Cozy Country Ranch Renovation

Before: Stuck in the Shadows

This 1962 ranch was solid in terms of mechanics thanks to conscientious previous owners, but its neglected exterior needed a facelift. Out with tiny '60s windows, overgrown plantings, and drab colors. In with fresh color, welcoming furnishings, and crowd-pleasing rooms.

After: Clutter-Free Facelift

A cosmetic overhaul brought the exterior out from the overgrowth and into the California sunshine. Tidy plantings, gray siding, and a new blue door hint at the clean, uncluttered retreat inside.

Bonus: Ranch Makeover Tips

Considering an exterior makeover? See how this ranch home gets a refresh thanks to cosmetic changes that create major curb appeal.

Wide-Open Welcome

Formerly cramped by acoustic-tile ceilings that were barely 8 feet high, the living room now seems to soar. Sprawling furniture scale up the space. A map of Sonoma Valley and a vintage find from American Airlines placed on the mantel give the room a sense of history.

New Life for Thrifted Finds

Comfort is king in the refreshed retreat. Each room is filled with kick-back comfortable furnishings that finish the cozy country vibe. Two vintage pieces -- a steel office console on the left and a wooden church bench on the right -- flank the dining room table.

Industrial-Chic Storage

A few versatile storage pieces employed throughout the house combine entertaining essentials and keepsakes. This former office workhorse now houses table linens and candles within its cabinets, while the top is piled with metal-framed photos and an assortment of vintage letters.

• Flea-Market Storage Ideas

Before: Seeing Orange

With its orangey-oak cabinets and low ceiling, this kitchen was in major need of some TLC to bring it into the 21st century.

After: Clean Country Style

The newly remodeled kitchen glows with warm whites and country touches. An apron-front sink and wood flooring capture casual country style, while a window fills the room with natural light.

• Cottage Kitchen Design Ideas

White Cabinet Colors

Love this kitchen's crisp white cabinetry? See how to get the look right with our top white paint color picks for kitchen cabinets.

Cozy Work Station

One kitchen wall is washed in warm gray paint, a departure from the serene white. It's meant to set off the dishes on the metal baker's rack -- a Costco find vastly cheaper than the built-ins the homeowner had originally planned for this wall. The desk offers work space and storage near the hub of the home.

Creative Sleeping Quarters

When putting together the guest rooms, the homeowner originally wanted to put in a trundle bed for when young family members visit. The ultimate solution was a closet big enough for a pair of twin mattresses, where the kids now love to play. The little stool is a garage sale steal; wall hooks give guests a place to hang jackets or bags.

Serene by Design

White walls give the ultimate flexibility in decorating and allow color and accessories to take center stage. The primary bedroom is simply furnished and appointed: just a big platform bed with skinny metal nightstands on both sides to promote uncluttered calm.

Before: Pink and Cramped

An awkward vanity, mismatched accessories, and the power of pink gave this tiny bath a sad 80s vibe. The closed-off bath needed a major overhaul to expand its footprint and bridge the connection between indoors and out.

After: Soothing Bathroom

Charcoal-gray concrete floors contrast crisply with an otherwise bright white bathroom. The barn-style sconce over the sink is meant for exterior use (similar lights brighten the outside of the house), but the homeowner loved the look for this bathroom, which straddles indoors and out. The door leads to the swimming pool so visitors can change clothes or use the facilities without tracking wet footprints through the house.

Great Gathering Space

Weekends in the house are all about gathering for conversation and company indoors and out. Here, two white sofas offer super comfy seating in the beautiful outdoors. These are actually indoor sofas with cotton slipcovers, which can be freshened up in the washing machine.

Backyard Oasis

The backyard basks in southern exposure, so a shady structure was a must for staving off harsh sun and heat. This gazebo has a peaked metal roof and is even wired for electricity, so friends and family can gather beneath it in rain, shine, day, or night.

• Bring Vintage Style Outdoors