Are you looking to give your ranch style home a modern upgrade? Look no further! In this article, we will share a guide to remodeling your ranch home, including tips and ideas to transform both the exterior and interior design. Ranch homes have been a staple of American architecture for over a century, and with a few simple updates, you can breathe new life into your beloved home. Whether you want to enhance the curb appeal or create a more open and modern interior, we have got you covered.
What is a Ranch Style Home?
Before we dive into the remodeling tips, let's understand the characteristics of a quintessential ranch home. Typically, ranch homes are one-story buildings made of bricks, wood sidings, or a combination of both. They are known for their shallow-pitched roofs with deep overhangs. These homes gained popularity in the post-war era due to their affordability and comfortable living spaces. Ranch homes were designed to seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor living, making them perfect for backyard barbecues and neighborhood gatherings.
New ranch home with green lawn and wet sidewalk
Ranch Home Exterior Remodel Tips
Here are some easy and cost-effective tips to modernize the exterior of your ranch home and enhance its curb appeal.
Add A Porch To The Front Of The House
One of the charming features of ranch houses is their seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Consider adding a porch to the front of your home to create an inviting space for entertainment and socializing. While ranch houses typically have outdoor spaces at the back, a front porch adds coziness and becomes a favorite spot for family and guests.
Add a Gable Above the Front Door
If you find the exteriors of your ranch style house too plain, you can increase curb appeal by adding a gable above the front door. Incorporate the gable with a front entryway patio area to create an interesting focal point at the entrance. Not only does it enhance the aesthetics, but it also protects the front door from the elements and increases its durability.
Use Different Landscaping
Play around with landscaping to add visual interest to your ranch home's exterior. Consider using larger plants and garden furniture to create a cohesive design that complements the overall aesthetic of your home. If you're not familiar with landscaping, consult a professional landscaper to create a design that works best for your space.
Create A Front Door Focal Point
Embellish your front door to make it the focal point of your home's design. A simple change of color can make a significant impact. Consider painting the front door a bold and vibrant color, such as bright red, to add a pop of color to the otherwise neutral exterior of a ranch home. This small update will catch the eye and make a big difference.
Different Landscaping Heights
To break the monotony of a horizontal line of vision, play with landscaping heights. Incorporate tall elements such as trees, shrubs, or garden structures like gazebos or pergolas to add visual interest and amplify your overall curb appeal. This simple yet effective trick will enhance the aesthetics of your home and create a dynamic and inviting exterior.
Ornamental Fencing
Upgrade your ranch house's trims and fences by using horizontal lines and ornamental fencing. Horizontal lines bring a contemporary touch to the home's exteriors, making it appear wider and more modern. This optical illusion works wonders for ranch houses. If you have some handyman skills, you can even install the ornamental fencing yourself. It's an easy and budget-friendly way to add a modern feel to your home.
Replace Old Raised Decks With a Tile or Stone Patio
If your ranch style house has old raised decks, it's time to consider replacing them. Raised decks made of wood may be rotting or structurally compromised. To modernize your patio area, rip out the old decks and replace them with tiles or natural stones. This upgrade will make your home blend seamlessly with the surrounding outdoor space, creating a harmonious and modern look.
One level ranch house exterior with garage and concrete walkway
Ranch Home Interior Remodel Tips
Remodeling the interior of your ranch home doesn't have to be complicated or extreme. With a few strategic changes, you can give your home a fresh and modern look.
Raise the Ceiling to the Roofline
Many ranch houses have low-slung ceilings, which can make the interiors feel cramped and claustrophobic. Consider removing the existing ceiling and replacing it with a clean finish that works with the trusses in the attic. This update will create a more spacious and airy atmosphere, as well as open up the space, making it feel more expansive.
Replace Windows
If your windows are outdated and boxy, it's time for an upgrade. Replace your tired old windows with new ones or frame them with a natural wood look. Using natural wood tones for the window frames brings warmth and brightness to the space, enhancing the casual and laid-back vibe that ranch houses are known for.
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Add a Bay or Bow Window: Bay or bow windows are a modern homage to the ranch style design. These windows not only add a contemporary look to your home but also bring in plenty of natural light. Natural light works beautifully in tandem with the surrounding exteriors, creating a bright and inviting interior space.
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Trade Double Hung With Casement Windows: Traditional double-hung windows tend to look outdated and are not energy-efficient. Replace them with energy-efficient casement windows. These windows are easy to open and close, and their simple design complements any interior or exterior style.
Remove Walls to Enlarge an Enclosed Room Layout
Walls can make the space feel closed-in, especially in older ranch houses. Consider removing unnecessary walls to create more open and spacious interiors. It is crucial to consult a professional contractor to ensure that the walls you're removing are non-load bearing. Opening up certain spaces inside your home can make a significant difference in the overall flow and functionality of your ranch house.
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Open The Kitchen To The Living Area: Create a more open and collaborative space by connecting the kitchen and the living area. Assess the walls between them to ensure they are not load-bearing. If you want a bit of separation without compromising the openness, consider using furniture dividers such as open bookcases or bar carts.
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Add New Hardware, Appliances, And Finishes: Updating the hardware, appliances, and finishes in your ranch home can make a world of difference. Choose finishes that align with your desired look; brushed brass finishes often add a modern touch while still maintaining the ranch style aesthetic.
Create Custom Fit Window Seat Or Bench
Custom fit window seats or benches add both functionality and coziness to any home, especially ranch style homes. You can even transform them into extra storage spaces, solving a common problem in ranch houses. Consider incorporating dormer windows for a perfect window seat. Window seats provide comfort and style while making the most of the available space.
Swap Old Fashioned Hollow Core Doors For Solid Wood Frame And Panel Doors
Replace outdated hollow core doors with solid wood panels and frames to add sophistication and durability to your interior. Solid doors not only enhance the aesthetics but also provide better security. Opt for natural wood finishes to brighten up the space and maintain the authenticity of the ranch style concept.
Use Square Cut Molding And Baseboards
When it comes to trim work, simplicity is key. Avoid intricate details in window and door casings and opt for clean lines with square cut molding. Naturally finished wood adds warmth and authenticity to the space. This minimalist approach to molding and baseboards aligns perfectly with the modernization of a ranch style home.
There you have it! By following these tips, you can transform your ranch style home into a modern oasis. Remember to balance functionality with aesthetics and stay true to the unique charm of your ranch home. Happy remodeling!
Beautiful living room interior of a ranch house with hardwood floors and vaulted ceilings
