So we went to work figuring out how to hide as much as possible but still keep things easy to access. The solution was two pullouts on either side of each vanity and a flush mount medicine cabinet above, so plenty of storage for each person. We kept the layout pretty much the same, but just changed up the configuration of the cabinets. We added a storage cabinet by the toilet because there was plenty of room for that and converted the tub to a shower to make it easy to use the space long-term. Modern day conveniences were also installed, including a heated towel bar, a lower threshold cast iron shower pan with sliding barn door shower door and a flip down shower seat. The house is a classic 1950’s midcentury ranch so we chose materials that fit that bill, and that had a bit of a Scandinavian vibe, including light maple Shaker door cabinets, black hardware and lighting, and simple subway tile in the shower. Our client fell in love with the white Macauba quartzite countertops in our showroom, and we agree they bring a perfect earthy energy into her space. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Dawn Jackman For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Set in Montana's tranquil Shields River Valley, the Shilo Ranch Compound is a collection of structures that were specifically built on a relatively smaller scale, to maximize efficiency. The main house has two bedrooms, a living area, dining and kitchen, bath and adjacent greenhouse, while two guest homes within the compound can sleep a total of 12 friends and family. There's also a common gathering hall, for dinners, games, and time together. The overall feel here is of sophisticated simplicity, with plaster walls, concrete and wood floors, and weathered boards for exteriors. The placement of each building was considered closely when envisioning how people would move through the property, based on anticipated needs and interests. Sustainability and consumption was also taken into consideration, as evidenced by the photovoltaic panels on roof of the garage, and the capability to shut down any of the compound's buildings when not in use.

Small 1960s bathroom photo in San Francisco with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet and white walls

Our clients purchased this 1950 ranch style cottage knowing it needed to be updated. They fell in love with the location, being within walking distance to White Rock Lake. They wanted to redesign the layout of the house to improve the flow and function of the spaces while maintaining a cozy feel. They wanted to explore the idea of opening up the kitchen and possibly even relocating it. A laundry room and mudroom space needed to be added to that space, as well. Both bathrooms needed a complete update and they wanted to enlarge the master bath if possible, to have a double vanity and more efficient storage. With two small boys and one on the way, they ideally wanted to add a 3rd bedroom to the house within the existing footprint but were open to possibly designing an addition, if that wasn’t possible. In the end, we gave them everything they wanted, without having to put an addition on to the home. They absolutely love the openness of their new kitchen and living spaces and we even added a small bar! They have their much-needed laundry room and mudroom off the back patio, so their “drop zone” is out of the way. We were able to add storage and double vanity to the master bathroom by enclosing what used to be a coat closet near the entryway and using that sq. ft. in the bathroom. The functionality of this house has completely changed and has definitely changed the lives of our clients for the better!

For her own home in New Canaan, CT, Shelley Morris gutted a mid-century, ranch style house, transforming it inside and out. Reinvisioning the exterior architectural elevation and interior floor plan, the designer orchestrated rich, textured materials including Venetian plaster walls, reclaimed wood beams, floor to ceiling mutton windows, wide plank white oak floors, painted custom millwork, and horizontal wainscot. Raising ceiling heights in most of the rooms (either cathedral or tray style), she also introduced round windows, French doors, a black granite surround fireplace, and all-new bathrooms, kitchen, plumbing and lighting. The furnishings are a layered collage of subtle textures and color.

Inspiration for a modern open concept dark wood floor, gray floor and vaulted ceiling living room remodel in San Francisco with gray walls

This Lake Forest, IL Ranch Style Home was remodeled by Siding & Windows Group with James HardiePlank Select Cedarmill Lap Siding in ColorPlus Technology Color Woodland Cream and HardieTrim Smooth Boards in ColorPlus Color Arctic White.