Houzz Tour: A New Layout Opens an Art-Filled Ranch House

Extensive renovations give a closed-off Texas home pleasing flow, higher ceilings and new sources of natural light

Becky Harris February 17, 2013

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected." I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More

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A dark, closed-in ranch house with a chopped-up layout was less than ideal for two graphic designers with modern tastes. After a few years of living in the house and thinking about what they wanted, they hired Clayton & Little Architects to complete a full design-and-build remodel. "The layout was really weird and wasn't working for them," says architect Paul Clayton. "The only way to get from one end of the house to the other was to pass through a closed-off kitchen or a bathroom." He completely reconfigured the layout around a central circulation spine that created a pleasing, open flow. The renovations included creating a new kitchen in the center of the house, as well as two new bathrooms. Here's a look at the results.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: 2 graphic designers and their young son
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: About 1,200 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Clayton&Little Architects

The architects vaulted up the existing flat ceiling and added a glass door to let more light into the family room; they saved the existing steel-frame windows. The homeowners created a spare but comfortable furniture layout that incorporates iconic midcentury modern and contemporary pieces — and a nod to Star Wars.

Clayton&Little Architects

Stained wood cabinets from Ikea contrast with powder-coated-steel countertops that reflect the light. The space just past the countertops is the central circulation spine that allows one room to flow into the next.

Clayton&Little Architects

The owners have an extensive art collection; white walls and colorful, eclectic pieces transform even the eat-in kitchen into a gallery.

Guests and family usually enter the house through this yellow door. The transparent glass door on the right leads to the guest bathroom, which connects to the more private bedroom area.

Clayton&Little Architects

The floors are stained concrete, which plays off the sleek industrial stainless steel hardware, appliances and vent hood.

A refrigerator and pantry are across the room from these countertops.

Sink, cabinets: Ikea

Clayton&Little Architects

A closet space in the son's room provided the perfect area for a sleeping nook. "We wanted to create a cozy alcove for his bed so that we could leave as much floor space as possible for toys and play," Clayton says.

Bedspread: DwellStudio (discontinued)

Clayton&Little Architects

All the master bedroom needed was new paint and carpet tiles. A picture rail displays favorite prints.

Nightstand: Modulicious No. 1, Blu Dot; shams: Chinoiserie Pearl, DwellStudio

Clayton&Little Architects

The master bathroom was previously a small study off the master bedroom that had sliding glass doors on the wall where the window is. A floating vanity, a clear glass frameless shower separator, continuous white tile and a skylight make the new master bathroom feel much larger than its 6 by 10 feet.

Tile: 4-by-12 Modern Dimensions, Daltile

Clayton&Little Architects

The vanity is natural gray poured-in-place concrete with a burnished finish. Steel was run through it and into the wall studs so that it could be cantilevered.

After about six months of construction, the home is now a place where the family plans to stay for a long time.