Modern Farmhouse Makeover

Builder: Steve Ward, Sun Construction Company

Architect: Jay Caughman, Caughman + Caughman Architects

A breathtaking remodel brought this 1970s rancher into the 21st century with style. For builder Steve Ward of Sun Construction Company, the primary goal was to first open up the floor plan. With the help of architect Jay Caughman of Caughman + Caughman Architects, this home went from a segmented, linear house to an open and flowing, interconnected home with excellent sightlines, ample living spaces, and stunning features. “The homeowners really wanted the floor plan opened up so they could entertain and enjoy day-to-day life more easily. So we gave them several vignettes that were multi-functional,” says Ward.

By Katie Faulkner

Photography by Beacon Imagery

The living room is distinguished from the kitchen and adjacent keeping room by a two-sided stone fireplace. This unique, show-stopping feature is an eye-catcher from all angles with a pale stone veneer that creates a nice foundation for the light neutrals used throughout. Caughman explains, “We took the middle wall out and put a pass-through fireplace between the living room and keeping room. This helped keep the rooms separate but not isolated. You can still see into the kitchen from both of the main living areas. Once you get your floor plan to work, and the flow and circulations to work, the rest of the design tends to fall into place and look and feel better.”

Meanwhile, the rest of the room’s décor, including shiplap on the walls and a sparkling raindrop chandelier, creates a fresh, fancy, farmhouse motif.

Furniture: Huck & Peck Home Furnishings

Stone and tile: Stone Source, Inc.

Ceilings Second to None

In the keeping room, the ceiling vaults into an apex with beams painted a slightly darker shade of gray to accent the rest of the room’s color scheme. This contrasts beautifully with the elevated flat ceiling in the living room to form an engaging architectural transition between the two spaces. Lantern pendant lights line the ridge of the vaulted ceiling to accentuate the more relaxed style of this side. Bohemian throw pillows and a bright patterned rug pair with a wicker chair and raw wood coffee table to keep the space casual. Ward shares, “With this project, I think I’m most proud of the way all the living spaces seamlessly flow together, even the outdoor area. That was our goal.”

Right behind the keeping room is this vibrant dining room, which boasts walls wrapped in shiplap, a geometric spherical pendant light, and a faded bohemian area rug. The home’s neutral-colored backdrop helps balance the eclectic styling. Double sets of French doors open into the new outdoor living areas.

See more from Steve Ward of Sun Construction Company at sun-construction.net.

Muted grays and soft off-whites flow through the kitchen, keeping the tone fresh and contemporary, but also familiar and homey. In keeping with the farmhouse style, large windows over the sink and a frosted pantry door team up with wooden open shelving and several accessories to bring in a more rural charm. Ample counter space, including an island, and streamlined cabinetry give this kitchen plenty of work surfaces and storage. Meanwhile, state-of-the-art appliances including double wall ovens, a disguised refrigerator, and dual disguised dishwashers are unassumingly subtle luxuries.

Beside the kitchen is another eating nook with built-in benches, wicker chairs, and a sleek table. “The owners really wanted lots of space to be able to come together as a family and to have friends over often. So we made sure they had multiple places to entertain,” says Ward.

Appliances: Ferguson

Countertops: Stone Source, Inc.

Plumbing fixtures: Stone Source, Inc. and Ferguson

A unique master suite, located on the second story, affords beautiful treetop views and lots of privacy. Here, a vaulted ceiling helps add volume and visual interest, while also accommodating two extra-large windows. Shiplap wraps the walls to ceiling height, and beautiful wire-brushed oak flooring creates an aged aesthetic. Weathered wood furniture and plush linen bedding give the room an earthy yet cozy feeling.

The adjoining master bathroom features a spacious, glass-encased steam shower, dual vanities, weathered flooring, and beautiful botanicals found in the wall hangings and orchids.

Windows, trim, and interior doors: East Chattanooga Lumber & Supply Co.

Staging: Sophie’s Home Team

“The porch was the only thing we added to the home,” says Caughman. “Everything else was a strategic remodel, but we added the porch for additional entertaining areas.” A melton stone fireplace anchors the space as a sturdy, rustic focal wall. Pale wood plank flooring, the exteriors of the home, and weathered wood features, such as the antique storm door, all keep the space light, rural-toned, and refreshing. Modern modular furniture and pleasant pops of color in the bohemian throw pillows add a cheerful touch.

By opening the main living spaces and incorporating new impressive ceilings and fresh finishes, this home sports pops of color and dynamic texture as a chic version of the modern farmhouse.

Other suppliers:

Cabinetry: T&C Cabinets

Fireplaces and exterior hardscapes: Acme Brick, Tile & Stone

Flooring: A&H Flooring