Transforming a Mid-Century Home into a Modern Retreat

Finding the perfect ranch home can be a challenge, but when our clients came to us, Hyland Homes, they had a clear vision: a ranch home with great bones, a two-car garage, and ample square footage. Ranch homes are highly sought after in this area, making them difficult to acquire without paying a premium. When we found this mid-century gem in Lisle, Illinois, it was the perfect candidate for transformation. Built in 1959, the home had only one owner and retained much of its original condition—including the doors, windows, and even some remnants of a previous kitchen remodel. With a thoughtful plan for functional updates and a modern aesthetic, we reimagined this home into a stunning, contemporary space tailored to meet the client’s needs.

The challenge: rethinking the layout for better function

One of the most significant updates to the home was the reconfiguration of its layout. The original floor plan had a staircase to the basement located outside the master bathroom, a placement that disrupted flow and functionality. We relocated the stairs to a more practical position, creating a wider, more gradual slope. This move also allowed us to design a recessed bump-out above the staircase, perfectly complementing the fireplace in the great room.

Raising the ceilings was another critical spatial improvement. By lifting the ceiling height and exposing a striking beam, we gave the space an open and airy feel while maintaining a cozy charm. This design element became a central feature of the great room, tying the entire home together.

After: Great room that is now complete with vaulted ceilings and 5″ white oak plank hardwood flooring

Before: A view from the same location of where the kitchen used to reside

Kitchen transformation: a functional and stylish hub

The heart of the home—the kitchen—was completely reimagined. Previously, the kitchen area was confined and dated, with the range hood positioned where the dining room is today. We reconfigured the layout to create an open-concept space, featuring:

• Two-tone cabinetry for a modern farmhouse look.
• Quartz countertops for a clean and timeless finish.
• A spacious kitchen island, perfect for entertaining and everyday functionality.
• Engineered 5-inch-wide white oak hardwood flooring that flows seamlessly throughout the first floor, adding warmth and durability.

The result is a kitchen that feels both modern and inviting, seamlessly connecting to the great room and dining area.

After: Master bathroom completed with walk-in shower, tile wainscoting, expansive vanity and vaulted ceiling with skylight

Master suite: rethinking privacy and luxury

The master bathroom was redesigned to create a private, spa-like retreat. We reallocated space from the hall bathroom to enlarge the master shower, adding a skylight for natural light. A bricked-in window allowed us to position the vanity along the wall, optimizing the layout. The result is a luxurious bathroom featuring large-format porcelain tile from Floor & Décor, blending practicality with elegance.

Hall bathroom: compact and functional

The hall bathroom was redesigned as a smaller, condensed space with a sleek shower. Despite its compact size, it provides all the essentials in a clean and modern design, maximizing the available square footage.

After: A view of the new patio and deck, including transforming the exterior with the relocation of windows and creating a seamless look

Exterior updates: blending old and new

Preserving the home’s mid-century charm while addressing practical concerns was a priority for the exterior updates. Instead of patching areas with mismatched materials, we added limestone sills and siding. Where brick was removed, we harvested it to use in bricking over two back windows—one in the master bedroom and the other in the master bathroom—maintaining the home’s cohesive aesthetic.

After: Basement remodel while highlighting and repurposing existing wall paneling 

Basement upgrades

The basement received significant improvements, starting with new luxury vinyl tile flooring—a durable alternative to traditional luxury vinyl plank. The redesigned staircase, now wider and with a more gradual slope, enhances accessibility and style. These updates make the basement a functional and inviting extension of the home.

A seamless blend of form and function

This ranch-style home renovation is a testament to what’s possible with thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship. By addressing key structural challenges, updating finishes, and prioritizing both function and style, we transformed a dated home into a modern, comfortable retreat. At Hyland Homes, we take pride in not only finding the perfect property for our clients but also reimagining spaces to align with their vision and lifestyle. Check out more photos from this project here.

Looking for your dream home or considering a remodel? Contact Hyland Homes for personalized design, real estate, and general contracting services.