The Courtyards of Cielo Ranch by Epcon Communities represents a beautiful evolution of a former family-owned horse ranch into a modern, low-maintenance 55+ active lifestyle community in Westfield, Indiana. With its prime location offering direct access to the scenic Monon Trail; perfect for residents who love staying active and embracing the outdoors, we were thrilled to partner with Epcon on the sneak peek model home installation. This project allowed us to honor the property’s equestrian heritage with subtle nods to horses while creating spaces that feel warm, inviting, and thoughtfully elevated; qualities that resonate deeply with today’s discerning new home buyers.
Our design approach balanced approachability with quiet sophistication, resulting in a home that feels both personal and luxurious. Here are the standout features from the install that captured attention and set a high bar for what Epcon’s ranch-style homes can achieve.
Dramatic Fireplace and Moody Den
One of the most striking elements was the dark painted shiplap fireplace in the living area, finished in Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore (SW 7069): a deep, charcoal neutral with a sophisticated edge. This bold choice created a strong, dramatic focal point that grounded the space without overwhelming it.
Adjacent to the living room, the color-drenched den took the drama further. We painted the walls, ceiling, and trim in the same Iron Ore, crafting an inviting, moody backdrop ideal for relaxation. By color drenching the room we highlighted a curated art collage on the walls and drew the eye from the entrance, pulling visitors deeper into the home. It also perfectly balanced the fireplace’s intensity, creating cohesion across the main living areas.
Welcoming Foyer with Personality
The foyer set an immediate tone of warmth and charm. A playful yet elegant dog-themed art piece at the entry became a conversation starter fitting for active homeowners who likely enjoy pets and the outdoors. We grounded it against Sherwin-Williams Backdrop (SW 7025), a warm, versatile neutral that added subtle richness without competing with the artwork.
Unexpected Touches in Guest Spaces
Bedroom 3 was envisioned as a space for grandkids or guests, we introduced a black-and-white tree graphic. This pretty, unexpected pattern brought in a touch of nature-inspired whimsy, tying back to the property’s ranch roots and the nearby trail while keeping the room light and versatile and a true memory point.
The primary bedroom offered a serene retreat. Clean lines and soft textures created a restful sanctuary, with the adjoining sitting area gaining depth through rich accent walls painted. This warmer tone added interest and visual layering, making the suite feel expansive yet intimate.
Statement Lighting as “Jewelry”
Throughout the home, from the foyer and kitchen to the den and primary bedroom, decorative light fixtures served as the finishing “jewelry.” These thoughtful selections elevated each room, adding sparkle and personality while reinforcing the overall sophistication.
Why This Design Speaks to New Home Builders and Developers
The Cielo Ranch model home proves that intentional design can transform a space into something memorable and marketable. By weaving in subtle nods to the site’s history, embracing bold yet balanced color choices, and incorporating personality-driven details, we delivered a home that feels approachable yet quietly luxurious. For Epcon’s target buyers, active adults seeking low-maintenance elegance, this approach creates emotional connection and perceived value.
As interior design partners for forward-thinking builders like Epcon, we see tremendous opportunity in blending site-specific storytelling with timeless, elevated finishes. The result? Homes that stand out in competitive markets, drive buyer interest, and ultimately accelerate sales velocity.
Interested in bringing this level of thoughtful, buyer-focused design to your next community? Contact our team to discuss model home collaborations that capture your vision and resonate with today’s homeowners.
