Powell Rental

LOCATION

Rock Springs

PROJECT TYPE

The Overhaul

PHOTOGRAPHER

Text reading 'About the Project'

Modern Simplicity,
Lived in Warmth.

When Birch + Dune Design Co. was approached to remodel, and design, an older home to be utilized as a short term rental property, we knew what a fun opportunity this would be. The client wanted a home that combined clean, modern lines with cozy farmhouse touches to create a space that felt bright, comfortable, and ready for the next family to stay in and make memories together. Warm wood tones and patterned tile add character and charm, while crisp whites and black metal accents keep everything feeling fresh and timeless. By utilizing natural textures, greenery, and simple styling we made each room feel welcoming and effortless—proof that modern design can still feel like home.

A neatly made bed with white sheets, a white pillow, and a decorative burnt orange pillow with white patterns. On the bed, there is a tray with two muffins, an open book, and a black mug with a heart design.
Decorative text that says 'A balance of cheery yellows & grounding blues' with an arrow pointing upward.

At Birch + Dune Design Co., we believe every space should feel both beautiful and lived-in—especially a home meant to welcome new guests week after week. For this short-term rental remodel, our goal was to create a bright, inviting environment that blends clean, modern lines with the warmth of cozy farmhouse character. Through thoughtful material selections, layered textures, and simple, purposeful styling, we transformed an older home into a refreshed retreat that feels equal parts timeless, comfortable, and ready for families to create memories in.

Thank you message in cursive font that says, 'Project Thank You'.
Line drawing of a branch with three flowers and leaves on a black background.

Historic Discoveries & Charming Details

One of the most meaningful parts of this renovation was uncovering pieces of the home’s history along the way. As walls were opened and layers pulled back, we found signatures and handwritten dates left by the original homeowners—little time capsules preserved within the structure itself. We also discovered old recipes written on Sunday offering envelopes, sparking the sweet image of women gathered after church, sharing coffee, cookies, and their favorite recipes. Handwritten recipe cards revealed even more about the family who once lived here, hinting at cherished traditions, well-loved meals, and the everyday moments that shaped their home life. These unexpected treasures added a sentimental layer to the project, reminding us that we weren’t just updating a house, but thoughtfully restoring a place that had been lived in—and loved—for generations.

Wooden door with carved floral patterns next to a window in a room with wood-paneled walls.
Scalloped edge vintage bathtub with gray and white marble tiled walls and black penny tile floors.
Corner of a room showing a section of hardwood floor, a wall with baseboard trim, debris on the floor, and a black cable taped to the wall with blue painter's tape.
Handwritten font saying 'Intricately carved flowers'.

Unique Architectural Finds

Beyond the sentimental pieces uncovered during renovation, this home revealed a number of stunning original details that added to its charm and character. The front door featured beautifully crafted millwork—an unexpected piece of craftsmanship that immediately set the tone for the entire space. In the kitchen, the original ceiling construction added visual interest and a sense of history that we chose to highlight rather than conceal.

We also uncovered original hardwood flooring, worn in all the right ways, bringing warmth and authenticity that only time can create. And perhaps the most delightful surprise was the scalloped-edge bathtub—a playful, vintage detail that spoke to the era of the home and added a touch of whimsy to the renovation. These discoveries reminded us how much personality an older home holds, and they became key elements we were proud to preserve and celebrate.

Small, but functional.

This kitchen proves that thoughtful design makes all the difference. Bright white cabinetry and an abundance of natural light create an open, airy feel, while warm wood accents and patterned tile infuse character and charm.

Every detail was chosen with intention—from the brass hardware to the clean, simple styling—resulting in a space that’s as practical as it is beautiful.

Handwritten quote that says, 'Patterned tile and coffee bar to brighten the morning' with an arrow pointing right.

Bedroom retreat.

A quiet room to get away from it all. This bedroom pairs crisp white bedding with deep green accents for a look that’s calm, simple, and timeless. The upholstered bed frame adds a touch of comfort, while soft textures and natural light make the space feel restful and inviting—a perfect spot to slow down and recharge. As requested by the client, a built-in closet and work area were custom designed to fit perfectly in the space.

A neatly made bed with white bedding, grey headboard, green throw blanket, decorative pillow, and a small potted plant on a bedside table in a bright bedroom.
A neatly made bed with white sheets and pillows, accented by a dark blue textured blanket and pillow. A tray with a plant and a jar of iced coffee is on the bed. There is a framed landscape painting hanging on the white wall above the bed, and the room has hardwood floors.
A black iron folding chair with a wooden seat in front of a built-in wooden desk with books and a window in the background.
Text reading 'Cozy details that feel like home' in elegant, cursive font.
A neatly made bed with white sheets and a pink textured blanket, adorned with a decorative pillow with pink pom-poms, set against a plain white wall with a mountain landscape painting above. There are two matching wooden bedside tables with a lamp and plant, and a glass of red wine and a tray with word blocks and eucalyptus on the bed.
Living room with a black armchair, a small round wooden coffee table with magazines, and a smaller wooden table with a mason jar drink and a small potted succulent, near a large window letting in natural light.
Text reading 'Warmth throughout the space for cold winters' in handwritten script
Living room with a brown leather sofa, a large yellow pillow, a cream blanket, a wooden coffee table with magazines, and a gold floor lamp.
A simple line drawing of a branch with elongated leaves on a black background.
A black and white wall art piece with the word 'HOWDY' in bold, stylized letters hangs above a wooden console table. The table has two framed menus or lists, and a small potted plant. The floor is decorated with patterned black and white tiles.
Yellow front door with a window, a doorbell, and a lock, open to reveal part of a small porch and neighboring house, sunlight on hardwood floor. Large wicker trivets hang on the wall to the left.
A blue two-story house with white trim and a small porch with stairs leading to the front door. The house has large windows, a brick foundation, and is surrounded by trees.
A blue table tennis table with two paddles, a ball, and a net. The paddles are red and black, with the black paddle labeled 'Caspo'. The table is indoors, with cream-colored panel walls in the background.
Close-up of a gray house exterior with the address 51 underneath black, three-dimensional numbers, and a black mailbox labeled 'MAIL' mounted on the wall beside a window. The house has horizontal siding and a white trim, with part of a yellow wall visible on the right.
A bedroom with a bed covered in white sheets and a navy blue blanket, a black metal headboard, a tray with a small potted plant, a jar of iced coffee, and a wooden board on the bed.
Text reading 'Want to see more projects?' with an arrow pointing downward.
Close-up of the phrase 'NEXT UP' in bold, beige letters on a black background.
Decorative arrangement on a white mantelpiece includes a window frame wreath, a vertical mirror, a pair of tall candles in gold holders, and a stack of books, all set against a white shiplap wall with a framed sign to the left.

A cozy residence for family

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