Modern Black and White Ranch House Update

Steven G.’s mid-century ranch-style home was in need of a modern update, so he enlisted brick&batten to help. 

While he can’t remember how he found us — probably via social media, he noted — Steven said once he saw examples of our designs on our website, he knew he’d found the perfect partner to help bring his home into the 21st century. Keep reading to learn more about Steven’s experience working with us and see his modern black and white ranch house update from start to finish.

Whether your home’s exterior needs a minor refresh or a major overhaul, our design team can help you visualize any desired changes before you commit. Learn more about our virtual exterior design services. If you’ve worked with brick&batten in the past and have a great “actual after” photo of your home, click here to upload it for a chance to be featured on our blog. 


A simple California ranch home before receiving an updated design

The Before

Steven’s California home was built in 1957. His main goal in renovating was to update the front with a more contemporary look. While he wanted to keep the current roof, solar panels, and windows, he was open to changing the paint color, garage door, and other aspects of the home. 


A modern black and white ranch house design

The Modern Black and White Ranch House Design

Steven was interested in a white or light gray exterior paint color, so our designers recommended Sherwin Williams’ Aloof Gray for the siding. For the trim, eaves, and soffit, our team suggested a darker shade — Sherwin Williams’ Cast Iron. Finally, they used Benjamin Moore’s Black on the downspouts and gutters to complete this modern black and white ranch house design.

Steven also wanted some wood elements incorporated into his exterior. Our team delivered with a wood fence separating the front and back yards and gorgeous Woodtone siding in the entryway and on the home’s two gables. 

As soon as we saw the image from brick&batten, we knew your designer was on exactly our wavelength. It was as if they were reading our minds. We saw the image and said, ‘Yes, that is EXACTLY what we want.’

A modern black and white ranch house design

Steven used his free revision to request a minor change to the planter box on the left side of his home. Instead of the Corten steel planter in our first design, Steven requested that we figure out a way to keep the original brick planter, which our team recommended painting.


Close up photo of a ranch house

The Process

Steven opted to hire a contractor to bring his brick&batten design to life. He had several large-format prints of the virtual design deliverable created and said he and the team he hired used them throughout every step of the renovation. 

[The design] was the best [money] we spent on the project. Our contractor used the image as a guide through the entire process. Every time someone had a question, we simply went to the photo!

The process took about a year — Steven received his design in July 2021 — mainly because he simultaneously worked on several other projects on his home’s interior.


An after photo of a modern black and white ranch house

The Actual After

For the most part, Steven stayed true to his brick&batten design, using all the recommended paint colors and using the wood elements in the entryway.

An entryway featuring a bold front door

He also took our suggestion to add a pop of color to the home with a bold front door — painted with Benjamin Moore’s Galapagos Turquoise

An after photo of a modern black and white ranch house

Steven couldn’t use the garage door we recommended due to supply chain issues, but he managed to find something similar. Additionally, instead of adding wood gates on either side of the home, he decided to paint his existing fencing with Cast Iron. 

A close up photo of a modern black and white ranch house update

Steven also made some changes to the planter box featured in our design. Steven removed the original brick planter because it was in poor condition and replaced it with siding painted with our recommended shade of Cast Iron, to match the rest of the house. He then added some smaller planters that blend in well with the rest of the landscaping.


A close-up after photo of a modern black and white ranch house

A Successful Modern Black and White Ranch House Update

Steven’s modern black and white ranch house refresh was a total success. Our designers gave his 1950s home a much-needed update that he — and his friends and neighbors — are thoroughly enjoying. 

We are very happy with the final result and have received numerous positive comments from friends and neighbors.

Impressed by Steven’s home transformation? Imagine what we can do for your house! From paint color options to fixtures and other design elements, we can help you visualize every aspect of your dream home’s exterior. Start your exterior design project today.

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