I’m beyond excited to share that Apartment Therapy featured our suburban ranch-style house in their latest home tour scenario, and it truly feels like seeing a piece of my soul on the internet. The story, aptly titled “An ‘Ew, This Is All Old and Gross’ Suburban Ranch Got a Colorful Redo,” documents our journey taking a 1966 fixer-upper in St. Louis and transforming it into a vibrant, maximalist sanctuary filled with color, art, and life Apartment Therapy+1Apartment Therapy+1.
🎨 The Before: A Time Capsule of Beige
When we bought this ranch, the house was crying out for color and heart. Built in 1966, it had lost its shine under layer upon layer of dated finishes. Apartment Therapy captured my first reaction perfectly—I thought, “ew, this is all old and gross.” So we rolled up our sleeves and dove in.
🛠️ The Comeback: Creative Renovations with Soul
We invested around $20–30K and did most of the work ourselves over four years. Here's a sampling of what got a makeover:
- Kitchen gut and remodel – We removed a load-bearing wall to open the space and restored the original hardwood floors that had been hiding under old carpet Apartment Therapy.
- Bold paint and murals – Every room got a coat of high-impact color, including diagonal and angular accent walls plus playful murals in the bedrooms.
- Lighting, trims, and finishes – From fun light fixtures to custom trim and doorknobs, every detail got thoughtful attention.
🌿 A Home That Reflects Us
As Apartment Therapy highlights, our style is colorful, eclectic, bohemian, witchy, and plant-filled—just like me. I identify as queer non-binary femme, and the house is a reflection of that identity. As I said in the piece, “When I look around in my home, I think, this is what the inside of my brain looks like” Apartment Therapy.
🏡 Favorite Spaces? Too Many to Choose!
- Living room & kitchen – Bright, plant-rich, and full of natural light—it’s where our family gathers most.
- Kids’ rooms – Every detail from the murals to furniture celebrates their personalities and sparks my inner child.
- Bedroom + bathroom – My personal sanctuary. Cozy, moody, and exactly right.
- Closet-turned-desk nook – DIY cloffice turned creative haven for both me and my daughter.
🌱 Tips from Our Ranch Remodel
- Paint is your best friend – White walls are great for a fresh canvas, but don’t shy away from bold hues or shapes.
- Celebrate the original bones – Restoring hardwood, opening walls—it’s about revealing beauty, not erasing history.
- Light, plants & layers – Lighting upgrades, lush greenery, and layered décor bring warmth and personality.
- Personalize boldly – This house is unapologetically us. That means murals, accents, and finds that make us smile.
✨ Why This Home Means Everything to Me
My career journey—from interior design, to agency art direction, to building Bohemian Enigma Design—has come full circle in this space. It’s my living portfolio, my sanctuary, and a bold, loving tribute to embracing self-expression in every corner Apartment Therapy.
If you’re dreaming of injecting soul into a standard suburban home or looking for ideas to bolden your own space—whether it’s paint, plants, murals, or lighting—I’d love to brainstorm with you.
With maximalist love and plant-filled joy,
Kara Kirchhoff
Founder & Creative at Bohemian Enigma Design
Want more DIY tips? Behind-the-scenes peeks? Or help bringing color and soul into your home?
Let’s connect:
🌈 @bohemianenigmadesign
🎨 Collaborate with me