In West Seattle, a mid-century ranch home has been remodeled by design studio Board And Vellum to meet modern needs while maintaining its original design. The homeowners saw potential in the house and wanted to refresh the space within its existing footprint. Their goal was to create a home that felt more open and spacious without losing the mid-century features that attracted them.
The original layout of the home, like many ranch-style homes from that era, was cramped and dark, making it feel smaller and older than it was. The homeowners wanted a modern, open home that respected and highlighted the mid-century design. They focused on creating a primary bedroom suite, an open living, kitchen, and dining area, and connecting the home more closely to the outdoors.
The vaulted wood ceilings, a key feature of the home, were kept and used as a central design element throughout the house. This choice helped tie the different spaces together and maintained a strong link to the home’s mid-century roots.
The original stone fireplace was refreshed and now anchors a sitting room that flows directly into the dining area. Large windows at the front and a sliding door at the back bring in natural light and create a sense of openness that extends to the gardens and yard. Even though the home is just over 1,200 square feet, the new open-plan design makes it feel larger and more connected.
The kitchen underwent a significant change by repurposing a half-finished carport that had been converted into a living space. This area, once disconnected from the rest of the house, is now a bright kitchen with a large skylight that fills the room with natural light. The kitchen is now the central hub, offering space for cooking, entertaining, and casual family gatherings.
One of the most unique features of the remodel is a third bedroom and office, hidden behind a swinging bookshelf in the kitchen. This functional detail not only provides additional storage but also keeps the separation between public and private areas in the home.
Throughout the house, thoughtful details and a consistent color palette bring the space to life. The kitchen features cyan chevron tiles, while cool blues and greens paired with warm tones create a cohesive look. The homeowners’ collection of mid-century furniture and art is displayed throughout, celebrating their appreciation for the style.
In the primary bedroom suite, French doors open to a new patio, reestablishing a connection to the previously inaccessible side yard. This space now benefits from natural light, highlighting an accent wall with geometric wallpaper and reinforcing the indoor-outdoor connection that the homeowners wanted.
The exterior of the home received a simple refresh with new paint, reflecting the overall approach to the project: delivering a cohesive, practical update that enhances the home’s original charm. The result is a home that honors its mid-century roots while feeling open, modern, and well-suited to its owners’ needs.
