An Interior Designer’s Dream Home Remodel
This design pro transformed a 1960s ranch near Basalt, Colorado, into a stunning modern farmhouse.

Photos by Dallas & Harris Photography
When my husband and I visited the property of this 1960s ranch, it was love at first sight—or should I say site. We were smitten with the location in Emma near Basalt, Colorado, the land, and the spectacular views in all directions, so we purchased the ranch with plans to revamp the original home into a modern farmhouse filled with natural light, breathtaking vantage points, and nods to the simple life.
We built and moved into a guest house at the back of the home during the remodel, which was a labor of love. The result was worth it: a gorgeous mountain modern retreat to complement the allure of the already-to-die-for landscape. Take a look at the transformation below.
BEFORE:
While the site was stunning, the original ranch-style home left much to be desired.
The interior felt dark and dated with wall-to-wall carpet, heavy dark wood, ample patterned wallpaper, and swathes of solid dark brick.
The wall of bookcases completely closed off the kitchen from the living space.
The original home felt closed in with its flat roof and low ceilings—only eight feet high.
AFTER:
Subtle details like the black-framed windows and batten siding add to the new modern farmhouse’s curb appeal.
Thanks in part to beautifully reclaimed hardwood and thoughtfully chosen accents, the interiors are understated yet warm and inviting.
We removed the roof, added a second story, and raised the ceilings to nine feet for a more spacious feel.
The wall between the kitchen and the living space was removed—opening up the space tremendously.
Large windows add light and incorporate incredible views from the surrounding landscape into the interiors. The use of playful wallpaper throughout the home adds some serious visual interest and charm.
We brightened the brick throughout the house and introduced patterns through upholstery, rugs, tile, and other fun details.
From the window accents and artwork to the slats of the reclaimed wood floors, clean lines abound.
Contemporary lighting is showcased in nearly every space, as well as texture and pops of color amid a soothing aesthetic.
A wrap-around deck maximizes the opportunities to enjoy the views—paying homage to the reason we fell in love with this site in the first place.
DESIGN DETAILS:
INTERIOR DESIGN Denise Taylor M.A. Allied ASID , Cathers Home. ARCHITECT DRAWING Kurt Carruth, Hinge Architecture WALLPAPER (BEHIND FOUR-POSTER BED) Jessica Zoob, Romo Black Edition (THROUGHOUT THE REST OF THE HOME) Phillip Jeffries DECK FURNITURE Nest
Denise Taylor, M.A. Allied ASID, is Design Director of Cathers Home, a Basalt, Colorado-based full-service interior architecture and design studio, as well as a home furnishings retail store and rug gallery. View their profile or contact Denise at denise@cathershome.com or 970-927-6556.
Content for this article provided by Cathers Home.