RECIPE FOR
ARANCH REDO
a n n e x t h e o u t d o o r s
Take
advantage of the fact that most living
space in a ranch can open to the outside.
The Fenmores did this by adding sliding
doors with a 6-foot-wide opening
between the dining room and the patio.
When the doors are open, the two
spaces function as one.
w o r k in w in d o w s
‘They make the
house seem much larger and really
integrate the yard into the house,”
says Eric. Another small change with
big impact: outfitting the front door
with clear glass sidelights to let in light.
u s e w h a t y o u l ik e
Dutch doors
aren’t typical of ’50s houses, but Chris
liked them so much, she used two. “I’ve
added more of a cottage feel to the
house, even though it’s a ranch,” she says.
“I think the fact that I’m not a purist and I
made decisions intuitively are why the
house came out fun and different.”
p a y a t t e n t io n t o d e t a il
High-
quality surfaces make even a small space
look luxurious. “I wanted every detail to be
worth looking at,” Chris says. Black granite
countertops and dark-stained walnut
floors were splurges.
BE PRACTICAL W HERE IT COUNTS
For example, rather than a wood floor in
the living room, the Fenmores chose jute
carpet. It costs less than wood and makes
the floor more comfortable to lie on.
CHOOSE BOLD EXTERIOR COLORS
“When you use colors that are too neutral,
they get washed out by the bright sun,”
Chris explains. ‘The deep colors add depth
and make the bright colors really pop—like
the yellow door against the gray shingles.
It looks fresh and contemporary.”
For buying information sec page 188.
