Interior Design Spotlight: The Ranch, the Ultimate Rural Retreat

Virtual staging by Carry On Design Co.

This residential interior design project involved the complete transformation of a 1966 ranch home into a stunning investment property. The client, a professional couple, approached Carry On Design Co. in early 2020, shortly after relocating from the city to nearly four acres of prime California agricultural land. We brought their vision of a warm and inviting retreat to life, creating an interior design that would cater to a wide audience while remaining true to the home’s rural roots.

The 1,920-square-foot main house, along with a studio apartment and attached two-car garage, required a comprehensive interior and exterior remodel. Our goal was to design spaces that felt both functional and timeless, anticipating and appealing to the diverse tastes of future visitors. Among many improvements, we reimagined the layout of the home with an open-concept design. By connecting the kitchen, dining room, and living room areas, we crafted a space that would encourage connection and community, essential for a memorable guest experience.

Virtual staging by Carry On Design Co.

Although our team truly transformed the entire home, the kitchen and bathrooms received turnkey updates. Retro-inspired tile in the bathroom gave a nod to the home’s 1960s origins while maintaining a neutral palette and modern aesthetic. The kitchen was thoughtfully designed to balance practicality and style, complete with restored oak floors that brought warmth and character to the space.

Due to the complications of COVID in early 2020, this project encountered several challenges, including sourcing materials and contractors for the rural location. Additionally, the well water’s hard mineral content presented another obstacle, especially considering the client’s desire for matte black faucets throughout the home. Nevertheless, our team found creative solutions to each new challenge in order to meet the couple’s design requests. To stay within budget, we prioritized restoring original features, like refinishing the oak floors, which helped preserve the home’s charm while cutting costs.

Virtual staging by Carry On Design Co.

By the project’s end, we delivered a cohesive interior design that blended timeless aesthetics with thoughtful functionality. This stunning investment property provides comfortable spaces where guests can form lasting memories and stands as a testament to our team’s ability to weather challenges and achieve our client’s design dreams.