Binsd--The Ranch Style lives! Love this thread because I too am the proud(?) owner as of last Feb of a 1960s ranch home. I got all the cool stuff from the 60s and 70s: avocado appliances, gold flocked wallpaper, pink tile, gold colored accents. Oh yeah! Immediately took the house down to the studs to turn it into a Modern Farmhouse. I took inspiration from these: Walker-Warner Sonoma Farmhouse (http://www.walker-warner.com/indexf.html#POR-GRC-001) Christine Lane, Boston, MA (http://christinelaneinteriors.com/) I think ranchers are particularly suited to blend styles. They were a bit funky then and they can still be. Yet, if you want to lean slightly more traditional, they can sustain the transitional. I think they are way more flexible than many styles. Your home in particular has some good bones! The raised ceilings and open one-story floorplan are great for toddlers since you can see them from most rooms. If you can mix some of your Spanish furniture with some more contemporary pieces, I think it will have that California Spanish casual style--with a cleaner look. Love it! In the green bathroom, take out the brass and replace with frameless glass. It will immediately look more contemporary. A glass company should be able to make the shower enclosure (this one's traditional, but you get the picture): From Misc photos If you want to embrace the modern look, peruse: Atomic Ranch (http://www.atomic-ranch.com/). I think they have more Eichlers than Ranch, but it gives you an idea of that style. Here's my old house and the old stuff that was in it, then here are two exterior shots of what it looks like now: From Menlo Farmhouse From Menlo Farmhouse From Menlo Farmhouse From Menlo Farmhouse From Menlo Farmhouse I wish I could cite all of the great pics I have seen in magazines where they have remodeled a ranch. Each had their own flavor: slightly more modern, slightly less modern, more funky, somewhat traditional, etc. Search: mid-century, modern, ranch home. Have fun! I think your house is a great choice!!

Why thank you! I donâÂÂt know why but I didnâÂÂt think of etsy. I just ordered a combo of four magazines and books. I seem to be more attracted to 1964 for some reason. My weakness is furniture origins but IâÂÂm getting better on era. Of course I will have to put my own spin on it but I do look forward to my books coming because I really need some creative thoughts right now. Out of desperation I have started sending letters out to people who own houses that I like but are not for sale. I have gotten one response so far but he was so tickled I liked his house that he offered to trade my house for hisâ¦ha IâÂÂm sure you would buddy except mine is valued at $125,000 more than yours. Oh well, IâÂÂll keep plugging away!

My parents' house was built in early 70's, has original site-built dark oak cabinets with crown molding going all the way to ceiling. My mom just put in granite and tin backsplash a couple of years ago. Their ceilings are less than 8ft (7' 6" or 7' 9" I think?). I don't think there's a minimum ceiling height required for crown, though I think a maximum gap of 6" b/t the top of cabinets and the ceiling looks best if you're trying to bring the crown all the way to the ceiling. Any more, and you'd have a huge filler between the cabinet and the crown. With 8ft ceilings and "standard" 18" backsplash, you'd need 42" cabinets to go all the way to the ceiling. Crown would be less expensive. Something to think about. I agree that crown "finishes" the cabinets nicer than a factory (particleboard) edge, but if your cabinets go all the way to the ceiling then you don't need crown (though you might need a thin piece of some kind of trim to hide any gaps since your ceiling probably isn't flat). Do what you want, not what you think the trend is (I'm assuming you're not remodeling to sell).

Post this on the home decorating page. I am sure they will give you some great advice. http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/decor