The 1955 Project

Central Montana | Whole Home Remodel | Ranch-Style Residence

Updated kitchen opened into the living room with new cabinets, modern finishes, neutral subway tiled backsplash, updated LVP flooring and updated paint and trim.

Client Goals

This family set out to completely reimagine their 1955 ranch-style home—updating every room to create a more functional, modern space for daily life, while also preparing for multigenerational living. They needed a full interior renovation that would open up shared spaces, modernize outdated fixtures and finishes, and convert the unused left wing into an accessible ADU for an aging parent—designed with long-term flexibility in mind.

Design Solutions

Walls were removed and layouts reworked to bring light and connection to the home’s central spaces. The former U-shaped kitchen, once wrapped in pink tile, was opened up entirely to create a modern flow from the south entrance through the dining area and into the living room. Ceilings were refreshed by covering exposed beams, adding clean lines and LED lighting throughout.

The ADU addition now features its own living area, kitchenette, spacious bedroom, and an accessible en suite bath—complete with a walk-in shower, grab bars, dual sinks beneath a sunlit window, and a large storage niche. This space is designed to comfortably serve the client's father now and eventually transition into the couple’s own primary suite.

Throughout the home, cohesive flooring ties each space together, while new trim, paint, and lighting bring warmth and modern simplicity to every room. Both original bathrooms, formerly clad in retro pink and green tiles, were expanded and redesigned with neutral finishes, double vanities, and upgraded fixtures for the whole family.

See the before images here.

Updated bathroom with large double vanity, updated lighting with modern black framed mirrors, storage above the toilet and updated flooring that flows from the kitchen.

Notable Features

  • Full interior reconfiguration and wall removal

  • ADU with accessible en suite and private living area

  • Modern kitchen with open layout and upgraded lighting

  • Double vanity bathrooms with neutral tile and fixtures

  • Seamless flooring throughout all common areas and bedrooms

  • Updated ceilings, trim, and closet interiors

Before image of the kitchen with 50's pink cabinets, brown patterned linoleum, white electric stove, old laminate countertops, and dated features.

This 1955 ranch-style home underwent a comprehensive transformation. From a closed-off layout with dated finishes to an open, modern space tailored for multigenerational living, these before-and-after images highlight the home's remarkable transformation.

The original U-shaped kitchen shown above with pink walls was transformed into an open, light-filled space with modern finishes.

Following the before pink themed kitchen, is this dated pink bathroom complete with turquoise green tile, pink fixtures, and dark pink flooring.
Before image: off of the kitchen is this closed off large living room with old brown patterned wavy commercial carpet, dark wood ceiling and beams, old finishes and peeling paint.
Another bathroom before picture showcasing the bathroom off of the main bedroom in the new ADU with pink walls and cabinets, old sink with damage, beige wall tiles above the tub and dated fixtures.

Walls and narrow hallways closed off the main living space, now reimagined as a continuous flow from both entrances to living room, with clean ceilings and updated lighting

Pink and green tile were classic to the era—but ready for an upgrade. Now featuring neutral finishes, double vanities, and accessible design.

Project Reflections

The 1955 Project was a full-circle transformation—bringing new life to a mid-century ranch while honoring the family’s evolving needs. Designed with intention, every update served a greater purpose: connection, comfort, and longevity. One of the family’s favorite outcomes was the open-concept kitchen, now filled with light and layered function. The modern finishes throughout brought cohesion and simplicity, but the true highlight was the expansive ADU bathroom—a space that balances accessibility, beauty, and ease of use for years to come.

Updated living room with a continuous flow from other public areas of the home, new flooring, updated and brightened trim, closed ceiling with new lighting and updated fixtures.
Updated living room with a continuous flow from other public areas of the home, new flooring, updated and brightened trim, closed ceiling with new lighting and updated fixtures.
No more dark and dated hallway. Now the hallway feels attached to the rest of the house with updated light fixtures and new paint and flooring the complement the client's new living room.
All new appliances and a open concept for this family. The kitchen now opens to the main areas of the house for ease of use, more inviting and light-filled kitchen with modern finishes and fixtures.
All new appliances and a open concept for this family. The kitchen now opens to the main areas of the house for ease of use, more inviting and light-filled kitchen with modern finishes and fixtures.
In the ADU space right off of the kitchen and South entrance to the home, we have the same flooring for a simple flow from the kitchen. All the walls, trim and doors were updated for easier accommodation.
From the ADU living space is a small kitchenette for additional storage, personal items, and etc.
The main ADU bathroom was expanded into the ADU kitchenette area to allow for a double vanity, large tiled walk-in shower and accessible features.
The main ADU bathroom was expanded into the ADU kitchenette area to allow for a double vanity, large tiled walk-in shower and accessible features.

Whether updating or starting fresh, we blend Montana’s natural beauty and functional living into your design. Let’s create an inspiring environment that feels like home. Contact us to start the conversation.

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406 Financial Remodel