Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Contractor: Connelly Construction
Landscape Design: Makaira Landscaping
Interior Design: N/A
Photographer: Oivanki Photography

This 1960’s ranch style house was in need of updating for the ever changing needs of the owners’ growing family. Their desire was to modernize the interior spaces and exterior appearance of the house, transforming it into a more contemporary look. Another main goal was to lighten up the interior with natural light while connecting interior and exterior spaces together. This was accomplished by re-purposing some spaces and opening up others to each other by widening openings, removing cased opening headers so that ceilings could flow freely throughout the living areas of the house. The interior to exterior connection is accomplished by adding and enlarging windows in strategic locations as well as expanding French door unit sizes for better circulation.

As seen in the before pictures, changes are made on the front of the house, which include taking down a brick wall that instantly opens the house up to the street and adding a new window unit in the dining room that makes it feel more spacious and provides a nice view to live oaks in the front. On the rear of the house where no back porch existed, a new outdoor living space is added that features an outdoor fireplace and a cooking area that creates an outdoor room that activates the backyard in a whole new way. The most significant overall change on the road to a contemporary style change for the house is the lighter paint color palette that is applied to exterior and interior brick, wood and sheet rock surfaces. A new light stone floor is also installed which helps to reflect natural light deeper into the interior spaces.

Specifically, the renovation focuses on the kitchen, den and master bath/closet areas. The kitchen is left in the same location, but updated with new painted cabinetry, countertops and backsplashes and new appliances. The master bath and closets are gutted and reworked with amenities that include a larger shower and space for a soaking tub. All new cabinetry and finishes are installed to complete the fresh new look.

In the end, the owners feel like they are in a new home from inside to out, that now fits their current and foreseeable family needs, while at the same time connecting them to their site like never before.