Houzz Tours
My Houzz: Reinvented Ranch in California
A family punches up their traditional 1960s ranch home with dabs of coastal style and a pared-down sensibility
Although Michelle and Brad Perozzi loved this house when they first saw it, they initially envisioned living in a space with more of a coastal vibe. But after looking at other houses for more than a year, they came full circle, ready to make the spacious structure their own.
Working with Wendy Blackband of Blackband Design, the couple reinvented their home into a kid-friendly abode with a classic and breezy seaside style — you'd never know they live 14 miles inland. Knocking out an interior wall, creating extra space and decorating with simple but colorful furniture transformed the house into a bright and welcoming space.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Michelle and Brad Perozzi; their 9-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter
Location: Santa Ana, Orange County, California
Size: 2,800 square feet; four bedrooms; two bathrooms
That's interesting: The backyard features a miniature putting green.
Working with Wendy Blackband of Blackband Design, the couple reinvented their home into a kid-friendly abode with a classic and breezy seaside style — you'd never know they live 14 miles inland. Knocking out an interior wall, creating extra space and decorating with simple but colorful furniture transformed the house into a bright and welcoming space.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Michelle and Brad Perozzi; their 9-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter
Location: Santa Ana, Orange County, California
Size: 2,800 square feet; four bedrooms; two bathrooms
That's interesting: The backyard features a miniature putting green.
The living room bar gets the type of use that a kitchen island would in other homes. "We didn't have the space in the kitchen to do an island since it's technically not wide enough," Michelle says. "Plus, I like the kitchen being open because I cook a lot and we entertain a lot."
Bar countertops: Caesarstone in Mocha
Bar countertops: Caesarstone in Mocha
Functional furniture for entertaining includes a coffee table and console made of reclaimed wood for extra storage. Custom swivel chairs rotate to face either the sofa, TV or bar.
"I feel like we're using all the space the house has to offer," says Michelle. "I like accessories, but not so many that it's cluttered. We really like the open feel of the whole house."
Previously, uninsulated floor-to-ceiling glass panels made the formal dining room hot and unattractive. Blinds became dust collectors, and skylights provided even more unnecessary light. The team at Blackband Design drywalled the windows at the top and put in transoms and French doors to match the original style of the home.
Host and hostess chairs reupholstered in a light blue fabric break up the wood dining set and complement the turquoise bead chandelier.
“I absolutely love the chandelier with the curtains. Paired together, they’re two of my favorite things,” says Michelle. “I love the pops of red with a little bit of yellow. Everyone walks in and goes crazy over the chandelier. It all mixes and matches together.”
Chandelier: Blackband Design
Host and hostess chairs reupholstered in a light blue fabric break up the wood dining set and complement the turquoise bead chandelier.
“I absolutely love the chandelier with the curtains. Paired together, they’re two of my favorite things,” says Michelle. “I love the pops of red with a little bit of yellow. Everyone walks in and goes crazy over the chandelier. It all mixes and matches together.”
Chandelier: Blackband Design
To make space for the living room entertainment bar, which was at the top of the homeowners’ must-have list, the couple had to remove a hallway closet. The bar sits at a height that allows the kids to do their homework there too. It also features customized cabinetry that contains a hidden minifridge and media controls.
Framed prints of antique linens: Blackband Design; wall paint: On the walls: Revere Pewter, Benjamin Moore; trim paint: White (DEW 380), Dunn-Edwards
Framed prints of antique linens: Blackband Design; wall paint: On the walls: Revere Pewter, Benjamin Moore; trim paint: White (DEW 380), Dunn-Edwards
An antique desk sits in a central nook that once housed a hallway closet. The chair was part of the couple's collection, and above it is a vignette arranged by Blackband.
The hardwood flooring throughout the home is Provenza Hardwood African Plains Black Riverwood 5-inch hand-distressed planks.
The hardwood flooring throughout the home is Provenza Hardwood African Plains Black Riverwood 5-inch hand-distressed planks.
The existing cherry cabinets in the kitchen got a coat of glossy white paint as a budget-friendly alternative to replacing them altogether. The new paint also highlights the stainless steel appliances. Blackband added the subway tile Calacatta marble backsplash in a bricklayer pattern.
Countertops: Slab Caesarstone in Cinder; cabinet paint color: White (DEW 380), Dunn-Edwards
Countertops: Slab Caesarstone in Cinder; cabinet paint color: White (DEW 380), Dunn-Edwards
Placing chunky jute rugs over the hardwood floors kept remodeling costs down. Other cost-savers include custom stationary draperies in the family room and dining room. "They look like working drapery, but they don't open and close," Blackband says.
"We're just about relaxed, family-friendly comfort, but with style too," Michelle says. "I like a mix of a little bit coastal, a little bit Asian, eclectic and a little bit traditional."
The workbench in the family room is a family heirloom that belonged to Brad's father. "He had it in his office for years. They passed it down to us and we've always found a place for it," says Michelle. The table didn't need refinishing, and a heavy silver tray and mirror complete the family room vignette.
The family remodeled the exterior of their home five years ago. A small putting green and relaxing pool allow them to enjoy their yard and entertain friends in warm weather.
Landscape architect: MJS Design Group
Houzz call: Do you live in a creative, beach-inspired space? We want to see!
Landscape architect: MJS Design Group
Houzz call: Do you live in a creative, beach-inspired space? We want to see!
Custom linen sofa, reclaimed wood coffee table: Blackband Design