Tampa, FL

1600 sq ft renovation

When our client purchased this modest 1950s Florida ranch style home, it was run down with small living spaces, heavy carpeting and a miniature master bathroom. While similar homes in the neighborhood were being demolished to make way for multi-story mansions, our client valued her home’s clean lines and great bones, and hired us to design a thoughtful renovation. Our design challenge was to transform all 1600 square feet into a light-filled, functional and efficient living space that paid homage to the home’s mid-century roots. We took out the walls separating the kitchen, living and dining areas, visually connecting the large operable windows on either side of the home and emphasizing sightlines between interior and exterior spaces. The original terrazzo flooring, discovered beneath a thick layer of carpeting, was polished and restored. White walls are punctuated by pops of orange and warm wood tones which were inspired by the home’s original cabinetry. The same oak finish is used throughout, imbuing warmth into an otherwise cool palette and creating continuity within the residence. ​ Throughout the house, strategically placed built-ins maximize space for storage. A niche-filled wall partitions a corner of the living space, creating an open office area for our client who works from home. In the kitchen, small details hark back to the mid-century – an original 1950s metal paper towel dispenser that was found in the home is mounted to a penny tile clad wall. ​ When it came to the exterior of the home, our goal was to change it as little as possible. We replaced the roof and the garage door, intentionally choosing materials that would not draw attention to themselves. A pop of bright yellow accents the home’s classic 1950’s lines and proportions.