I’m not normally into ranch style homes, especially from the 1970’s, yet these days their horizontal layouts are slowing creeping into my heart. It could be that I just turned 40 and am thinking about my future personal projects yet what I really feel is that it has something to do with my current desire to grow horizontally and not so much vertically; I’ve got enough of that going on. It’s that expansive energy to the front and all around me that I’m attracted to like when one sees a mountain and takes a deep breath.

More to the point, I recently was browsing Cottage Living and came across this adorable ranch remodel and redesign that captures the essence of what I love in the layout of a ranch combined with a cottage feel. Designed by the residents, Atlanta decorator Tyler Colgan and her architect husband, David who according to Cottage Living, “married a brick rancher to the look of a classic white cottage.” Yes, indeed. The kitchen (shown above) is light and airy with (my favorite) open shelving.

I love what they did with the study creating equal sides for an equal relationship. That’s perfect feng shui. I’m also currently interested in creating smaller, functional and beautiful work environments.  Here’s what Cottage Living had to say: “Instead of tucking an office into an obscure corner, the couple opted for “his and her”nooks in the living room. Shutter doors (found in a salvage shop) slide open on a track and close off the adjoining powder room.” Yum…I love those salvaged doors. There are so many options that we all have these days to be environmentally responsible and stay cute at the same time. How do you feel about working in a smaller space at home? I’m always curious.