At the Au Naturel Ranch, natural materials took center stage as we renovated our client’s well-loved ranch home. From stunning stones to warm wood tones and more, our clients gravitated towards these organically beautiful materials as we reworked the layout, refreshed almost every surface, and found the perfect new furnishings for their renovated spaces.

If you haven’t already, make sure to visit and read Part 1 and Part 2 to dive deep into the before pictures, design inspiration, and the amazing journey we took with our clients.

The Challenge | Finding space in the margins

Like many California ranch renovations, this project began with a kitchen that no longer served the family’s needs. But in the early days, that was not the case. When our clients first moved into their home over two decades ago, they were enamored with the inviting kitchen, a hub where they’ve since enjoyed cooking family dinners and hosting large celebrations. However, as the years passed, their beloved kitchen began to show signs of wear and tear, signaling that it was time for a much-needed renovation.

In Part 1, we share all the details of how a kitchen makeover quickly expanded to touch nearly the entire home. Life stages often prompt homeowners to reconsider their living spaces, and our clients were no exception. With their children off at college and visiting only on weekends and holidays, they were ready to explore the next chapter of their house’s story. The scope grew as we began to dream of the possibilities available in their home. We took the time to finally address many of the issues the family had learned to simply work around while also cleaning up the floor plan, creating a cohesive breakfast and kitchen space, and designing an elevated, elegant modern palette.

Altogether, the scope included:

• Expanding and renovating the kitchen and breakfast nook, including an angled tray ceiling with skylights and beams.
• Expanding and reconfiguring the laundry room by reallocating a few square feet from the garage.  
• An exterior refresh that involved:
  • A fresh coat of exterior paint and trim in a new color scheme
  • Removing and replacing the faux Tuscan window trim with flat stock
  • A custom mahogany front door with a new dormer and skylight 
  • A custom mahogany garage door 
  • New exterior lighting 
  • Consulting on the cobblestone selection 
• New white oak hardwood flooring throughout the main floor level
• Renovating the hall bath 
• The addition of a powder room 
• Reorienting a guest bath to become en-suite
• Refreshing their primary bedroom, including vaulting the ceiling 
• Furniture for the primary bedroom and living room

The Answer | Organically beautiful finishes

As the saying goes, if you want to make an omelet, you have to first crack a few eggs, and the Au Naturale Ranch was no exception to the rule. To tackle the long-standing layout and functionality issues, we pushed out the walls under the existing eaves, borrowed some space from the garage, and added a dormer over the entry. Doing this created the space needed to correct the floor plan, define and unify the kitchen and breakfast nook, add a powder room, and expand the laundry room to have a sink and more functional storage. 

We then added a strategically placed powder room, soundproofed with quiet rock (I mean, why isn’t this standard?), making hosting much easier with a second (and more private) bath for guests. As we shared in Part 2, we ensured a seamless flow from room to room by adding continuity in design elements, such as the new flooring throughout and accent beams on the ceiling. We also took the opportunity to strip away some of the faux Tuscan-inspired design features added to the home’s exterior that had once been popular in the early 2000s. 

When it comes to design, our clients gravitate toward a warm and contemporary aesthetic, strongly emphasizing natural materials. In this ranch style home, we opted for finishes that celebrated their inherent beauty. In the kitchen, we chose a quartzite countertop and backsplash for its durability and movement, which paired beautifully with the natural oak-stained cabinetry. In areas where we used tile, we selected glass tile with veining and variation and and ceramic tile with naturally imperfect texture. 

I’m an advocate that you should never force a home to be something it’s not. As times and trends change, it can be tempting to force your home to conform. Unfortunately, when we do this, it gives a house a sense that you’re trying too hard.  

As we chose finishes and furnishings that we knew our clients would love, we also embraced this home for what it was: a lovely California ranch. By blending our client’s preference for a warm and contemporary style in a way that complemented the qualities of the house, we created something that felt effortlessly inviting.

The Results | Effortless luxury and warmth

Many of our clients come to us with a problem they want to solve and an idea of how they would like to solve it. It’s my job as an interior designer to first hear their vision and then give them more than they were asking for. Instead of simply renovating the kitchen and laundry while working in a powder room addition, we delivered the functionality and elegance our clients craved throughout their entire home. The result of this ranch remodel Bay Area was a home that exudes luxury and warmth. 

Our collaboration with Guild Craft Builder was pivotal in bringing this vision to life and ensuring the work we did would see the home through another two decades. Quality was paramount for both our clients and us, and the constant and collaborative communication among the entire team played a vital role in achieving this remarkable transformation.

For many homeowners, especially in the Bay Area, what were once considered starter homes are often becoming forever homes. This means creating designs that stand the test of time is more important than ever. At MMID, we craft spaces that endure rather than simply adhere to fleeting trends. 

Ultimately, what was once a tired and disjointed house evolved into a lovely and inviting home, reflecting our clients’ elevated style. It is now poised to welcome another two decades of cherished memories built on a foundation of thoughtful design and excellent craftsmanship.

Kind Words

“The overall scheme works beautifully with the simple architecture of this California Ranch, as well as the idyllic natural setting. By blending their client’s preference for a warm and contemporary style in a way that complemented the qualities of the house, they created something that felt effortlessly inviting.” – RUE Daily

Special thanks to our vendors and trades 

• Contractor: Guild Craft Builder 
• Structural Engineer:_____
• Landscape Architecture: Thomas Klope Associates
• Landscape Construction: 
• Vintage Bath

Thinking About Your Own Ranch Remodel in the Bay Area? 

Every California ranch renovation tells a story. Let’s make sure yours is telling a good one. If you’re ready to refresh your ranch style home design with natural materials and thoughtful planning, let’s start the conversation.