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You know what I love about being an interior designer in Aspen?
Just when I think I've seen it all, a project like Elk Mountain Ranch comes along and challenges everything I thought I knew about design. This project not only challenged our team at ALI & SHEA DESIGN but also helped change our client’s perception of older homes.
But first, let's talk about ranch houses in general.
Versatility in Ranch Houses
Let me share some context about ranch houses that will help us understand this project even better!
So there are a few types of ranch house designs:
Traditional California Ranch
The California ranch, or "rambler," emerged in the 1920s with architect Cliff May's innovative designs. These homes feature open floor plans, extensive windows, and seamless indoor-outdoor living – elements we still prioritize in modern mountain homes.
Mountain Ranch
Here in Aspen, we've adapted the ranch style to embrace our dramatic landscape. These homes often feature natural materials like stone and timber, with large windows to capture those breathtaking mountain views.
Modern Ranch
These homes maintain the ranch's horizontal emphasis but incorporate contemporary materials like steel and glass. These are proof that ranch houses can be both timeless and current.
Split-Level Ranch
Perfect for sloping sites (which we have plenty of in Aspen), these homes use elevation changes to create distinct living spaces while maintaining that essential ranch character.
Of course, these aren’t the only ranch house styles.
There’s the Storybook Ranch, the French Provincial Ranch, and the Raised Ranch. Designing the interiors of each type calls for creativity and fun ideas. Especially, when it comes to raised ranch interior design ideas, there’s so much to explore–it could fill an entire blog!
But for now, let’s shift our focus to a special project that perfectly showcases the beauty and potential of ranch-style design.
The Elk Mountain Ranch Project
Elk Mountain Ranch is a stunning 50-acre property where elk literally graze outside your living room windows (It's magical!).
Originally built in the late '80s to early '90s, this award-winning home carried a rich architectural legacy.
The new owners, who had recently moved from the East Coast, initially planned to tear it down and start fresh.
Sound familiar? It's a common first instinct, especially in Aspen's luxury market.
What We Found
The home was substantial – 8,000 heated square feet, with:
5 bedrooms
6 bathrooms
Additional garage space
A guest house
All totaling over 10,000 square feet
The construction was impressive, with stone, quartz, and steel throughout. This wasn't your typical dated ranch house – it had good bones, as we say in the industry.
Here's where it gets interesting.
While the owners were going through Pitkin County's lengthy approval process for new construction (which can take over 5 years for new construction), they needed a livable solution in the meantime. This is where we, ALI & SHEA DESIGN entered the picture and this pause turned out to be a game-changer for the project.
Our Approach
Instead of fighting against the home's 70s/80s character, we embraced it. Ranch homes, particularly those built in mountain settings, often feature strong architectural elements that can't—and shouldn't—be ignored.
Working with our team, we:
Created a mood board featuring rich rusts and navy tones
Discovered original vintage pieces stored in the garages
Found and restored an original light fixture
Mixed high and low elements, from custom pieces to CB2 finds
Incorporated the clients' existing art and antiques
The Turning Point
As the project progressed, something remarkable happened—the homeowners fell in love with the house they once planned to replace. Seeing the home through new eyes, they recognized the value and beauty in its original design. That’s when their perspective shifted from tearing it down to preserving the existing architecture.
This shift wasn’t just about aesthetics, it was practical, too. After a while, it became clear to the homeowners that the cost difference between renovating and rebuilding was significant. Investing in thoughtful updates simply made more sense for their lifestyle and long-term plans.
The Design Journey
Now, let me walk you through how we transformed this mountain ranch into a modern sanctuary while honoring its original character. It's one thing to remodel and envision a space's potential, but bringing that vision to life while preserving the soul of a mountain home - that's where the real artistry begins.
Design Philosophy: Working With, Not Against
The property itself is nothing short of spectacular with natural landscape spreading as far as your eyes can see. This setting became a major inspiration for our redesign.
Also, when approaching a project of this magnitude, my years of experience have taught me that fighting against existing architecture is often a costly mistake—both financially and aesthetically.
The 70s/80s elements, including the stone, steel, and copper-toned construction, offered an exceptional foundation for our vision. These materials inspired the selection of complementary colors and textures, helping to bridge the gap between past and present.
The mood board we presented to clients featured colors and elements that resonated with the existing materials while adding a contemporary edge. We especially made sure to craft a sophisticated color palette with rich rusts, deep greens, and navies along with greys and creamy whites.
In the living spaces, for instance, green velvet upholstery and rust-colored accents create warmth and sophistication, enhancing the natural beauty of the stone and wood.
Thoughtful Updates Over Major Renovation
This was never meant to be an extravagant remodel. Instead, our focus was on thoughtful, impactful changes.
We replaced outdated carpets, refreshed the walls with new paint, and introduced a blend of custom and curated furniture pieces.
Some items were sourced from high-end retailers, while others came from accessible brands like CB2—an intentional mix of high and low to balance comfort with sophistication.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was discovering hidden treasures in the home. During our initial exploration, the property manager showed us several unopened boxes in the garages—remnants from the home's earlier days.
Among these forgotten items, we discovered two vintage chairs that would become integral to our design, along with an original light fixture that once graced the living room. We carefully restored these pieces and used them in the final design.
The Transformation: Inside the Finished Luxury Mountain Retreat
Let’s take a tour and see how we transformed this once-dated ranch house into a stunning blend of mountain charm and modern luxury.
Interior Spaces: Conversation Areas
BEFORE
AFTER
Let me walk you through one of my favorite spaces in Elk Mountain Ranch, the great room. With soaring wooden beam ceilings and a dramatic stone fireplace, it exemplifies our ranch-style interior design approach.
We chose deep forest green velvet sectionals to complement the natural surroundings seen through expansive sliding doors. We threw in plaid pillows for a subtle mountain touch.
The seating is arranged to highlight both the fireplace and the stunning meadow views. For extra seating, we added vintage-inspired caned chairs with velvet cushions, paired with honey-toned wood and natural materials to keep the space warm yet airy.
The vintage Persian rug was a perfect choice to tie everything together with its rich colors, anchoring the space beautifully.
BEFORE
AFTER
The lighting was particularly important in this room. The modern wooden chandelier with its geometric design adds architectural interest, while track lighting highlights the space above the fireplace.
But it all comes alive with the subtle mixing of materials–something you can’t miss in modern ranch house designs. Here we have the live-edge wooden coffee table, the sleek metal side tables, the textural caning, and the plush velvet upholstery.
In the secondary living room, we took a bolder turn from the usual ranch-style home ideas with a navy velvet sectional and accents in rust and plaid. The integration of contemporary art, including striking Warhol prints, brings unexpected sophistication to the rustic backdrop.
I particularly love how the organic form of the potted tree adds life to the corner, softening the clean lines of the furniture.
More Inspo: Add depth and character to your rooms and transform them from ordinary. Check out our Different Ceiling Designs Guide! |
Kitchen and Dining
I think this kitchen design has surely earned its place in ALI & SHEA DESIGN's history, especially with the bold choice of matte black cabinetry. While it may seem daring for a ranch-style interior design, it grounds the space with a sleek, modern edge.
Brass hardware adds warmth, while white paper lantern pendants create an interplay of light and shadow against the wooden beam ceiling.
One of my favorite touches is the open window above the sink, framing the stunning mountain views. The white tile backsplash extends to the ceiling, reflecting light and balancing the darker cabinets.
More Inspo: Looking to elevate your kitchen design? Explore creative Kitchen Island Pendant Lighting ideas to add style and functionality. |
BEFORE
AFTER
The dining area flows seamlessly from the kitchen with a round wooden table, chosen for both beauty and function. The antler chandelier, though unexpected in a modern space, gives a nod to the mountain home design.
Rattan bar stools introduce natural warmth, perfectly transitioning from the black cabinetry to the formal dining area.
Professional-grade stainless steel appliances were a must for serious cooking, seamlessly integrated into the design. Even the black faucet is intentional to complement the cabinetry. It adds just enough of that contemporary touch. We tied all of this together with fresh flowers and organic elements to bring life to the space, making it feel lived-in and loved.
The Bedrooms
BEFORE
AFTER
In the bedrooms, we created intimate retreats that merge ranch-style interior design with modern comfort. The primary suite retains its exposed beam ceiling, complemented by a vintage Persian rug, a modern armchair, and contemporary art.
Plaid bedding and textural elements bring a cozy mountain feel, while the striking antler chandelier brings in that traditional mountain touch.
In one of the bedrooms, you’ll see a fresh take on ranch-style house interior design with custom upholstered blue-striped headboards, strategic rug placements, and modern art. Moving away from the darker tones of the rest of the home.
We kept the original wooden beam ceilings, painting the walls a warm white to brighten the room. Fresh flowers and natural elements tie the space to the home’s outdoor setting.
This was one of the simplest yet most effective ways to bring our cozy ranch home design ideas to life–connecting these intimate spaces with the stunning mountain landscape beyond the windows.
Outdoor Living
The outdoor spaces at Elk Mountain Ranch perfectly demonstrate our commitment to blending natural elements with contemporary comfort. Looking at the expansive flagstone patio, you'll notice how we created distinct zones for different activities while maintaining a cohesive design language.
We put a white L-shaped sectional with gray-striped pillows anchoring the main seating area, centered around a modern fire pit for intimate gatherings. For hotter days, we installed custom umbrellas to provide shade without obstructing the spectacular views.
BEFORE
AFTER
Adjacent to the lounge, we created a dining area for eight, with metal-framed furniture and white cushions.
The outdoor furniture choices scream modern ranch home design all the while being able to stand the mountain weather. We again, went for natural textiles and fresh flowers–always the perfect elements to soften the space.
Also Read: Dreaming of a cozy mountain home? Explore our Rustic Interior Design Ideas for authentic charm and comfort. |
Other Subtle Spaces and Design Choices
Beyond the main living areas, it’s the quieter corners and intentional design details that truly complete this home’s transformation.
The Lounge Nook
We created an intimate seating area featuring a custom navy and white geometric-patterned banquette with rust-colored pillows. The contemporary art pieces, including a striking skull print, add an unexpected edge while maintaining the home's sophisticated aesthetic.
The Entryway Gallery
We added a mid-century modern console with architectural details at the entryway, paired with a dramatic round mirror. Vintage Persian rugs and fresh floral arrangements soften the clean lines, while the wooden bench adds an organic touch.
The Reading Corner
We designed this cozy corner with a boucle armchair and vintage rug, anchored by playful contemporary art. The ceramic garden stool and fresh flowers add layers of texture and life to this intimate space.
The View Lounge
This seating area had to be created here to capitalize on mountain views through these floor-to-ceiling windows. Again, creating harmony with the rest of the house, we paired these vintage chairs (stored away in the garage) with sheepskin cushions. This mirrored coffee table perfectly reflects the rich Persian rug and the area around creating a light airy feel.
The Powder Room
Dramatic white pendant lights and matte black cabinetry create a moody sophistication in this powder room. The brass accents and fresh flowers add warmth to this otherwise monochromatic space. Again, the design choices had to flow naturally with the rest of the house (yes even in a tiny powder room).
The Bar
A perfect entertainment spot featuring rich burgundy wallpaper, brass fixtures, and custom wood paneling. We also added a couple of design elements to bring in that ranch heritage like with the vintage cowboy plates.
The Main Bathroom
BEFORE
AFTER
We balanced the modern aesthetic with organic elements - sculptural pendant lights float above black cabinetry, while gray tile work creates a serene backdrop. The sheepskin rug along with the rest of the materials add that touch of luxe to the space.
The Lessons We Learned
This project taught us that sometimes the best solution isn’t starting from scratch, especially with ranch house interior design. Here’s what to consider when evaluating a ranch house:
Look for solid construction and good bones.
Consider the environmental impact of your choices.
Work with, not against, the existing architecture.
Mix high and low elements for character.
Thoughtful updates often make more sense than total reconstruction.
Key Takeaways for Future Projects
Let me break down these insights for both homeowners considering a renovation and my fellow design professionals.
For Homeowners | For Design Professionals |
See the value in existing architecture before opting for demolition. | Keep an open mind about existing elements. |
Good bones create a strong foundation for modern updates. | Look for opportunities to repurpose original features. |
Thoughtful updates often yield better results than reconstruction. | Balance client desires with architectural integrity. |
Consider the environmental impact of preservation vs. new construction. | Sustainability and luxury can go hand in hand. |
Sustainability: The Big Reward
You know what's really exciting about this project and something I'm particularly proud of?
Its contribution to sustainable design practices.
When you consider that this home encompasses over 10,000 square feet (including garages and a guest house), the environmental impact of demolition would have been staggering, even with Pitkin County's strict recycling requirements.
Looking at the finished project today, with its seamless blend of original architecture and modern updates, it's hard to imagine that this structure was once destined for demolition.
The Impact Beyond Beautiful Design
As I reflect on the Elk Mountain Ranch project, what strikes me most isn't just the aesthetic transformation—though the results are undeniably beautiful. It's how this project challenges common assumptions about luxury renovation and demonstrates a more thoughtful approach to mountain architecture.
As a design professional who has worked on numerous mountain properties, I find particular satisfaction in projects like Elk Mountain Ranch. When clients who initially planned to demolish a property end up falling in love with its transformed spaces, it validates our belief in thoughtful preservation.
It also stands as a testament to the fact that sometimes the best way forward is to work with what we have, seeing potential where others might see problems.
I hope this story has inspired you if you're thinking about remodeling or redesigning not just a ranch house, but any home. At ALI & SHEA DESIGN, we are committed to taking mountain luxury to new heights and achieving the perfect balance between traditional and modern design approaches.
Considering interior design services or commercial interior design services? We'd love to help you discover the hidden potential in your space. Get in touch with us today!
FAQ
What is a good size ranch house?
A typical ranch house ranges from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet, but your ideal house size depends on your needs, lot size, and lifestyle preferences. Larger ranch homes can exceed this range, providing more living space.
What is ranch style vs bungalow?
Ranch-style homes are generally larger and more spacious than bungalows. While both are single-story houses, ranch homes typically have a more open layout and separate living and sleeping areas.
Bungalows are often smaller, with a cozier design, and may sometimes include a second story.
What is another name for ranch homes?
Ranch homes are also called "ramblers," highlighting their single-story design and connection to outdoor spaces.
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