Mid Century Remodel 2024

2025 AIA Cincinnati CRAN Award

In early 2023, a past client (see City Garden) called to say they had purchased a 1959 ranch house. The nine-acre property sits at the end of a cul-de-sac, overlooking a valley in northern Kentucky.

The program brief included a new kitchen and living area, a new primary bedroom suite, a dedicated viewing room, a screen porch with a connected outdoor living area, a shared office space, a new workshop and “potting shed,” an art studio and wall space for the owner’s extensive art collection. The plan was to embrace an overall mid-century modern design aesthetic. The tall hackberry trees framing the back corner of the house were to be saved.

The front of the original house was sited facing directly south and was cluttered with a small kitchen. A traditional wood cupola sat astride the garage roof. Large, fluted columns lined the front porch. Although there were great views towards the west, north, and east, there was limited access to the rear and sides.

The remodeling opened the living areas and views to the spacious property. The middle section of the house was cleared out to introduce more modern and open design elements. The recessed entry wall was glazed, and a matching wall of fenestration was installed in the rear living and dining space.

Additions include a new primary bedroom and art studio beneath it, a screen porch with a covered walkway, a new kitchen, a workroom, and a potting shed, all with a nod to classic, mid-century design.

Brick was carefully salvaged from the entry porch wall and other areas to patch in around new window locations and build the low landscape wall at the entry terrace. Additions were sided with vertical western red cedar. There is new white oak on the first and second floors and on the vaulted kitchen ceiling. The interior trim is pine to match the windows. Cabinetry is a mixture of walnut, hickory, cherry, and pine. The interior design is modern, with lots of open wall space to give the owner ample opportunity to showcase their art collection.

Front face of mid-century modern home redesign by Kepes Architecture

Back face of mid-century modern home remodel by Chris Kepes, photo is a night scene with interior lit up

Side by side photos showing before and after of home remodel by Chris Kepes.

Entry terrace of mid-century modern home remodel by Kepes Architecture.

Entrance door of home with art hung on white walls. Remodel done by Chris Kepes.

Entry way to home remodel in Kentucky. Interior design is modern with white walls and colorful art on display. Wooden floors.

View to backyard of mid-century home remodel. Door is open and a deer runs past. Beyond, the nine acre property unfolds.

Simple, modern steps lead to second floor in mid-century modern home remodel by Chris Kepes. Steps are made from blonde wood, walls are white and simple.

Open living area with mid-century atomic design inspiration as part of home remodel.

Two new pine bookcases flank on original brick fireplace in living space. Furniture and decor reflect mid-century atomic design elements.

Modern kitchen redesign features a small kitchen table, cooktop island with stainless steel appliances. Beyond, the living space can be seen with mid-century atomic design elements.

Modern kitchen redesign features a small kitchen table, cooktop island with stainless steel appliances.

Kitchen of mid-century modern home remodel in Kentucky. Kitchen features lofted ceilings with wooden cladding, a cooktop island, and views to the backyard.

Modern bathroom redesign as part of mid-century modern home remodel by Chris Kepes.

Modern screen porch addition added to mid-century modern home remodel by Kepes Architecture. Space features a wood-clad ceiling and large, floor-to-ceiling screen panels showing the nine acre property beyond.

Simple bedroom design features artwork adorning white walls, a plaid chair, a modern bed frame.

Restored pine paneled lower level rec room featuring a central pool table, original bar and open window to newly added art studio.

Restored pine paneled stairs lead to lower level rec room.

Simple art studio features medal work tables, views of property through a wall of windows, and a view into rec room.

Simple bedroom features bright white walls, colorful hanging lamps, and modern, colorful pillows. Art adorns walls and embraces playful nature of room.

Sloped ceiling features skylights over a small reading nook to side of bedroom. A chair with brightly colored pillow and fluffy white rug sit under the windows with plants surrounding it.

Bathroom remodeled with mid-century atomic aesthetic features teal sink, metal fixtures, and grey, pixelated floor tiles. Part of home remodel by Chris Kepes.

Stairs to first level feature subtle runner and windows to patio.

Back view of home shows off the covered porch addition and updated landscaping. Updated wood cladding alternates with brick on facade of house. Remodel by Chris Kepes and Kepes Architecture.

Night time shot of rear terrace of newly remodeled home in Kentucky by Kepes Architecture. Interior is lit from within, featuring white walls with ample art. Three rocking chairs sit at finished concrete terrace.

Night time shot of rear terrace of newly remodeled home in Kentucky by Kepes Architecture.

Back view of home remodeled by Kepes Architecture. Home is lit from within and emits a soft glow from windows. House has wooden siding and mid-century modern design.

Side by side photos showing before and after of home remodel by Chris Kepes.

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