MI CASA

Spanish Colonial architecture, Leonard Cohen and Greece helped inspire this ranch-house makeover

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Jessica Kraus and her husband, Mike, found their dreamy 1960s San Clemente ranch home just a mile from the Pacific Ocean in California, and renovated it to encompass a vibe of coastal ease.

The family's design journey began when they acquired the property, recognising its hidden potential despite its unassuming facade. "We bought it last year knowing it needed lots of work, but it was one of the only houses we could afford in the area, and we were desperate to settle our family here," Jessica explains.

The renovation process proved to be both an exhilarating experience and a test of resilience.

"We were sort of naive in the beginning," Jessica admits. "As we went on, the plans grew more and more involved and, before we knew it, we were gutting the entire house to switch up the main layout."