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In the heart of Chapel Hill, NC, there’s a stunning home with quite a story to tell. More than just a renovation project, it’s also the setting of an adorable meet-cute. In fact, interior designer Michelle Murphy of DEMI RYAN didn’t just fix up this home — she fixed up the homeowner.

Originally a three-bedroom ranch home for a single father of two, this residence has been transformed into a spacious, welcoming retreat for a blended family of six. Get a look inside this ranch house renovation and the love story that unfolded unexpectedly in the background!

Modern two-story house with large windows, white exterior, and a sloped roof, surrounded by trees and a well-maintained lawn.Pin
With a mix of thoughtful design and heartwarming matchmaking, this home is a place where love and beauty abound. Image: Catherine Nguyen Photography
Modern hallway with a fringed chandelier, large mirror, two black chairs, a console table with green branches, and a patterned rug leading to a glass door with a view of trees outside.Pin
This entryway is a light-filled oasis with a chandelier that serves as an eye-catching, functional art piece. Image: Catherine Nguyen Photography
A stylish room with a large mirror reflecting an outdoor scene, a wooden console with plants and books, and a woven chandelier above. A geometric-patterned rug covers the floor.Pin
A vignette of books, greenery, and a giant mirror adds a welcoming touch to this entryway table. Image: Catherine Nguyen Photography

The story behind this home’s evolution is as compelling as its design. The homeowner, a single dad of two, enlisted the DEMI RYAN team to renovate his three-bedroom ranch. Little did he know this project would lead to more than just a beautifully designed space — it would also lead to love.

Michelle, playing both designer and matchmaker, introduced him to one of her team members, a single mom of two. The connection was instant. “[The homeowner] Rawley initially hired me to design his home after purchasing it in 2018,” Michelle tells us. “During that project, I realized he and Liz, a designer on my team, would make a great match. They connected, fell in love, and after a whirlwind engagement, they wanted a home that fit their newly blended family. ”

For example, a cozy den provides the family with a comfortable spot to unwind, read, or enjoy movie nights together.

Spacious living room with large windows, white sectional sofas, a gray ottoman, and a modern chandelier. A bar area is visible in the corner.Pin
The heart of this home lies in its communal spaces, designed to encourage connection and joy. “Incorporating organic materials like reclaimed wood beams, stone accents, and woven textures ties the modern design to nature, softening the bold, modern elements and reflecting Liz’s boho influence,” says Michelle. Image: Catherine Nguyen Photography
Modern living room with a central fireplace, two gray armchairs, a white sofa, and a dark coffee table with a decorative plant. The room features large windows and a zigzag-patterned chimney.Pin
A stunning double-sided, marble-clad fireplace breaks up the massive, open space, with comfortable sitting areas on both sides. In the background, you can see the staircase leading to the second floor. “The transition to the new second floor was made into a design feature with a custom staircase, blending architecture and art seamlessly,” says Michelle. Image: Catherine Nguyen Photography
Home bar with black cabinets, a small fridge, floating wooden shelves stocked with liquor bottles and glasses, a plant on the counter, and a snake plant beside the bar.Pin
What a fantastic bar! We can’t get enough of the wood surround. “All the wood in the game room, the ceiling of the den, and around the bar is reclaimed from an old barn in NC!” Michelle tells us. Image: Catherine Nguyen Photography

But what makes this renovation truly special is not just the architectural transformation — it’s the love and story behind it. Every design decision was made with the family’s unique dynamic in mind, creating a space that fosters connection, individuality, and warmth. From the kids’ floor that gives each child their own space while encouraging togetherness via a shared lounge to the romantic primary suite, every element of this home reflects the beautiful journey of the people who live in it.

“The client’s style is a fusion of Southern California cool with a modern, boho funk twist,” says Michelle. “Liz, a former model, exudes laid-back West Coast elegance mixed with funky boho vibes. Rawley, a Southern gentleman, gravitates toward modern design with bold, unexpected touches. Their brief was simple: ‘Michelle, you know us — work your magic!'”

The kitchen, always a focal point in any family home, was designed to be both stylish and highly functional. With ample counter space, top-of-the-line appliances, and plenty of storage, it serves as a welcoming gathering place where meals and memories are made.

Modern kitchen and dining area with skylights. Features a large island with four stools, pendant lights, wooden table with chairs, and view into a living room through large windows.Pin
Skylights in the kitchen highlight the island, a gathering space for snacking and conversation. Michelle adds, “The kitchen has a beautiful light blue glass tile backsplash and quartzite countertops with a stackable sliding door that overlooks the golf course.” Image: Catherine Nguyen Photography
A modern dining room with a dark wood table surrounded by wicker chairs. Large windows and glass doors provide a bright, airy view of the outdoor patio area. A pendant light hangs above the table.Pin
“We used a combination of statement fixtures, recessed lighting, and subtle sconces to create mood and function in every space,” says Michelle. “The layered lighting allows the family to easily shift the atmosphere from cozy to lively.” Image: Catherine Nguyen Photography

While the kids’ needs were a priority, Michelle also designed a luxurious and private sanctuary for the parents. The new primary suite, which takes full advantage of the property’s scenic surroundings, boasts a private deck overlooking a golf course. This peaceful outdoor retreat provides a quiet escape where the couple can unwind together, enjoying the beauty of nature from their own personal haven. Inside, the suite features elegant finishes, a spa-like bathroom, and ample space for relaxation.

Stylish bedroom with a textured wall, a canopy bed, blue and patterned pillows, and a dark blue nightstand with decor. A woven mirror and a soft rug complete the modern look.Pin
“The primary bedroom has a private screen porch and an abundance of golf course views with hand-painted custom wallpaper on the bed wall,” says Michelle. Image: Catherine Nguyen Photography
Modern bathroom with a central white bathtub beneath a large window, flanked by black cabinets. A potted plant and wooden stool are on the right, and a woven chandelier hangs above.Pin
The romantic primary suite comes with a view … Image: Catherine Nguyen Photography

Understanding the family’s need for space, the design team envisioned a home that seamlessly blended function and style. The biggest challenge was creating a layout that allowed for togetherness while also providing individual retreats. To address this, the second level was added, turning what was once a modest ranch into a two-story haven. The second floor is entirely dedicated to the children, featuring four spacious bedrooms and a shared lounge where they can relax, play, and bond.

Bedroom with a wooden bed, gray bedding, green and black patterned accent wall, and a window seat with green and gray cushions. A black ceiling light fixture is visible above.Pin
“The design was inspired by each family member’s personality,” Michelle tells us. “I wanted every space to reflect their individuality while maintaining a cohesive, comfortable flow throughout the home.” Image: Catherine Nguyen Photography
Bedroom with a wooden bed, gray bedding, and a black nightstand holding a book and decorative object. The wall features a vibrant green and brown patterned wallpaper.Pin
Bright, patterned wallpaper provides a mesmerizing focal wall in this bedroom. Image: Catherine Nguyen Photography
Bedroom with a bed, patterned accent wall, green and white pillows, black and white decor, windows with black Roman shades, a nightstand with a lamp, and an armchair by the window.Pin
Another of the secondary bedrooms offers a black and white theme, with contemporary fixtures, plush bedding, and green accents. Image: Catherine Nguyen Photography
Home office corner with a desk, chair, and a potted plant. A black and white abstract mural decorates the wall. A monitor is mounted above the desk, and a small cabinet is placed nearby.Pin
A cozy corner desk is surrounded by dazzling wall art. Image: Catherine Nguyen Photography
A bedroom with a white cushioned bed, colorful pillows, floral rug, and decorative wallpaper. A modern chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Two white nightstands have lamps and small decorations.Pin
Another tribute to just how much the right wallpaper and rugs can make a statement, this bedroom has just the right layers of color and pattern. Image: Catherine Nguyen Photography

Beyond the bedrooms, the renovation included numerous additions to enhance the family’s daily life. A lower-level guest suite was incorporated to accommodate visiting family and friends, ensuring loved ones always have a comfortable place to stay. A dedicated home office provides a quiet and productive space for work, while a large laundry room — complete with backup appliances in the mudroom — ensures that managing a household of six is as seamless as possible.

Rustic game room with purple spiral staircase, large windows, foosball table, shuffleboard, and photo-lined walls. Black and white rug on light wood floor.Pin
“The game room wasn’t just designed for the kids but also for adults, complete with a sleek bar area,” explains Michelle. “It’s a versatile space perfect for family game nights or entertaining friends.” Image: Catherine Nguyen Photography
Living room with dark floral wallpaper, black leather sectional sofa, geometric coffee table, patterned cushions, indoor plants, and large window showing trees outside.Pin
We’re wild for this tiger wallpaper! Image: Catherine Nguyen Photography

Storage was another key consideration in the renovation, ensuring every inch of the home was optimized for organization. The mudroom, often an overlooked space, was transformed into a highly efficient entryway with custom storage solutions to keep the household running smoothly.

A cozy nook with cushioned seating and a striped rug next to white cabinets. A window with geometric-patterned valance overlooks a scenic view. Small plants add a touch of greenery.Pin
This thoughtful design ensures the home remains as practical as it is beautiful. Image: Catherine Nguyen Photography
A potted snake plant sits on a countertop with a bottle of liquid soap beside it. The background features intricately patterned wallpaper with various abstract designs.Pin
Each of the home’s wall coverings was thoughtfully chosen — even in the mudroom! Image: Catherine Nguyen Photography

“Knowing how busy a blended family of six can be, we added a secondary laundry area tucked into the mudroom,” Michelle tells us. “This practical feature handles overflow laundry and keeps day-to-day messes contained.”

A small, modern kitchen with colorful wallpaper, white cabinets, open shelves, and a large, decorative hanging light. A wicker basket sits on a hexagonal-patterned floor.Pin
The laundry room wows! We can’t decide which we love more — the modern light fixture or the whimsical wallpaper. Image: Catherine Nguyen Photography
Colorful wallpaper with birds and cacti behind a wooden shelf holding jars. A small potted plant sits on a white surface below.Pin
A close-up of the wallpaper design reveals a fun, vibrant scene featuring desert cacti and some fine feathered friends. Image: Catherine Nguyen Photography

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For more interior design inspiration, check out our other home features!

Jenna Bratcher
About the Author
Jenna Bratcher

Jenna Bratcher is StyleBlueprint Nashville’s Associate Editor and Lead Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville 17 years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.