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Old Ranch-Style House Updated With A Sleek And Contemporary Design

By Simona Ganea | Published on

Perched high on a bluff outside Austin, in Texas, this is one of the few ranch-style homes which have been preserved and updated to suit the requirements of a contemporary lifestyle. The property was renovated by Root Design Company and the transformation is quite spectacular. The original ranch included the main house, a guest house and a small chicken coop and the client wanted to increase the square footage of the structure so they made a few changes, including the addition of a pavilion by the swimming pool. The pavilion features an outdoor kitchen and a dining area, extending the living spaces outdoors.

The updated. design of the ranch house features a metal roof and a black exterior which are complemented by light wood elementsView in gallery
The updated. design of the ranch house features a metal roof and a black exterior which are complemented by light wood elements
The house sits at the top of a bluff and overlooks a forested area, being cantilevered at one endView in gallery
The house sits at the top of a bluff and overlooks a forested area, being cantilevered at one end
A wraparound deck extends the interior spaces outdoors, being shaded by the roof overhangs View in gallery
A wraparound deck extends the interior spaces outdoors, being shaded by the roof overhangs

The pavilion is framed by a beautiful accent wall that looks like a giant firewood storage niche with a fireplace and a TV built into it. This cool design is actually reiterated throughout the ranch’s new design is several other forms, serving as a visual link between the original rustic design and the new contemporary look of the property. The palette of materials used throughout the new design includes wood featured on the ceilings, zinc countertops, raw steel doors and shelves, all of these used in combination with clean plaster finishes which create a strong and beautiful contrast.

The interior got a major remodel too. This is the new kitchen which now has a sleek, contemporary lookView in gallery
The interior got a major remodel too. This is the new kitchen which now has a sleek, contemporary look
Although the ranch was updated with high-end finishes, some of its decor is still infused with rustic charmView in gallery
Although the ranch was updated with high-end finishes, some of its decor is still infused with rustic charm
Large glazed surfaces welcome the outdoors in and open the interior spaces to the panoramic viewsView in gallery
Large glazed surfaces welcome the outdoors in and open the interior spaces to the panoramic views
A new guest retreat was added by refurbishing a 1976 Airstream RV. The interior is a mix of wood paneling and silver surfacesView in gallery
A new guest retreat was added by refurbishing a 1976 Airstream RV. The interior is a mix of wood paneling and silver surfaces
A single-pitch pavilion sits by the pool, sheltering an outdoor kitchen and a dining and lounge spaceView in gallery
A single-pitch pavilion sits by the pool, sheltering an outdoor kitchen and a dining and lounge space
A firewood surround frames the fireplace and TV set on one side of the pool pavilionView in gallery
A firewood surround frames the fireplace and TV set on one side of the pool pavilion
The ranch overlooks the valley and takes advantage of the panoramic views in a subtle mannerView in gallery
The ranch overlooks the valley and takes advantage of the panoramic views in a subtle manner
The poolside deck offers a pretty great view over the surrounding landscape as wellView in gallery
The poolside deck offers a pretty great view over the surrounding landscape as well
The swimming pool and the pavilion are completely separated from the main houseView in gallery
The swimming pool and the pavilion are completely separated from the main house