When the homeowners of this Park Shore midcentury ranch approached Rob Herscoe, of Herscoe Hajjar Architects, they were adamant about keeping the home’s size and structure, but requested updating its’60s character and taking better advantage of the property’s greenspace.
Herscoe’s team revamped the home inside and out, raising ceilings, knocking down walls and reimagining the backyard to take it from a dated screened-in lanai to a sophisticated open space to relax with friends and family. “Everything was about making the space a better version of what it was,” Herscoe says.
By tearing down the pool screen, the team unveiled a wall of greenery consisting of Alexander palms and dwarf umbrella trees, accented with pops of ruby-red cordyline that can be seen from a window that spans the kitchen counter. Wood-grained porcelain tiles in warm, light brown shades are carried from the interior out onto the lanai, blending the two spaces. Expansive glass sliders further enhance the uninterrupted flow between the indoor and outdoor realms. For a beachy illusion by the pool, the team carved out an L-shaped sunning area with sand-colored porcelain.
The homeowner was mindful when decorating the outdoor space, selecting durable, sustainably sourced ipe wood furnishings for the dining and lounging areas. Centered around a gas-powered fireplace, two Ballard Designs Sunday Porch Swings are adorned with faux fur and velvet pillows. The lanai is designed for entertaining with a wet bar near the fire. And to keep the party flowing inside and out, a window in the kitchen opens up to a patio bar set for four. “We took a humble little ranch and transformed it into a space for a more sophisticated, up-to-date lifestyle,” Herscoe says.
