A Whole Home Remodel Transforms a 1950s Ranch Into a Vibrant + Distinctive Home
The Vision
When the homeowner purchased this 1950s ranch in Ann Arbor, they saw beyond its dated, worn finishes and years of deferred maintenance. With a belief that the home could be completely transformed, the goal was clear: breathe new life into the structure while honoring its mid-century roots with a whole home remodel. The dream was a bold, personality-filled space with modern function—one that felt welcoming, distinctive, and ideally suited for both daily living and entertaining.
The Results
Step inside, and the transformation is undeniable. Meadowlark reimagined this dated Ann Arbor ranch into a vibrant, distinctive home that reflects its owner’s style with a whole-home remodel. Rich color combinations nod to mid-century modern design, while thoughtful reconfiguration of the layout ensures the home works beautifully for today’s lifestyle. Walls came down to open the floor plan, creating a seamless connection between the kitchen and living room—perfect for gatherings. What was once a small, closed-off dining room was incorporated into the kitchen, creating a larger, more functional space that reflects how we live today—open, connected, and centered around cooking and gathering.
The original three bedrooms became two, allowing for a spacious primary suite complete with a walk-in closet and en-suite bath. A new powder room provides convenience for guests, and the kitchen now boasts expansive countertops, smart storage, and a cook-friendly layout.
Outside, the home improvement updates are just as transformative as the interiors. A new, larger front porch immediately welcomes visitors, creating a sense of openness and approachability while also providing a practical space for relaxing or entertaining. The exterior’s deep turquoise finish replaces the dated dark brown brick of the 1950s, giving the home a bold, distinctive presence that reflects the owner’s personality and complements the mid-century modern-inspired design inside.
New Marvin windows enhance the curb appeal with sleek, contemporary lines while delivering significant energy efficiency. Gone are the drafty, outdated windows; the home is now quieter, more secure, and fully climate-controlled, providing comfort year-round. Behind the scenes, all-new mechanical systems ensure the home is as reliable as it is beautiful, ready for decades of use without compromise.
Together, the thoughtful color palette, high-performing windows, and functional upgrades create an exterior that balances aesthetics and durability. The home now exudes confidence, character, and a sense of care—proof that every detail, from design to performance, was thoughtfully considered.
Project Goals
Meadowlark’s goal was to reimagine this 1950s ranch into a home that balanced bold design with everyday functionality. From the start, the Meadowlark design team focused on creating a cohesive layout that supported modern living—opening the kitchen to the living area, improving flow, and maximizing usable space. Expanding the kitchen and reconfiguring the bedrooms allowed us to introduce a spacious primary suite while maintaining balance throughout the home.
Just as important was bringing the home up to today’s standards of comfort and performance through all-new mechanical systems, energy-efficient windows, and thoughtful material selections. We aimed to deliver a home that feels as distinctive and personal as it is reliable and enduring.
Project Challenges
A whole home remodel like this came with a long list of challenges. Decades of deferred maintenance and original 1950s finishes meant there was no quick fix—it required a full-scale transformation.
The outdated mechanical and plumbing systems required a complete overhaul to ensure safety and efficiency. Structurally, removing walls to create an open floor plan demanded careful planning to maintain integrity while delivering on the client’s vision.
Through every hurdle of this home remodeling project, the guiding goal remained the same: preserve the essence of a mid-century ranch while modernizing it for today. With creativity, persistence, and collaboration, those challenges became opportunities to craft a home full of personality and purpose.
Product Selections
Kitchen perimeter and bathroom counters, with an Eased Edge: Super White Quartz Countertops
Kitchen Peninsula: Gotham Brushed Quartz Slab
Front entry and bathroom floors: Nasco Agglo Vendo Terrazo Marble Tile
TileBar Color One Jade Green Crackled Glossy Lava Stone Tile 2 x 8-inch tiles
West Elm Olivia Pendant
Kitchen stove/oven: Bertazzoni 30-inch Standing Induction Range
Before Photos
Interested in Meadowlark’s remodeling services? Let’s chat.