Ted and Marzie just closed on their “new” 1948 ranch house. But… do we really call it a ranch house, when the facade also has some delicious Streamline Moderne married to it? And… how should they decorate? Ted wants our ideas — and has sent photos to inspire our input. The invitation is out: time for all of us to put out thinking caps on and play decorator-designer!
Hi, I have a problem I’m hoping you and your readers can help me with. I just purchased a house because it spoke to me, only I can’t quite figure out what it is saying yet. It’s giving me mixed messages. The house is a 1948 ranch with the typical long, low horizontal lines of a wide, single story house with a hip roof and big overhangs, combined with the strong vertical lines of a curved glass block and brick Art Deco “Waterfall”, or “Streamline Moderne” entry. So is it a mid-century modern ranch, or is it Art Deco or just plain eclectic?
Some details have been lost over the years, but some remain like the original pink and blue bathroom, and there was a swinging kitchen door found up in the attic with a round port in it reminiscent of a ship (think Streamline). The bathroom addition to the right with its high, small windows is totally wrong, and the rest of the interior is just plain vanilla post war ranch with its plain, narrow trim and 8′ ceilings.
I have some ideas, many actually, but I’m struggling to come up with a cohesive direction to go with for this house as far as design inside and out. Do I use the remaining original bathroom with its worn tile as my inspiration, and match the new kitchen to it, or do I go with a more modern (1950’s/1960’s) feel throughout? Personally, I’m seeing red countertops and light birch cabinets for the kitchen on the inside, and sunny yellow with bright blue doors and grey trim for the exterior. I admit, I’m typically drawn to Arts & Crafts/Revival houses of the 1930’s with their warm, custom crafted details, so I’m a little out of my element.
I’d love to hear what ideas you and your readers have, including directing me to vendors that might fit the bill.
Ted, whatever you call it, I love it — thank you for sharing; congratulations; and hooray that this house has made its way into thoughtful hands. And I love your sense of humor. Yes, readers say they listen to their houses, too, and sometimes it even gets… spooky! Okay, readers, here’s your chance:
- What to call the style of this house?
- How to remodel in a way that suits the original architecture — kitchen, bathrooms, colors for the exterior, and general ideas welcome!
Mary Beth S says
Wow is that a Nash Rambler parked out front?? Pretty ride that goes with this ‘raised’ Ranch meets Streamline mix. I wonder if this was a custom build , or what the rest of the neighborhood looks like. I say go with the streamline cues, the basement and tall garage profile , for me makes it too tall to treat as an MCM ranch. From a curb appeal point – the front door needs some glass, change of color and yes I would paint out the brick surround as well as re-do the mini wall at the curb. Since the streamline vibe would use metal, especially with rivets I might go for a light post/house number presentation that used metal. As others have commented, live in your new beauty to see what she says to you, start with the outside – that process will firm up the identity you want for your home, the inside will follow.
Ted Crocker says
It was definitely a custom build. Built by a doctor I was told. The rest of the street, developed in 1947-1949, is primarily made up of pretty basic single level 1250 sf bungalows. The construction of this house is heavier duty than those bungalows. There is not one crack in the foundation after all these years in earthquake country. Amazing! The house across the street from me is older, but it was moved there when the high school was being built and the house was in the way. The present owner’s grandfather bought it at auction and moved it there. Hip roofed streamline houses were popular in Australia at the time mine ours was built, so I have to wonder if the doctor had some connection to the land down unda’?
Marilyn says
I love the Streamline Moderne aspect of your house and the bathroom and original swinging door sound great. Kesling’s Skinner house might give you some ideas to incorporate on a smaller scale for the bedrooms, Living Room etc.
https://la.curbed.com/2012/6/6/10364658/william-keslings-skinner-house-hits-the-market-in-silver-lake-1
Kathy says
Great house, and I agree, great inspiration for this one! I don’t care for some of the large circles on the cabinetry (which I believe isn’t original), but the living room is perfect. Also note some of the 1940s type colors, mint green, pale yellow, grey and white, maroon, ect. mixed with the natural and mid-toned woods, and touches of chrome and glass.
Bette Jean says
The Skinner House speaks, screams in fact, “Throw a cocktail party! Dress code, high heels, fascinators and sport coats!”
Carol says
There is a house in East Nashville near Shelby Park that is almost identical to this one. I stumbled across it in the early 90’s while house hunting. When I first saw the photo, I thought it was the same house. I lingered in the car for awhile studying the house from down the street. Nashville has very little architecture like this so it was a happy day for me. It was the showplace at the street entrance of very small modest homes built at the same time. Thank you for posting, I’ve never forgotten that home.
Amber says
Definitely keep that pink bathroom!
The house is eclectic, and like my house I did a mix of both mid century and art deco. I love both eras of design and couldn’t pick just one. My guest bathroom is art deco, my kitchen is mid century. My living room is a mix. I have mid century furniture, but my window valances and lamps are art deco, but their color matches my furniture.
Ted Crocker says
Being eclectic, thankfully, definitely takes some of the pressure off with the purists (including myself) and allows for some freedom of design so long as it is true to the spirit and cohesive.
Chris says
Agree w/ other comments…existing landscape & door color have 2go bye bye! Could u paint the rest of the home to match the brick? I’m wondering if this would make the exterior flow in a less choppy manner. A grouping of sky pencil holly bushes would b cool in that dead space between picture window & curved block glass window. As far as the kitchen, luv a (high maintenance/ high gloss) pale grey & white checkerboard tile floor & white vintage metal cabinets. Laminate countertops w/ stainless steel edges / backsplash would definitely take u where u wanna go????
Ted Crocker says
Sky pencil holly bushes. Never heard of those. Like an Italian cypress, but smaller. Gotta remember that one. I can think of a lot of applications. I have a back splash planned and would like metal edging. Good call. The sliding doors do have to go. The idea of adding glass block in that area is intriguing. I kinda like it. I find the front a little choppy too, so will add a narrow molding at the level of the front landing the full width of the front to tie it all in a little better.
SS says
I will put my two cents in, since you asked. Curb appeal; I think a lot is accomplished by landscaping. Low evergreen hedges fussy trimmed to match the curved windows. One ornamental tree perhaps an orange. Keep the brick as is but paint the house…maybe even something as bold as charcoal. Paint the red door too…a red door just makes me laugh. The floors are beautiful, they set your stage. I would loose the mirrored closet doors…or maybe sand blast them. The pink bathroom is great as is. I would raise the sink and cabinet up and make the toe kick taller just to make it more user friendly. The back patio is great space, wood trim, with white canvas drapes and big pots of tall grasses would be cool. The kitchen is going to be your most expensive deal. I hope you don’t need to save anything. I would flip the sink back under the window, just because it feels right. I would do a modern flat door cabinet, in weathered wood or white depending on your tastes. Its probably just me but I don’t care for the sliding glass doors at the front of the house, if you need the door put in a single service door so people still come to the front door. If you don’t need the door then fill it in with glass blocks…yes really. What a great house. My advise is live in it for a year to acclimate yourself to the house…then you won’t be making changes you will have to change again later.
Martha says
For the outside: I’d leave the house painted the color it is right now (perhaps repaint in the same color if it looks like it needs a new coat); clean the brick; paint the door in either turquoise or chartreuse to provide a dramatic contrast to the brick; remove all those bushes next to the house since they are detracting from the architecture and just plant something that is low growing interspersed with some annuals. As for the inside, I love that curved wall and would definitely leave it. I would put in a beautiful 40’s/50’s seat with table in that area (don’t be afraid to try something different). Your ideas for the kitchen sound great. For the blue and pink bathroom I would match the blue tiles and paint the sink cabinet in that color to give it some more contrast, change the light fixture to a vintage one and make all the accents (shower curtain, rugs, etc) in the same blue. I would put plants on the inside of the glass block walls in the living areas. As for other furnishings, take your time and look for pieces that you love, an eclectic mix that looks put together over time will be beautiful (skip the huge pieces of furniture offered in today’s stores). Beautiful house, enjoy it!!
David Farley says
I instantly thought of a similar house I used to pass every day on my way to/from high school. Or at least a house with that kind of curved glass brick window. It believe it used to be one solid curve and those inserts were added later. It was for sale and fortunately Zillow still has the pictures up. The realtor described it as “extremely unique.” Built in 1950.
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/125-N-Orange-St-Carlisle-PA-17013/9235839_zpid/?fullpage=true
Ted Crocker says
Cool house. I love how the windows are inserted between the glass blocks. The glass blocks let in a lot of light, but I find myself wishing I could see out. This is an elegant solution.
Kathi Gosnell says
I’d like to see a bright white exterior with black accent paint on all the lovely horizontal lines and curves. This will bring the exterior closer to the streamline/art deco look, should work nicely with the existing red brick (agree with those that say painting the brick would be sad), and give you an opportunity to get a pop of period-appropriate color (maybe a bright mint?) on the front door for some interest.
Another way to bring some defined character to the house is through the light fixtures. I only see a few (bathroom and bedroom?) and neither seems period or very interesting. Start trolling eBay for some NOS or search on Rejuvenation. Finding a series of coordinating fixtures to use throughout your new home can bring some cohesion and give you a jumping off point for the rest of your designs.
Congrats, good luck, and thanks for letting us all play!
Ted Crocker says
This is fun!
I think you are dead on to suggest a white exterior with black accents because it is most fitting of the streamline style, but because the house is somewhat eclectic with its hip roof, I think we can get away with some other traditional mid-century paint schemes. Marzie and I are wanting something warmer and therefore have decided on yellow with turquoise doors and probably/maybe black accents, like window frames and a horizontal band added across the front at the level of the front landing. Interestingly, I found some untouched original paint in the soffit and it was painted a medium blue. Later on the house’s body was painted pink.
The house definitely needs some appropriate lighting. I will keep in mind to try and keep them coordinated. Thanks.
Karen S says
I LOVE this house-the quirkiness, the pink bathroom and especially the curved windows. I would repaint the front door so that it pops against the red brick but otherwise I don’t have any suggestions. Looking forward to seeing what Ted does with it.
Steve H says
I would say to go slowly. Learn your house’s language, and then you’ll know what it is telling you. From what I can see, everything looks fresh and well kept; you could live with it for a while. The only area that’s really at odds with the house is the kitchen, but even that looks like it’s in good shape and you could live with it for a while. Resist the urge to go charging in with a sledge hammer (the HGTV approach). One thing I would do is re-hang that swinging door. It sounds really cool and emblematic of the streamline style. I didn’t really understand the comment about the bathroom addition. Would that be the bathroom in the picture? It looks completely original to me. Also a question for Pam – Do you think that’s the original color of the wood flooring? I have no idea what was popular at that time. You’ve got a really cool looking house.
Pam Kueber says
I tend to think the stain on the flooring is not original. I would think that ‘natural’ is original.
Ted Crocker says
You are correct Pam. After being a rental for 24 years, the sellers pulled up the shag carpets and stained the floors a dark color to hide stains in the wood. It’s a bummer because they were lovely random width and pegged 5/16th oak floors, but they don’t have another sanding left in them. I have been in other late 1940’s houses in this town with these same floors in original condition and they are all stained a light/natural color. This would be my preference.
Felicia Alexander says
That really is a shame about the floors. You have my deepest sympathy!
Meanwhile, here are some tiles I discovered while websurfing yesterday that you might find fun to play with in various parts of your new house:
https://www.arizonatile.com/search?query=cementine
especially, perhaps, some of these:
https://www.arizonatile.com/en/products/porcelain-and-ceramic/cementine
Robin, WA says
This is pretty much what I would say. Go slow, give it time, live with the house for a while. I have a feeling the house will speak volumes once it decides to open up to you.
Ted Crocker says
Steve, Sorry. The bathroom I was referring to is somewhat hidden in the photo Pam posted. As you look at the house from the front, it was added on to the right side and there is nothing about it that belongs with this house.
Unfortunately, the swinging door was not stored in a safe place and the bottom rotted out. But I have photos and seeing it gives me inspiration to use round ports somewhere in the house. Maybe either side of the front door to let in some light.