Different styles of ranch homes

What Is A Ranch-Style Home?

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5 min read Published July 19, 2022

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You’ve likely seen them scattered through neighborhoods where you live, and they’re typically a favorite choice among first-time homebuyers or those looking for ease of living.

We’re talking about ranch homes, which boomed in popularity after World War II and still remain popular for those looking to buy a house today. You’ll find a wide variety of ranch homes, old and new, throughout the country.

Let’s explore this simple yet functional housing style in more detail.

What is a ranch-style house?

A ranch house is typically a single-story home that features an open floor plan. These homes tend to be wider than they are deep, often with an L or U shape, and a lower-pitched roof.

Joe Dickerson, Realtor and founder of Joe Dickerson Group in Oakland, California, adds that the design of a ranch home gives you ease of access throughout the property.

“In my market, I see many homes that have purposeful indoor and outdoor flow, especially into the backyard,” Dickerson says. “Of course, these homes keep bedroom areas separate from living areas by using a hallway for access.”

In a ranch home, you’ll usually see the dining area and kitchen, along with the family/living room, combined into one open area with few, if any, walls separating the spaces. Many ranch homes have sliding glass doors that open onto a patio area in the backyard.

Ranch homes are usually built on a concrete slab, though some can have a basement or crawl space. Cliff May, the architect who is credited with designing the first ranch-style home in the 1930s in California, once said that his design was intentional to create a more informal outdoor living space.

Different types of ranch homes

Many variations of the style have cropped up over time since May popularized ranch homes almost a century ago. Generally, these different ranch styles still have an open floor plan, flat design and easy access to outdoor areas, but there are some nuances. Here’s a look at a few types of ranch homes:

California ranch

This is the style that May originally designed, and it typically features Spanish architectural influences. Some people lump California ranch and suburban ranch styles together.

Raised ranch

Sometimes referred to as split-entry homes, these have two floors, one at slab level and one above. You enter the home at a landing halfway between the floors and go up or down via short flights of stairs.

Split-level ranch

A split-level is similar to a raised ranch, but it has three levels. Usually there’s a kitchen and living space in the middle, then a short set of stairs down to additional rooms and more stairs leading up to the bedrooms.

Storybook ranch

These ranch homes have more elaborate designs reminiscent of fairytale cottages and might feature steep gables or decorative shingles and chimneys. Storybook ranch homes first became popular in California.

Suburban ranch

These homes grew common after World War II as people began moving to the suburbs. They are basic and easy to build en masse, making them ideal for new developments outside of cities. They typically have simple exteriors, concrete foundations and open-concept interiors.

Pros and cons of living in a ranch home

Pros

Easy to maintain: With a single-story ranch home, maintenance and repairs aren’t as difficult or arduous as with multi-level homes. For instance, cleaning gutters or making exterior repairs doesn’t require getting up to a second or even third story.
Great for those with limited mobility: One of the main advantages of living in a ranch home is that they’re easier to move around in. That’s ideal for disabled or elderly homeowners, or anyone with mobility issues.
Can be safer: Single-story living makes it easier to evacuate in an emergency, like if there’s a fire. It also removes the danger of a steep flight of stairs that could be fallen down — an important consideration for families with small children.

Cons

Less privacy: With bedrooms and living areas all on a single level, you might feel like you have less privacy than in a home with the bedrooms upstairs. Same goes for the open floor plan; you may prefer your living area to be completely separate from the dining area or kitchen, for example.
Smaller yard: Ranch homes tend to be more spread out on their lots, which can mean less yard space. While less lawn to take care of may be a plus for some, it can be a turn-off if you want more green space for pets, children or gardening.
Expensive to enlarge: If you want to increase the square footage of a ranch house, you’ll likely need to build a second story. That can add considerable cost and time to a major home addition.

Who are ranch homes best for?

Ranch houses are ideal for anyone who prefers single-story living. Many senior living communities offer them because they have better accessibility than multi-level homes.

Sizes of ranch homes vary across the country, so it’s really your preference. Ranch homes can be as small as 700 square feet or sprawl to 3,000 square feet or more, depending on the area and how much land the home is built on.

Ranches are also ideal for those who enjoy open floor plans and indoor-outdoor flow, and those who don’t intend on doing major renovations or want an easier-to-maintain style of home.

How ranches compare to other types of homes

An experienced real estate agent can help you decide whether a ranch is a good fit for you. But no matter what style of home you opt for, get a professional home inspection to ensure it’s in good condition.

Home type	Who it’s right for
Apartment	Apartments are suited for anyone looking to stay in a prime location for a cheaper price near shopping, restaurant and entertainment centers, often at a more affordable cost than buying a condo or single-family home.
Condominium	Condos appeal to those looking for lower-maintenance living, a home with a sense of security and opportunities to be social with neighbors, among other factors.
Townhouse	Townhouses are a particularly good option for first-time homebuyers or other budget-minded home buyers who want more space than typically afforded in a condo.
Modular home	Modular homes are enticing to empty-nesters looking to downsize, couples looking for backyard units like tiny homes or families looking to upgrade their dated properties in nice but expensive neighborhoods.
Single-family home	Single-family homes are best for families who prefer a huge yard and plenty of room to spread out. Others still prefer a low-maintenance condo or townhome that includes benefits like landscaping, snow removal and exterior maintenance.
Multi-family home	Multi-family homes are best for those who are interested in getting into real estate investing and are comfortable with the added responsibility and time commitment that comes with being a landlord.
Bungalow home	At between 1,000 and 2,000 square feet, bungalows are a great option for young families looking for a starter home or retirees hoping to downsize in a home without stairs, or single homeowners who want the single-family home lifestyle without managing a huge property.
Co-op	Co-ops are most often found in major cities, and they can be good for those looking for security or neighbors who largely adhere to the building’s rules and policies.
Patio home	Typically capped at one-and-a-half stories and part of a larger association, patio homes are best for homeowners who don’t want to deal with stairs or maintenance.
Ranch home	Ranch homes are ideal for anyone who prefers single-story living. Singles, couples and families with children can find something to love about a ranch home.

What Is a Ranch Style House? The Most Common Characteristics

According to a recent report from Google, ranch-style houses are now the most commonly searched-for style of home in the United States. But what is ranch-style architecture? And what are some of its defining features and benefits? In this article, we’ll explain the common characteristics of ranch-style homes and consider a few reasons for their growing popularity.

What Is a Ranch House?

Traditional ranch style homes are single-story houses commonly built with an open-concept layout and a devoted patio space. Ranch home designs often feature long, low-pitch rooflines and large windows along the front of the house. The shape of a ranch style house can vary. Most are rectangular, but they can also be built in a “U” or “L” shape. Other common features of ranch style homes include sliding glass doors that open onto the patio or backyard, wide roof eaves, and an attached garage.

It’s important to note that while most ranch style homes don’t feature a second floor, many do have finished basements. Serving as an additional floor, the basement increases the overall space available in the home and works great as an area for a home theater, a home gym, or additional bedrooms.

To summarize, here are the common characteristics of a ranch-style house:

Single story
Open concept floorplan
Rectangular, “U”, or “L”-shaped
Devoted patio or deck space
Large windows and sliding glass doors
Low-pitched roofline with wide eaves
Often includes a finished basement
Often features an attached garage

Where are Ranch Style Houses Most Common?

Ranch-style houses originated in the Southwest but can now be found across the USA, with different types prevalent in different parts of the country. Ranch-style architecture is very popular in the West, North, Northwest, Midwest and Southwest. In the northern USA and the Midwest, one can find many raised ranches, featuring finished basements. Ranch homes on slabs can be found mostly in the warmer climates of California and the Southwest. Ranch-style houses can also be seen in Florida, New Jersey, Maryland and the District of Columbia.

5 Different Types of Ranch Homes

Though different styles of ranch homes do share common characteristics, there are also key features that can set them apart. Here are some distinct styles of ranch homes that are tailored to different homeowner needs.

California Ranch

Also known as a rambling ranch, the California ranch is characterized by an L- or U-shaped structure built low to the ground. This sprawling, single-story style is designed to blend with nature. A patio and front lawn are key features of the California ranch.

Suburban Ranch

Though the suburban ranch is similar to the California ranch in its L or U shape and open-concept interior, it is more compact and asymmetrical in structure. Its other main features include an attached garage and backyard

Split-Level Ranch

The split-level ranch has a similar exterior to the suburban ranch but with three stories of staggered living space. Its unique layout features a front door leading into the living, dining and kitchen areas, with two half-flights of stairs leading to bedrooms and additional living space.

Raised Ranch

Like the split-level ranch, the raised ranch features multiple stories of living space, though with a distinctly different layout. The front door of the raised ranch opens directly to a staircase leading both upstairs and downstairs, with the kitchen and bedrooms usually on the upper level.

Storybook Ranch

Also known as the fairytale ranch, the storybook ranch stands out from other ranch styles because of its ornamental details. This design features diamond-shape window panes, a decorative chimney made of brick or stone, and a steep, gabled roof.

3 Benefits of Ranch Style Houses

1. No Need to Trudge Up the Stairs

Because ranch style houses don’t have a second floor, living in one means you won’t need to run up and down the stairs every day. For this reason, ranch homes are especially popular with older residents who have greater difficulty moving around than they once did. The lack of stairs also frees up more living space on the home’s first floor.

2. An Open and Inviting Ranch Floorplan

Though ranch homes originated in the 1920s, they were ahead of their time in featuring the wide, open-concept floorplans that are in vogue today. An open ranch house floorplan makes it easier to entertain, bringing together the kitchen, living room, and dining room, and helps capture natural light in every room of the house.

3. Easier Exterior Maintenance

With just one floor and a low-pitched roofline, ranch homes make for easier exterior maintenance and repair. Cleaning your gutters and windows won’t ever require climbing a ladder up onto the roof.

With these key benefits of living in a ranch house, it’s not hard to see why more and more people are growing interested in ranch style home designs.

To learn more about ranch homes and all our other types of new homes, visit khov.com.

Last Updated on March 23, 2022

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Traditional American ranches are small houses made of cheap materials. Read our review of how modern ranches look like today and what interior details they inherited. Today, the famous Moscow designer Elena Krylova told us what exactly is the peculiarity of designing an interior in the style of an American ranch, and how to make it as close as possible to Russian realities.

Elena Krylova is a famous Moscow designer, head of her own design studio. Elena created exclusive interiors for many show business stars, famous politicians and businessmen: Bari Alibasov, Natasha Koroleva, Lena Lenina and many others. During her work, Elena Krylova, together with her team, has implemented dozens of design projects for both residential premises and clubs, restaurants and beauty salons. Regular participant of business events and TV projects.

1. Materials

Originally an American ranch house built with the cheapest and poor quality materials. The fact is that the hot location and the idle lifestyle did not force dashing cowboys to build high-quality and long-term housing.

Therefore, during the construction, everything that was at hand was used: brick, stone, boards, clay. Today, these materials are also relevant when decorating ranch-style houses.

2. Planning

Naturally, during the crisis there was nowhere to turn around during the construction, so the rural housing of the industrious American did not differ in high-rise buildings - one, maximum two floors.

The ranch is also characterized by an asymmetric design and the absence of any internal geometry. The small area of the ranch did not allow dividing the premises into many rooms, so the dining room was almost always combined with the living room and hallway. At the same time, the first floor was made walkable and equipped with large sliding doors to the veranda and the courtyard. Thus, a visual increase in space was achieved. The only separate room was the bedroom.

Today, the idea of the most spacious ground floor is relevant for many houses. Well, if, as is typical for a ranch, there is only one floor, it is worthwhile to think carefully about the layout and communications in order to fit all the functional areas in a small area of \u200b\u200bthe house.

3. Interior decoration

American ranch style - homey and cozy. Therefore, the interior is not overloaded with decoration and details, but at the same time it is saturated with various family heirlooms.

Ceilings remain pristine, where exposed beams add color to the rustic home.

Of course, preference is given to natural materials for finishing: on the floor - stone or ceramic tiles; on the walls - tinted brick or wood. Furniture - wooden or wicker.

4. Accessories and decor

The interior of the ranch has a lot of original details: chests, forged candlesticks, rocking chairs, earthenware.

Textile - in a small flower with frills. A lot of pillows and carpets give the interior an atmosphere of comfort and warmth. Moreover, many of the details are made by hand or to order.

At the same time, the interior of the ranch is distinguished by a certain brutality typical of the male interior of a real cowboy: forged accessories and furniture, animal skins, textures of raw wood, concrete and brick.

Another integral part of the ranch (as well as any country house for a large family) is a fireplace decorated with concrete, stone or brick. The more textured, the better!

5. Lighting

When designing a ranch-style interior, one should not forget about the lighting that characterizes it. Initially, in order to save money, the ranch was made with as large windows as possible so that sunlight penetrated into all corners of the premises.

This trend has continued today, so the main focus is on functional lighting of work areas and decorative lighting, which gives even more texture to finishing materials. Fanciful lamps made of copper and steel, chandeliers imitating candles, forged lamps - all this is quite appropriate in the interior of this style.

Of course, over time, the American ranch-style interior has undergone many changes. However, it is only gaining its popularity. The main thing is to remember that in order to create this style in the interior, the first thing you need to think about is functionality and comfort for life!

10 Architectural Styles for Country Homes

Author ProAtr Reading 18 min Views 411 Published 04/12/2020 Updated 04/12/2020

Creating a custom home means having total control over every aspect of your home design. There are dozens of architectural styles on which to base your own home, from historical approaches to contemporary interpretations. Look around the country and you will see almost countless options. Colonial and Cape Cod style houses. To the west are some of the finest artisan cottages and ranches, and to the south are some of the finest Greek Revival homes. The beauty of creating a custom home lies in the freedom to choose the perfect architectural style that is both practical and aesthetic.

There are many considerations that go into designing private homes. Some climates are better suited to certain home designs. A home may have a typical roof pitch suitable for a snowy winter, or a typical courtyard for a sunny climate. The surrounding landscape and neighboring buildings are also important factors in choosing the architectural style for an individual home. Choosing the final design for a custom home is always difficult, and inspirational ideas can always help narrow down the choices. A look at some of the most popular architectural styles in the country will be very helpful when designing a custom home. This article will give a brief overview of each style, providing some historical background, general characteristics, and examples.

Content

10 General architectural styles for your home
Cape code
Characteristics of the house Cape Code
Example of the House Cape Code
Colonial
Characteristics of the Colonial House
Rrafts
Craftsman House Features
Craftsman House Example
Farm
Farm House Features
Farm House Example
Transitional House Examples
Victorian
Victorian House Characteristics
Victorian House Example

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a classic domestic style that dates back to the late 17th century. When the Puritan colonists migrated to New England, they built half-timbered houses that could withstand the harsh weather. These houses were first seen in Massachusetts and would later be named after Cape Cod, their region of origin.

Cape Cod House Characteristics

Rev. Timothy Dwight was the first to describe Cape Cod houses in detail. He saw that these houses were made of oak or pine, which were readily available and durable enough to withstand the winter. These houses have low ceilings to keep snow from accumulating on the roofs and to keep the heat in. The central chimney is another important feature of a Cape Cod home.

The Cape Cod style has evolved over the years and has three variations: half cape, three quarter cape and full cape. A half or single cape is the simplest and earliest example of a Cape Cod style home. It can be characterized by an entrance door on one side and two double-glazed windows on the other. Years passed, families grew, and half of the cape turned into a cape with three quarters. Just like the half cloak, the front door is on the side of the three-quarter house, and is accompanied by two layered windows on one side and one window on the other. The most common variant found today is the full cape. Full cape houses were already present in the 18th century, but this style was only used by the wealthy. Unlike one and a half and three quarters of the cape.

Cape Cod House Example

The Cape Cod style is still a popular choice for many homeowners, and its 20th-century revival can be credited by architect Royal Barry Wills. Wills is best known for being the father of the Cape Cod revival home. Massachusetts Local Plans are perfect for families looking for a classic country home. He made his plans readily available to many families, even selling his plans for a dollar. His attempts to make the Cape Cod style more accessible popularized it in modern suburban areas.

Actor Dakota Fanning recently purchased a $2.95 million Cape Cod home in Valley Village, Los Angeles. The 4428 square foot residence has five bedrooms and six bathrooms. Guests enter a double-height central hall with an elegant chandelier as its focal point. From the spacious central hall, the carved fireplace mantel in the formal living room is sure to draw attention. The living room leads into the formal dining room, which is also adorned with a crystal chandelier. Upstairs is the impressive master suite with its own fireplace, balcony, dressing rooms and master bathroom with glass steam shower.

Colonial

Colonial home style is one of the oldest architectural styles still widely practiced in many countries. Its origins date back to the 17th century, when European settlers built their houses inspired by the architecture of their countries. These various designs are the basis of colonial architecture, which branches into different styles such as French Colonial, Dutch Colonial and Spanish Colonial.

Characteristics of a colonial house

Colonial houses are quite common, and each region has its own interpretation. For example, houses in New England are mostly made of wood, while houses in the Hudson Valley are made of brick and stone. There are many varieties of colonial architecture, but they have very different qualities.

Because there are many colonial houses, each state has a different interpretation, its style varies depending on the state. The exterior has a symmetrical design with an emphasis on lentils. A steep roof often reveals a central chimney, usually of wood or brick. Colonial houses are usually two stories high with a common room on the ground floor and bedrooms on the second floor. The staircase serves as the focal point of the house because it is the first thing people see when entering a colonial home.

Example of a colonial home

Originally built in the 1940s, this colonial home was bought by its owners because they were enticed by the large private yard and outdoor pool. The interiors were very dated, but the homeowners wanted to revive the forgotten character of their colonial home. The homeowners commissioned Jeff Troyer Associates to complete an extensive renovation of the entire home. The result was a two-stage plan.

The beautiful colonial exterior received a Midcentury Modern update that still retains the essence of the original home. The blue tiles were a nice addition to the white façade. Inside, a second loft-type floor was added. Maintaining a low outer roof while building the extension was a challenge for Troyer. But the result is a modern space that is the perfect place for bookworms. As guests ascend the stairs, they are greeted by bookshelves that line the walls. We made sure the library and home office were well lit by strategically placing arched windows overlooking the pool.

Craftsman

Similar to bungalow styles, the artisan's house was born out of the Arts and Crafts movement. This style first appeared in California in the early 20th century and slowly moved east. The Craftsmen's House was at its height of popularity between 1905 and the 1930s and is making a comeback today. The simplistic architecture received a backlash because it went against the complex Victorian style that had preceded it. One of the most famous early practitioners in the American craft home was David Owen Dryden, who was in charge of over 50 craft homes in the San Diego area alone.

Characteristics of a craftsman's house

Craftsman style houses emphasize natural materials and have a symmetrical structure. It has a low pitched roof with canopied rollers, overhanging cornices and wide front porches with tapered columns or piers that extend to ground level. Handmade stone and woodwork are also a common element. This style of home provides distinctive color combinations.

Artisans' homes have compact yet open interiors that allow for better movement and family interaction. Built-in furniture, bookcases, cutlery and even kitchen nooks are the hallmarks of an artisan's home. Stylish, artisan style bungalows and homes emphasize natural materials such as wood, stone and brick. These houses are comfortable to live in and rich in details.

An example of a craftsman's house

Gamble House is one of the most famous craftsmen's houses in the country. The architectural firm Green and Green designed the Gamble House from 1908 to 1909. It was to be the winter home for husband and wife David and Mary Gamble. Gamble House is a typical arts and crafts house. He uses natural materials and has a unique craftsmanship that is still copied to this day. Everything in the house reflects the pillars of the early master style. Green bespoke every detail of the home complements rustic Pasadena.

Farm

In the 17th century, agriculture was the livelihood of immigrants. They built their houses on agricultural land and called them village houses. Now the farmhouse is an architectural style referring to practical homes with a classic appearance.

Farmhouse Characteristics

In addition to being found in the countryside, the most recognizable feature of the farmhouse style is its open porches. The front porch was important to homeowners who worked in the field all day because it provided shade on hot summer days and served as a mudroom or a place where they could leave dirty work boots. The materials used for the first farmhouses varied depending on the availability of resources. But now most farmhouses are made of wood. The external elements are reinforced with clapboard covering horizontal wooden boards, which limit the penetration of wind and moisture into the foundation.

Modern farmhouse architecture remains true to the simple aesthetics of authentic farmhouses. Its exteriors are kept simple by flat planks rather than detailed crown moldings, and simple square columns are used instead of the usual chiselled ones. Interior designer Elizabeth Drake said the trick to creating a tasteful contemporary farmhouse is to move away from décor that makes the home look too country. Colorful patterns are often used for modern farmhouse interiors to create a rustic palette.

Sample farmhouse

The Knowlton Residence in Quebec features both traditional and classic country house elements. The tong farmhouse has been converted into a white cedar house. There are two sides of the house; The magnificent white main house blends in perfectly with the snowy landscape. Barns and agricultural sheds found in rural Canada served as inspiration for the main house. Staying true to the principles of the classic farmhouse, the house is made from natural materials commonly used in rural Canada. The modern addition is also made from local materials. The contemporary addition, connected by a glass sliding door and metal frame, contrasts with the dark white main house. It is made from weathered wood and has large custom windows overlooking the snowy countryside.

Mediterranean Revival

Mediterranean Revival architecture conveys the charm of a tropical getaway, bringing seaside villas to suburban areas. Mediterranean Renaissance architecture became quite popular. Many resorts in California and Florida wanted to capture the coastal vibe of Mediterranean holiday destinations. Mediterranean architecture attracted the wealthy and was soon adopted by residential areas. Currently, the Mediterranean Renaissance is popular among exclusive communities that have large estates and villas.

Characteristics of the Mediterranean Revival House

Mediterranean Revival draws inspiration from many cultures, notably the Italian Renaissance and the Spanish Renaissance. The influence of the Italian Renaissance can be seen in the small geometrical details and decorative finishes. While the exterior has clear influences from Spanish Revival architecture. Mediterranean and Spanish architecture features low tiled roofs, stucco work, and wrought iron windows and balconies.

The aim of Mediterranean Revival homes is to provide homeowners with a resort-style living space. The rectangular floor plan is often used because it is easy to navigate and flows easily through the house. These houses also have a very lively color palette and patterned tiles are often used.

Example of Mediterranean Revival house

Villa Biscay was the grand villa and estate of businessman James Dearing. This is one of the most famous Mediterranean houses in Florida. It 180-acre was designed by renowned architect Francis Burrall Hoffman. He designed a Mediterranean estate inspired by Tuscan Italian Renaissance and Baroque elements. Villa Vizcaya is known for being one of the first homes in South Florida to integrate European aesthetics. The Italian Renaissance garden was inspired by French and Italian garden layouts. Native plants and Florida coral architectural decorations were used due to Florida's climate. Palm trees and philodendrons were used instead of the usual French flower gardens.

Modern

The first half of the 20th century was marked by the birth of modern architecture. After World War II, experimentation with building technologies was prevalent. Glass, steel and concrete were no longer limited to the structure of the house. Architects began to use these materials for design. Modern architecture was inspired by the historic art movement of modernism and was a rejection of the traditional neoclassical architecture that had been popular for 19th century.

Characteristics of a modern home

A common misconception is that modern architecture is the same as modern. Modern architecture refers to modern architectural trends, although related. Thus modern architecture is not limited to one particular style, but it has been narrowed down to exclude certain historical styles. That being said, a lot of modern architecture today borrows a lot of elements from this style of architecture.

Contemporary architecture refers to creations that are inspired by the historical modernism movement. Modernism emerged during industrialization as an attempt to make architecture more functional while keeping it simple. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe is one of the famous architects who developed modern architecture. Rohe was the first architect to develop the open office concept. This has inspired many residential architects to design houses without partitions or separate rooms. The contemporary home has an open floor plan and value features over form.

Example of a contemporary home

Originally built in the 1970s, David Coleman Architecture transformed this Broadmoor residence into a contemporary living space. The exterior is made from wooden planks that complement its verdant location in Seattle. Most of the furniture is also made of wood and the interior design is very minimalist. The Brentwood home has an open floor plan combined with a function-oriented interior. Large windows with views let in natural light and in turn make the home look bigger.

Prairie

Designed by renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Prairie architecture creates a home inspired by the environment. Wright wanted to create a home that would enhance the holistic well-being of the family, so he designed Prairie homes that would blend in with the environment. The Prairie style is also the first modern residential architecture to predate European modernism and the Craftsman style.

Prairie house characteristics

True to green principles, prairie-style homes are made from natural materials such as wood, brick or stucco. The style also keeps the details simple by keeping everything horizontal. The house has a low flat roof, which is also horizontal, and a loose structure. Wright designed the Prairie House as a public space. An asymmetrical floor plan centered on living areas such as living and dining areas is often used in prairie homes. Wright's goal for Prairie's floor plan is to connect indoor and outdoor spaces.

An example of a prairie house

The Robie House in Chicago is one of Wright's most famous houses. When Wright designed the house in 1910, its horizontal façade was considered a trendsetter in the American architectural industry. At that time, many architects designed houses that were inspired by European architecture. Wright knew the Prairie style was more suited to the Midwest because it uses natural materials that are common in the area. Robie House is considered by many design critics to be America's first unique architectural style. This went against the romantic European façades that were common at the time. Instead, the Robie House had a more compact structure with low-lying balconies and overhanging flat roofs, giving residents more privacy.

Ranch

A ranch, also known as a hobo, is usually a one-story house with a long horizontal footprint. It was popularized in the 1950s and often credited to Californian architect Cliff Mays, and Frank Lloyd Wright made it fashionable. This post-war style celebrated the abundance of cheap land and sprawling suburbs.

Characteristics of the ranch house

The original style of the ranch was no frills and simple. The ranch has led a less formal lifestyle and has open and unobstructed floor plans. Standard features include a long, low roofline and simple, open floor plans. As the ranch became more common, it included more dramatic features such as changing rooflines and cathedral ceilings, but the basic premise remains the same. Ranch houses are usually one-story, but a raised ranch is a two-story fixture with a completed basement.

Ranch houses are usually rectangular, L-shaped or U-shaped. The long horizontal structure makes it easy to connect to the street, and most of the rooms have front and back views of the house. The ranch's long layout also makes it easy to separate living and sleeping space. And because of the structure of the ranch house, future additions are often quite simple.

Sample Ranch House

Many modern ranch homes have adopted a more sustainable approach to design. For example, this Caterpillar home in California is the first home on the Central Coast to be certified Platinum for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The homeowners are fans of the farmhouse style and wanted a modern version that is also good for the environment. Feldman Architecture took advantage of the extensive Santa Lucia nature reserve. The walls are made of excavated earth that curves around the contours of the house. It acts as a thermal mass that regulates the temperature of the house. In addition to the eco-friendly features, the home remains true to classic ranch elements. It has a traditional low and horizontal orientation and an open floor plan with a focus on the kitchen.

Transitional

Transitional architecture is a mixture of classical and modern styles. The term "transitional" has been used by interior designers who combine modern and traditional design elements. Using two styles for one space has been commonplace in interior design and now transitional architecture is all the rage.

Characteristics of the transitional house

Because the transitional architecture is a mixture of different styles, it does not have clear characteristics. But transitional architecture can be easily identified because it doesn't really fit into a certain genre. It combines opposing elements from a wide variety of styles and creates homes with a neutral aesthetic. These various elements can be observed in the details of the column, railing, siding and color. Industrial elements such as rough metal driveways or steel joist poles are paired with classic decors such as Victorian ceilings

Neutral color palette is always used with transition architecture. Textural elements are included to highlight the neutral palette. Combining very different style elements can be very tricky, so a transitional style is a simple design. Decorations are kept at a minimum, and showy artwork tends to be the centerpiece of a transitional home. The large conversation piece is perfect for a modern living space.

Transition house examples

The Cat Mountain Residence is an excellent example of a transitional home. The house's architecture is very modern, from mismatched windows to a rectangular silhouette, but its rustic finishes don't fit in with the character. Creating a transitional design was ideal because the homeowner wanted a modern home with antique charm. The combination of steel, limestone and wood gave a nice textural accent to the beige exterior. The black French door tastefully showcases the home's vintage and contemporary themes. It retains the simple structure of a French door, but the use of windows instead of wood has given it a modern edge.

Victorian

The Industrial Revolution paved the way for architectural freedom, incorporating sophisticated architectural styles that emphasized aesthetics over functionality. During the reign of Queen Victoria, there is a lot of romantic architecture.

Victorian homes were born out of the freedom afforded by the industrial revolution as new technologies gave way to technologies capable of such intricate details. This architecture originated between 1830 and 1910 years during the reign of Queen Victoria. Common sub-styles include Gothic Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne, and Romanesque.

Victorian house features

Victorian houses are elaborate houses with intricate details inside and out. Typically two stories high, Victorian homes are built more for beauty than functionality. They have asymmetrical floor plans, steep pitched roofs with dormers, large ornate verandas, majestic turrets and turrets. Stylistically, these homes often feature decorative trim, bright whimsical colors, brow windows, and decorative railings.

These houses often have complex floor plans with a number of rooms scattered around. The advantage is that you can arrange rooms on 2 or 2.5 floors as you wish. The irregularly shaped rooms offer plenty of room for bay windows, cozy seating and cozy dining areas in the house's unique shape called turrets and turrets, which means it has a lot of windows. Large verandas around the house allow for indoor and outdoor living and can be connected to multiple rooms.

Example of a Victorian house

This historic house in Carver, Minnesota is the 1856 Victorian home of the city's first sheriff. The intricate Queen Anne style woodwork was repurposed and the same wood was used as the original house. Everything that was found in the original house has been preserved. Interiors feature wide parquet floors, transom windows and an antique fireplace in the family room. The interior design might be too big for some, but it's actually very fitting. Colorful floral wallpapers were common at the time and they were always paired with elaborate lighting fixtures.