4 Ranch Style House Design & Decor Ideas: Make It Yours
The ranch-style home continues to be one of the most popular in the United States. Ranch-style homes originated about 100 years ago in California, taking some of their inspiration from Spanish Colonial designs and establishing stark contrast to the Craftsman and bungalow homes that lined suburban streets. Today, neighborhoods with ranch-style homes can be found all over the country.
Typically built on a concrete slab, ranch-style homes usually feature one level and a more open floor plan, while the Craftsman and bungalow styles have segmented floor plans and a raised porch/entrance. Homebuyers still look to the ranch as a desirable home style due to its open floor plan, single level, and focus on outdoor living spaces. Ready to make your mark in your house? Keep reading to learn about the best interior design ideas for ranch-style houses.
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Blend Indoor and Outdoor Spaces in Your Ranch-Style Home
Whether building a new ranch-style home or updating an existing one, it's all about the blend of the indoor and outdoor spaces. Because ranch homes generally are single-level, there's an opportunity to accentuate the outdoor living spaces. One of the best options is adding new windows. Benefits of new windows include:
- Increased curb appeal and home value
- It allows more natural light and warmth
- New windows often help decrease energy costs
- More light, warmth, and sightlines to the outside can be a mood booster
The single-story design of a ranch-style house makes it easier to install patio doors that lead to the outdoor living space. No fussing with a two-story-high deck and worrying about fall hazards with stairs when it's a single step to the outdoors. Depending on the home, an entire wall of glass doors can make the flow from indoors to outdoors seamless.
Ranch homes with an L- or U-shape are ideal for creating an exterior courtyard that may be used as an outdoor kitchen, living space, or garden.
Ranch-Style Homes Are Easy to Expand
The architecture of the ranch-style home helps make it easier to create an open-concept interior design and increase its overall square footage with an addition. In general, a ranch-style home will come in four different types: the California, Storybook, Suburban, and Split-Level. The split-level ranch is the only one that traditionally has more than one level, hence its name. While from the exterior, it appears to look like other ranch homes, it usually has three levels inside, an entry-level and then a split-staircase that leads to the upper and lower levels.
Ranch homes built between the 1950s and mid-1970s may have been designed with a partition wall between the living room and kitchen/dining area. That wall often featured a pass-through "window," open space between the rooms. Since it's usually not load-bearing, it can be removed to create an open concept.
Another option when looking to update and expand a ranch home is to build outward from the kitchen or dining area. If the home doesn't have a walk-out to a deck or patio, this may be ideal for expanding the kitchen to create another living space. A walk-out to a patio or deck can be added to the new space, significantly increasing usable square footage.
Define Spaces Within an Open Concept
An open-concept space can sometimes feel hollow and cold. Give it some help by defining the space, not with walls, but with design and decor elements. Ranch-style homes with open-concept space are incredibly versatile. However, with a larger, open space, consider elements that will help to define the living area and even create zones.
A large statement rug for the living room could be the starting point for creating a conversation area. Add a sectional sofa, comfy chairs, side tables, and a combination of indirect and direct lighting to complete the space. Use the colors in the rug as the anchor and inspiration for the coordinating elements.
Thinking about painting as a new homeowner? It's important to know that colors and patterns are another way to separate "rooms" and create zones. Paint a warm-neutral wall and create a relaxing zone with an overstuffed chaise lounge, bookshelves, and a reading light. Keep the space tied to the main area with patterned throw pillows.
Because ranch homes usually have an open-concept flow between the kitchen cook-area and the dining space, consider a more extensive, communal-style table with a combination of bench seating and chairs. This is a great way to invoke a communal vibe and take advantage of the ranch-style.
Contrast Curves and Lines
Because the traditional ranch-style home has a boxy look, design elements with curves can offer attractive contrast. When designing for curb appeal, a winding line of landscape bricks can create an appealing contrast to the squareness of the home. Add plants, flowers, and foliage of varying heights to soften the severity of the architecture's straight lines.
Indoors, there are many ways to contrast and soften the lines of the ranch-style with curves and movement. Consider a framed round mirror versus a rectangular shape and a round or oval area rug at an entrance. The main living area offers endless possibilities for fun design ideas. Opt for sofa styles like the Chesterfield, Lawson, or an English roll instead of the more boxy looks found in many Mid-Century Modern and Shaker styles.
Bring in those curves and softer lines with accents like throw pillows, artwork, and lighting. These elements can be used throughout the home to contrast squared hallways, doorways, and windows. Flowing curtains versus heavy drapes and shades also work to soften the feel of a room. Live edge tables and shelving are another way to add an organic flow to the design.
Design the Ranch-Style Home of Your Dreams
From the classic California Ranch to the Storybook, Suburban, and Split-level, Ranch-style homes are some of the most flexible designs, ideal for the homeowner desiring a blank canvas to showcase your style. The ranch is a fabulous home style because of its clean lines, general open floor plan, and its typical single level that makes indoor-outdoor living easy and convenient.
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