A photographer and his family created a house that works from an easily forgettable ranch home in Westchester County.

The original 1940s ranch, though visible from the road, was easy to miss because of its low-slung profile, tired gray shingles, and far-more-fetching farmhouse neighbor. Nonetheless, the house beckoned to Bill Abranowicz and Andrea Raisfeld who admired its clean lines and potential.

With the help of both a contractor and architectural designer, the couple was able to create the house of their dreams in three individual renovations.

Cedar shakes replaced the original gray shingles and were sealed to enhance their color.

A marble-topped island and three Thonet bentwood stools are comfortable for quick meals or homework.

In the home of Bill and Andrea, the kitchen is the center of activity. Andrea uses the refrigerator's chalkboard front to greet the kids with a daily word, brainteaser, or math problem.

The office, once a two-car garage, has pitched ceilings of Douglas-fir boards, a back slate floor, and a large corkboard for displaying and viewing photographs.

A Danish-modern dining table is surrounded by chunky chairs that were picked up for $5 each at a school tag sale.

The walls are adorned with a mix of photography masters such as Robert Mapplethorpe as well as unsung friends and acquaintances.

Inside the front door, jackets and gear are stored in ebonized white-oak cubbies built by Willard Brewer, a cabinet maker from Urbana, Illinois, who crafted all of the house's new cabinets.

Bill's photograph of a cloudy Greek sky adds calm to the living room. The slatted bench below was found for a few dollars at a garage sale.

Bill and Andrea bought the chaise at a New York City flea market and covered it in leather. The flokati pillow was a gift from Bill's agent. An oblong seascape by Jim Teschner, a friend, hangs above the George Nelson credenza. Lined up in a clean graphic style on a ledge, clear glass spice bottles are filled with sand from every beach the family has set foot on.

A high gable brings in brilliant light filtered by maple and hemlock trees. The faux-antler chandelier came from an antique market.

Just off the master bedroom is an office that Andrea uses for personal projects like wrapping gifts only to hide them in a secret cabinet.

In their 6-year-old daughter's room, the contractor created a sleeping nook that includes a bed, trundle, and bookcase. Andrea found the vintage wallpaper on the Internet.

Bill's black-and-white photographs hang in a hallway joining the bedrooms. The pictures chronicle the family's history with candid charm.

Off the kitchen, the newly added screen porch has the unvarnished feeling of camp. Andrea had the Japanese-modern-style picnic table and benches made for Bill's 40th birthday.