The brick fireplace in the family room was resurfaced in culture stone, a synthetic material that still manages a natural, outdoorsy feel. Updating materials such as wood, brick and stone is a common fix for ranchers. Even faux painting the materials can help in some instances, Teague says. Molding and wide baseboards add a finished look to the Towle-Stewart home, and they re a relatively inexpensive way to update a rancher. The Towle-Stewart home resonates with a subtle individuality.
Slate backs the counter of the built-in cabinet in the dining room.
The striking note is a deep, hammered brass sink in the counter. The oversize black iron clamps on the wood beams are echoed in the living room curtain rod, the solid matte black ceiling fan in the family room, the iron kitchen cabinet handles and even in the fat black coils of the gas range. The use of natural colors and materials, says Linder, likely means the remodel won t become dated. That s important because Towle and Stewart aren t going anywhere. There s no way we want to move, Towle says.