tips on updating a 1960’s Ranch with MCM features
Erica_ Buchanan
2 years ago
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Erica_ Buchanan
2 years agoErica_ Buchanan
2 years agoRelated Discussions
Updating 1960's kitchen to stay true to house style
Comments (7)I love concrete countertops, but I understand they're a lot of work. If you're just going over the current counters with feather finish, I won't argue with you. If you're replacing the counters, I would recommend a concrete-look solid surface. There are some really gorgeous ones that look like concrete but function much better in a kitchen. An undermount sink is a good idea, or you could have one formed into your countertop so there's no seam. Again, if you're going with a concrete-looking solid surface, this will provide a very clean, modern look with your white cabinets. I recommend getting your cabinets painted professionally if you can. Doing it yourself is a major pain. Trust me. Backsplashes are so personal, you could really do anything you like. I recommend looking up "white kitchen" and seeing what backsplashes there are. Make sure you're choosing all your colors IN YOUR KITCHEN instead of at the store. The colors will look different. If you're replacing your cook top, you can purchase one with an in-counter venting system to keep the line of sight open into the other room. Some states don't require venting if the stove isn't against a wall. Here's some inspiration to get you started: (I know this is a bathroom, but it's a good example of the counters I meant:)...See MoreMCM Ranch paint choices
Comments (17)I love MCM houses I have one built in 1956 hunted high and low for one. Those whatever they are on the windows on the right need to go the planter on the left is very MCM and I would just plant lower growing stuff there . The white needs to be a much darker color for sure but the big thing is the landscaping . If you google MCM landscaping you will find tons of inspiration , BTW those homes were so well built you never get that in a new build .If possibel those window grids need to go and really cool MCM front door would be nice....See MoreHelp my 1960's Ranch get some street cred! (exterior remodel)
Comments (18)Really nice house and yard. Agree ... don't paint the brick; do wrap the porch post and do darken the garage door (if painted, it should be one of the darker colors in the brick. If it is in your budget to replace the garage door and front door w/wood MCM doors, do. You might also consider a short wood privacy fence in the same wood finish on each side of the house set in a straight line with the front exterior wall with a gate for access to the back yard on at least one side. You might want to paint the downspouts so they better blend with the most dominant color in the brick. Don't clutter the house attaching a lot of trim without actual useful purpose. Don't clutter the wide open spaces of the front yard. Instead, create a hedge beneath the windows on the left side and trim the tops in a straight horizontal line beneath the window sills. Outline the planting area for these with pavers with their tops at ground level to make mowing beside them easier. You could leave the row of shrubs alongside the driveway and add a sidewalk straight forward from your porch alongside the shrubs (on the side opposite the shrubs), thus creating an outlined planting area for the shrubs. Unless you truly like doing detailed yard work in the summer heat and winter cold -- or paying someone else to do it -- then primarily focus on creating the most healthy lawn possible rather than adding a lot of other planting areas to be tended....See MoreNeed exterior design help for this 1960s split level ranch
Comments (5)Interesting - I like your theory about someone homesick for New Orleans LOL. As mentioned above, porch cant really be removed without leaving scars - and an overhang much deeper than the rest of the house, which would look funny. Can the balcony be used, does it make sense to open up a room to it? Part of its oddness is that its obvious that there is no door and cant be used. Whats going on under the porch, behind the hedge? Some kind of patio? You could remove the hedge, expand that and make it into useable attractive outdoor living space - framed in a border of flowering fragrant shrubs, 1 or 2 well placed ornamental trees (ie short, placed toward the side of the house), intermixed with perennials/bulbs. You could leave a few of the evergreens - its just the solid wall of them that is so unappealing. What are the rooms on the lower level - would any of those benefit by opening up to a patio? .... or maybe it could be an actual courtyard and by that I mean a professionally designed walled space which fits architecturally with your house.... not an ugly cheap privacy fence from Menards! But then that gets to be expensive too - probably more than just removing the darn thing! Otherwise, maybe just swap out the frilly iron work for something simpler/more linear, with strong horizontal lines as is fitting for this style/era. Also changing all the white to something less high contrast - would help de-emphasize it....See MoreErica_ Buchanan
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