Ranch home decorating ideas
Ranch-style houses – the ultimate guide to the look and how to get it |
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Photography/Michael Hunter
(Image credit: Darla Bankston May)
When you picture a ranch-style house, there’s a good chance you envision a remote desert filled with wild horses, cowboys, and the occasional tumbleweed sighting. But, in reality? This American architecture genre has life beyond the wild west.
With a strong presence from coast to coast, ranch-style homes are loved for their versatility and flexibility.
If you want to get acquainted with this beloved architecture, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about ranch-style houses, inside and out.
- See more: House Styles - the complete guide to architectural styles and eras
What makes a house ranch style?
Photography/Daniel Nadelvach
(Image credit: Darla Bankston May)
It’s not hard to identify a ranch-style house — you just need to know what you’re looking for. While these residences come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, ranch style homes are typically defined as sprawling, low-slung structures.
Multi-storied ranch houses do exist, but you’ll typically see this type of residence spanning across just one floor. The reason is simple: ranch house styles emphasize the delicate balance between indoor and outdoor living.
'I believe the popularity of ranch-style houses can be attributed to their rugged qualities and connection to nature,' explains designer Marie Flanigan .
'This genre of house evokes coziness and can be recreated in any area of the country by employing raw wood elements, textural fabrics, and expansive patio space.'
When did ranch style houses originate?
Photography/Michael Hunter
(Image credit: Darla Bankston May)
The ranch-style house has always been closely tied with American history. The architecture first became popular in the 1920s, as more and more people headed west.
Not only were the single-story layouts and low-to-the ground silhouettes easy to maintain, but they also helped beat that grueling Southwestern heat.
Ranch homes dipped in popularity shortly after they burst onto the architecture scene; however, the style made a huge comeback as suburbs became more prominent. In fact, after World War II, nine out of 10 new residences were ranch-style houses.
It’s been nearly a century since ranch-style houses were created, and the look is just as popular today as it was back then.
According to a recent study by Trulia, they’re the most popular types of residences in 34 states. Ranch-style houses are oftentimes — but not always — more affordable than other abodes. Plus, since most homes don’t require cumbersome stairs, they’re ideal for family members of all ages.
'Today, they have maintained their popularity for several reasons,' says Liles Dunnigan of The Warehouse Interiors . 'First and foremost, they are ideal renovation candidates.
They can be easily opened up inside by removing interior walls to create more of an open concept that is so desirable today. They also have very low simple roof lines that make additions easy to achieve.'
Types of ranch-style houses
Photography/Michael Hunter
(Image credit: Darla Bankston May)
Though the ranch house style seems simple, they offer plenty of variety. Deepen your knowledge of the architecture trend with these key categories:
1. The California Ranch
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California-based architect Cliff May put the ranch house style on the map back in the early 1930s, and his take is still considered classic.
This tried-and-true type takes cues from the Arts and Crafts movement that reigned supreme well into the 1920s as well as Spanish colonial architecture.
Additionally, many California ranches have an L or U-shaped silhouette, deftly creating a designated courtyard space.
2. The Suburban Ranch
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When World II ended, many families wanted to escape their hustling, bustling cities. And, with the rise of suburbs came the rise of suburban ranches.
While this type has many of the same features as a California ranch, but are usually smaller and have a simple silhouette. Think of it as a cul-de-sac-compatible alternative.
3. The Split-Level Ranch
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Why settle for one floor when you can enjoy a few? Popular in the 1960s and 70s, split-level ranches stagger their square footage across three to four stories.
Dwellers might enter on one floor, but will need to go up or down a small flight of stairs to reach the den, garage, or bedrooms.
The varying stories might be a far cry from the typical ranch house style, but they’re great for families who want some privacy.
4. The Raised Ranch
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Many people think split-level and raised ranches are the same thing, but the truth is these two styles have some noticeable differences.
While split-level ranches span across several stories, raised residences typically have a total of two floors, usually above and below the entryway.
Both options are departures from the status quo, but the streamlined floorplan makes this style feel more consistent with the classic California home.
Where are ranch-style homes most popular?
Photography/Michael Hunter
(Image credit: Darla Bankston May)
Ranch house style was initially created in the Southwest, but they have quickly spread to all across the United States of America.
'They are found throughout the US, from the Southwest to the East Coast; they are just different styles depending on what area of the country you are in,' Dunnigan explains.
'For example, California ranch-style houses are considerably larger in scale featuring vaulted ceilings and sunken rooms whereas the North Eastern versions can be much more closed off and feature more rigid floor plans.'
Additionally, in the Midwest, many people deck out their homes with basements. Not only can this addition make the most of their space – especially as they can’t use their backyard in the colder months – but it can also act as protection against tornadoes.
What to look for in a the ranch-style house
Photography/Michael Hunter
(Image credit: Darla Bankston May)
Though ranch-style houses come in different shapes and sizes, they do have a few characteristics in common.
In addition to their low-slung – and often single-storied – floorplan, they also usually have a low-pitched roof, wide eaves, picture windows, and a designated porch or deck.
Since ranch-style homes are notorious for bridging the gap between indoor and outdoor living, you can also expect a sliding glass door in the backyard. And, like most modern homes, it’s likely a ranch residence will also feature an attached garage.
Of course, those similarities don’t stop with the exterior. Turns out, most ranch-style spaces boast an open-concept layout, giving dwellers the chance to craft their homes however they please.
'The main living areas are centrally located with bedrooms set further away and accessed by a long narrow hallway,' adds designer Darla Bankston May .
'The layout makes it easy to change the function of a room or to remodel in terms of tearing out walls to make a space larger or adding on to the structure of the house.'
How to decorate in ranch house style
Since ranch homes offer a lot of variety, there’s no one way to decorate these residences. However, if you’re looking for some fresh ways to dress up your home, check out these inspiring ideas.
1. Emphasize the open-concept
Photography/Daniel Nadelvach
(Image credit: Darla Bankston May)
Want to get the most out of your space? Put your home’s layout on full display. While an open-concept floorplan can give your home a light airy atmosphere, filling your place with room dividers or bookshelves can make it feel claustrophobic.
'Don’t over clutter with too much furniture,' Bankston May says. 'When you have an open floorplan for your main living areas you want an easy flow between each space.'
If you want to create the illusion of separate rooms without compromising your home’s airy reputation, break up the space with various rugs.
Photography/Michael Hunter
(Image credit: Darla Bankston May)
2. Pick a neutral palette
Photography/Michael Hunter
(Image credit: Jon Day)
A paint color has the power to set the mood for your space, and since the ranch house style is typically open-concept, the hue you choose here is even more pressing.
If you want to keep your home airy, open layout at the forefront, stick with light and versatile neutrals. That said, there are more shades than a pristine white. From sandy beiges, to light greys, to a soothing blue, the options are virtually endless.
'When your living spaces are in one large room or adjacent and visible to another, you don’t have to use the same color scheme in each room,' Bankston May recommends.
'An easy way to do this is to choose one or two colors that you repeat in each space. The color used on the dining chairs could be repeated in the pillows on the living room sofa.'
- See: Living room ideas – 25 inspiring ways to decorate and furnish your space
3. Select sleek silhouettes
(Image credit: Rafael Soldi)
Ultimately, your home’s décor style should be a reflection of your personal taste.
However, if you’re not sure which type of furniture works the best with the ranch house style, you can’t go wrong with streamline silhouettes – especially those that pay homage to mid-century modernism.
Originated in the height of the 20th century – and currently making an indefinite comeback – mid-century modernism boasts slim, boxy silhouette and subdued color palettes.
Not only will this style keep your home on trend, but the slim silhouettes will create a lot of negative space, which will emphasize your home’s layout.
4. Embrace the great outdoors
Photography/Daniel Nadelvach
(Image credit: Darla Bankston May)
The ranch house style was designed to create a delicate balance between indoor and outdoor living, so your backyard should not be ignored.
Instead, treat your outdoor space like any other room in the house, complete with comfortable furniture, personable accents, and strategic lighting.
Kelsey Mulvey is a New York-born, San Francisco-based freelance journalist who covers lifestyle and design content. She started her writing career while studying magazine journalism at Boston University, where her work was syndicated by top digital publications like USA Today and MSN.
Upon graduation, Kelsey covered lifestyle content The Wall Street Journal, Off Duty and Business Insider. In 2017, Kelsey started her freelance journalism career, where she contributes to design publications like AD PRO, Elle Decor, Wallpaper*, and more. W
20 Ranch-Style Homes With Modern Interior Style
By Grace Lynne Fleming | Published on
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Ranch-styled homes have simple floor plans with a wider outward appearance – without the depth that most present homes possess. There’s a minimalistic, yet traditional, quality in its overall look and it makes for a great palette when styling and decorating with a specific vision in mind. But what happens when you take this home design, first constructed in the 1950’s, along with its old-age spirit and mix it with a modern look – in furniture and accent. Well, you get a stunning blend of home fashion and trending, forward-thinking interest.
Let’s have a look at 20 ideas that will get your wheels turning!
1. Neutral Renovation
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This open, ranch-style home was renovated into a cozy, modern space. A neutral palette keeps it fresh and spacious in feel but the lines, lighting and furniture choices give the home a modern twist.
2. With Wood.
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You can easily create a home full of vintage outlines and welcoming wood foundations. But you can also add some modern touches to create something unique and revitalizing – like this contemporary living space did!{found on johnsoninteriordesign}.
3. Ultra Chic.
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Give your ranch home an ultra chic uplift by going completely outside-the-box of this family-friendly home. With slick lines, an added room partition and creamy tones, you can have a super posh area inside your throwback foundation.
4. Futuristic Fun.
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Add a bit of the future when renovating the kitchen or adding new details.
These homes can be lengthy and spacious, utilize that when creating a more present-day version.{found on rectangle}.
5. Textural Bits.
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Don’t be afraid to utilize texture when adding a modern touch to your ranch-style home. Utilize the lengthiness and open appeal by adding unique accents like stone and wood.
6. Family Spirit.
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These homes were meant for family so even though you’re adding modern touches or renovating to make the foundation seem more contemporary, don’t forget your family spirit and warm accents.{found on charlesdelisle}.
7. Forward-Thinking Separation.
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Sometimes these layouts are so open and wide that it’s hard to tell where a room ends. This is where you can get creative with your decorating and add personal touches.{found on drawingdept}.
8. Embrace What’s There.
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Whether it’s an original, double-sided fireplace or large, floor-to-ceiling windows, embrace what’s been there since the home was built and utilize it with the more modern decor.
{found on shksarchitects}.
9. Ceiling Power.
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There’s power in detailed ceiling. Whether you add color, open piping, beams or wood paneling there’s a certain transformation that happens – especially when accenting the vaulted ceilings.
10. Go Lighter.
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It’s okay to go with a lighter look even if your vision is a bit more contemporary. This space is lighter, brighter and a bit more feminine than the super sharpness of classic modernism.
11. Seamless Transition.
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A benefit of a ranch home is the seamless movement and transition about the space. Keep that in mind when your invite your new decorating and design inside, that’s something that should be kept intact.
12. Woven Elegance.
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Weave elegance inside your modern mixes. There’s a certain flow to the natural design and order of these homes so it’s easy to incorporate a more elegant vision when re-styling.
{found on rowlandbroughton}.
13. Funky Dreams.
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Don’t be afraid to add a bit of eclecticism inside your modern vision. This is the type of home that embraces the transition and can become any kind of clean palette you’d like.
14. Stunning Lights.
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Because of the easy transition between spaces and flowing freedom, lighting can go a long way throughout these homes. This is another benefit you need to use when highlight contemporary, clean lines and bright neutrals.
15. The View.
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Ranch homes were made to utilize the land they were on, so when the view is this good and the windows are this big, don’t take away from the beauty. Go with simpler colors and lines and have that be the focus.
16. Built-In Function.
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When it’s time to renovate, think about the rooms and what you need. When space is free but not as wide as you need for chunky furniture, keep that modern tone with built-in bookshelves for functionality.
17. Hallway Style.
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If your layout have a breathier hallway woven throughout the home, detail those too. It helps with the transition between rooms and keeping the vision intact.
18. Match It.
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Make sure to match the colors and modern tendencies throughout the home. When you can see through to other spaces you’ll want to make it an easy walk and not something that’s cut up.
19. Youthful Essence.
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Even if you’ve had this home for over 30 years, doesn’t mean you can’t dress it like it’s a younger 20. Refresh yourself and your home with modern colors, classic staples and sleek lines with its open layout.
20. Start With White.
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The best way to bring a modern tone into your ranch-styled home and to utilize all of the natural light, is to decorate with white! A crisp, white foundation can be keep to a revitalized look.
Top 5 Rules - INMYROOM
Tips
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!
Ideas for decorating a private country house with your own hands from improvised materials
Interior decor, as well as decor for the facade of the house, makes your home truly stylish, individual and interesting.
Modern home interior design, no matter what style it is made in, cannot last forever. Interior design must be constantly updated. The development of the interior design of a house should not begin with the creation of drawings, but with a discussion of the tastes of all family members who will live in this house.
The house will be truly cozy only when all family heirlooms find their place in the interior:
- Family photos are beautifully arranged on a shelf or hanging on the walls.
- Pictures are hung in the living room.
- Porcelain tableware inherited from my grandmother is placed in a sideboard in the kitchen.
- The floor is covered with handmade carpets that give warmth and comfort.
- Interesting books by favorite authors are on the shelf or in the home library.
An interesting design decision can be the design and placement of a fireplace, but this option is more suitable for country houses.
The fireplace has always been a symbol of comfort and romance, it is pleasant to sit near it together and watch the flames, read a book and drink tea. Moreover, it is not necessary to install a real fireplace, you can use an artificial one.
The requirements for country houses are much higher than the requirements that are set for the design of city apartments.
Country house living room decor in high-tech styleCountry house interior design is the main component of the overall design, which includes drafting the interior of the house, the design of the facade of the house, the general view of the adjacent land and much more.
Harmony can only be achieved when the interior decor of the house matches the exterior.
That is why the classic design of a country house should always match the landscape features of the surrounding area. 9Ol000 building and its owners, but the same building can drastically change the overall appearance, if you just change the cladding.
Every little detail matters here. So, what you should pay attention to:
- It is necessary to choose the right texture of the lining, so you get rid of the flat monotony of the walls of a country house.
Example of decorating walls with textured plaster
- The chosen color will have an impact on the perception of the appearance of the house, so you need to responsibly approach its choice.
But before you start dealing with all the details of home design, you need to familiarize yourself with the properties and characteristics of certain materials. The facade of the house can be clad:
- siding;
- brickwork;
- stone or tile;
- special facade plaster.
Please note that each of the above options for facing a country house has its own properties and requires preliminary preparation of the walls.
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We decorate the interior of the house
As a rule, people buy a country house to relax from the daily hustle and bustle. The interior of a country house must be soothing and relaxing. One of the important rooms in a country house is the living room, as the owners spend the most time in it.
The main factor is that the living room should be made in accordance with the tastes of the owners of the house, and not be a copy of the interior taken from some fashion magazine.
Sometimes the owners of the house really want to decorate the interior with their own hands and make it original and unique. To do this, it will be enough just to pay a little attention to the walls, as this greatly affects the perception of the entire interior of the room. To date, there are a huge number of ways to revitalize the walls of the house with your own hands.
Let's consider some ideas for transforming the walls of a country house:
- Decorative painting.
- Multi-colored paper butterflies. From them you can make various patterns and shapes with your own hands.
- Panel of colored pencils.
- Composition of several canvases.
- Unusually shaped bookshelf.
- Family tree.
The ceiling also plays an important role in creating harmony in the interior. You can make the ceiling special in one of the rooms of the house or in all at once. Indoor flowers will bring comfort and tranquility to your home. Thanks to flowers, the interior of the house will become even more homely.
If you want to relax surrounded by flowers, but you don't have the desire or the opportunity to deal with flowers, then wallpaper with a floral print is ideal for you. Flowers on the wallpaper will decorate the walls of your house every day. Wallpaper perfectly hides the imperfections of the walls, such as scratches or cracks.
Do not forget that an excessive amount of floral print in the house will make the interior of your country house too colorful.
Corridor interior decorated with wallpaper with flowers Wallpaper can be used in the most unexpected places, for example, they can be pasted over the walls of a cabinet or ceiling.
Now very often they decorate cabinets with wallpaper, and not only from the outside, but also from the inside.
In the bedroom it is best not to use colorful shades, beige shades are ideal here. The walls in the bedroom can also be decorated with various patterns, and they can be applied using special do-it-yourself metal planks, which usually have a silver or golden color.
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Decorating a house in a certain style
The most common style for country houses is country style. This is a cozy rustic style home interior. The country style is based on wrought or carved wooden furniture, a lot of armchairs and sofas, beautiful hand embroidery, thought pillows that add comfort, landscapes and still lifes on the walls, and much more.
No less popular is the classical style, which includes two more styles, these are English and palace. The palace style is famous for its pomp and luxury, and the English style of home decoration for its practicality, rigor and asceticism. The palace style is not suitable for small country houses, because it is based on gilding, antique furniture, high ceilings, large windows, crystal chandeliers and the like.
English style, on the contrary, is more modest and easily recognizable by the fireplace, traditional plaid blankets, leather armchairs and much more. If you want to make your country house in the English style, then it is better to make the walls in light colors, and you can not only paint them, but also wallpaper them or lay tiles.
Regarding furniture, the English style does not tolerate dark colors, but rather prefers not very bright light colors. The material from which the furniture is made can be glass, wood or metal.
Modern style is most often chosen by energetic people who prefer active recreation.
If you decide to make your country house in a modern style, then do not limit yourself to colors as a material, you can use various types of glass, plastic, polyurethane and the like.
Modern style is based on straight and strict lines, but smooth transitions are also possible.
Ethnic style as well as classic includes several styles such as Hawaiian, Mediterranean and Scandinavian. Ethnic style favors natural materials such as wood, stone, fabric and ceramics, and bright accents must also be present here.
Scandinavian style favors light or cool light colors, such as light blue, white, light green, beige, etc. This style is more suitable for lovers of original design.
An example of decorating a room in the Scandinavian style Today, on the Internet, you can find original ideas for the design of a country house and choose what is closer to your liking. Naturally, you should not repeat everything exactly as shown in any magazine, because the house will be truly cozy only when you bring some of your ideas into the interior of the house.
