Before & After Home Tour: Light-Filled Ranch Home

A completely revised facade gives this dark, dated ranch house a new perspective. Stucco now covers the original brick for a more modern look. To make the roofline more appealing, the architect installed a 20-foot-high monitor over the front foyer. Larger windows, updated landscaping and a new stone walk complete the overhaul.

A completely revised facade gives this dark, dated ranch house a new perspective. Stucco now covers the original brick for a more modern look. To make the roofline more appealing, the architect installed a 20-foot-high monitor over the front foyer. Larger windows, updated landscaping and a new stone walk complete the overhaul.

Combining the original kitchen, breakfast nook, and mudroom into one space creates a bright, contemporary 18x15-foot kitchen. Open shelves replaced the old upper cabinets for a more airy look. White solid surface countertops along the perimeter contrast with the island's stainless steel. The chimney-style hood and gas cooktop add function and style.

Combining the original kitchen, breakfast nook, and mudroom into one space creates a bright, contemporary 18x15-foot kitchen. Open shelves replaced the old upper cabinets for a more airy look. White solid surface countertops along the perimeter contrast with the island's stainless steel. The chimney-style hood and gas cooktop add function and style.

A former summer porch now functions as a year-round dining room with walls of windows and French doors and opening to a patio. Durable ceramic tile and simple furnishings enhance the light-filled space.

A former summer porch now functions as a year-round dining room with walls of windows and French doors and opening to a patio. Durable ceramic tile and simple furnishings enhance the light-filled space.

Elevated ceilings, a new front door, and freestanding built-ins give the front entrance a fresh face. A sidelight and clerestory windows (not in view) bring in extra sunlight. Dark walnut on doors, walls, and built-ins complements the ranch house's contemporary look.

Elevated ceilings, a new front door, and freestanding built-ins give the front entrance a fresh face. A sidelight and clerestory windows (not in view) bring in extra sunlight. Dark walnut on doors, walls, and built-ins complements the ranch house's contemporary look.

Enclosing the ranch's three-season porch created a sunny and inviting new dining space. Clerestory windows line three walls, bringing in plenty of sunlight. A pitched roof adds architectural character.

Enclosing the ranch's three-season porch created a sunny and inviting new dining space. Clerestory windows line three walls, bringing in plenty of sunlight. A pitched roof adds architectural character.

The architect stayed within the ranch's original footprint, but removed walls on the 2,530-square-foot main level to create a more open floor plan for easy entertaining and family living. The kitchen opens to a new family room. The dining room resides in what was once a screen porch.

The architect stayed within the ranch's original footprint, but removed walls on the 2,530-square-foot main level to create a more open floor plan for easy entertaining and family living. The kitchen opens to a new family room. The dining room resides in what was once a screen porch.