Creating an Open Floor Plan from a 1940's Ranch Home - Before & After

It seems like ages ago, when we first walked through this simple 1947 rancher and started talking about how we could update it.  Fast forward 6 months and we're still pretty amazed at how much it has changed.

We started with a typical post war home.  Small, separate rooms with a small kitchen.  You can see the Before Photos Here.

Since we were putting an entirely new second floor on the house, we knew that the engineered joist system that we installed would let us remove any walls that we wanted on the first floor.  We were also installing a new wall-hung, gas furnace which allowed the chimney flue to be removed.  That gave us lots of flexibility to design the new space.

View from front door - Before

The result?  Well, we'll let you be the judge!

Because we removed so many walls and doorways, it's probably hard to believe this is the same space (hint - the wall on the right with the antique table is the only one that stayed).  The first impression as you come through the front door is completely different now.  Instead of a maze of walls and doorways, now you see all the living spaces in this bright, open home.

View from front door - After, with all those walls removed

Living Room - Before

Living Room - After

 The 1960's brick fireplace has had a facelift with a new, yet traditional style, mantle.  We added sconces and a new gas firelog set.  Won't this be cozy during a cold Maine winter?

Moving the furnace was a big job.  But in this case, it allowed us to eliminate the flue and open up the space.  Once the flue and supporting wall were gone, we added the hand hewn antique beams to give this post war home some architectural character.  It also provided a great transition as we changed ceiling heights between the spaces.

First Floor - Before centre wall and hot air ducting from furnace was removed

First floor After - same camera angle, without the central wall

Living Room/Dining Room - Before

This is probably the best vantage point to see how many walls were removed.  The only wall that still remains is the one on the far left and part of the mirrored wall (which provides a closet as you come in the entry).

Living Room/Dining Room - After

Back Hallway - Before

The back hallway has had similar, dramatic changes.  We eliminated the closets on the left, opened up the stairwell wall, took out the funky, angled arch and raised the floor level to match the rest of the house.  Quite a change, don't you think?

The second floor is all new - click HERE to see how it came out.

So, next time you think that a dated floor plan has to be stuck in the past.  Think again.  With a little creativity, you can make it a wonderful, modern living space!

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Resources:

Lighting -Restoration Hardware 

Original Paintings - Cooper Dragonette

Antique Beams - Portland Architectural Salvage

Dining Table & Chairs - Pottery Barn

Wicker Wing Chairs - Pottery Barn

Leather Sofa - Horchow

Kitchen Cabinets - Martha Stewart Purestyle

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