By reconfiguring existing space in their San Francisco home, lighting experts Nancy McCoy and Peter Judge were able to remodel a typical ’60s ranch into an open, light-filled home with interior details that reflect the way this busy, creative couple live and work. Before-and-after photos illuminate the transformation of the once-ordinary front entry, the outdated kitchen, and the faux-lava fireplace.
To learn more tricks this couple used to remodel their home, read Personalizing an Everyday Ranch in the August/September 2007 issue of Fine Homebuilding.
Before: Containers could only do so much to dress up this ranch’s unexceptional entry. Nancy McCoyAfter: A clue to what lies within. Because the original entry was too impersonal, the new owners warmed it up by wrapping the vestibule in clear-finished Douglas fir sidng and trim. New side lites and wall-sconce add light from two directions.
Before: Fire good, lava bad. The centerpiece of the original living room was the faux lava fireplace surround.Nancy McCoyAfter: With the help of Berkeley, California, metalsmith David M. Bowman, Peter built a new surround of bronze, anigre, and mahogany.
Before: In the original floor plan, the kitchen occupied an exterior wall; the dining room was relegated to a windowless corner.Nancy McCoyAfter: Entertaining in a better place. The remodel transposed the kitchen and dining spaces, making the dining room feel more spacious and open. Pockets doors between the two rooms can be closed for a more formal setting.
Photos by Charles Bickford, except where noted
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The DeWalt 4.5 in. — 5 in. grinder has variable speed control (six speed settings), a safety system that shuts down the tool if the blade binds, and a brake that stops the wheel after the trigger is released.
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