Home » Misc » Ranch style house interior designs

Ranch style house interior designs


Ranch-style houses – the ultimate guide to the look and how to get it |

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

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. 

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

A post shared by CliffMayRancho (@cliffmayrancho)

A photo posted by on

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

A post shared by Amy Fisher (@pawsburgh)

A photo posted by on

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

A post shared by Montréal Maisons (@montrealmaisons)

A photo posted by on

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

A post shared by Danielle (@raised_ranch_reno)

A photo posted by on

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.'

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

Buy Now

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

View in gallery

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.

View in gallery

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.

View in gallery

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.

View in gallery

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.

View in gallery

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.

View in gallery

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.

View in gallery

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.

View in gallery

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.

View in gallery

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.

View in gallery

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.

View in gallery

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.

View in gallery

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.

View in gallery

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.

View in gallery

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.

View in gallery

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.

View in gallery

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.

View in gallery

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.

View in gallery

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.

View in gallery

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.

View in gallery

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0046

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!

Design and photo of a ranch style house

When people think of the Ranch style, they mean the American approach to building houses. Among them there are Californian and American groups. However, no matter which group the house belongs to, it still remains an American invention. In the fifties of the last century, this style was very popular. Similar ranches began to be built in other regions: Europe and Australia. nine0003 Ranch-style house project with two garages

True, it should be noted that Australia has long been distinguished by its own style of building houses. He is very similar to the American, and his age is no less.

Return to the table of contents

Material Content

History of development

The appearance of the ranch is largely connected with the time when the development of the American continent was actively taking place. According to historians, the appearance of the Ranch style is due to the Spanish heritage. If you look closely, you can find many similar details.

Two-Story Wooden Ranch Project

One-story house project has an asymmetrical plan and is built from the cheapest materials available in the area. In principle, such houses were created from any suitable material:

The main conditions of the project were:

The Americans borrowed open verandas from the Spaniards for their ranches, which are made very large. They resemble the original patio.

Detailed layout of a private house in the style of "ranch"

This style became very popular in the twentieth century, when there was an economic revival. nine0003

These houses belong to economy class buildings. Residents of small towns can afford them.

The term "one-story America" ​​is often heard. This refers to a similar project at home. When compared to other buildings, American-style cottages are very similar to farmhouses. In Russia, the American ranch has not received much popularity. The Baltic republics began to build houses according to such a project, without adhering to the characteristic details of this style. Farmhouse-style buildings are highly symmetrical. nine0003

Back to the Table of Contents

Characteristic Features of the American Ranch

It is quite easy to buy such a ranch in America. Its cost depends on the location and condition. The average price of such a house ranges from $100,000. The fact is that the project of such a house can have a different layout.

Design of a classic ranch-style estate

For example, the number of rooms sometimes reaches 10 or more. This, of course, is reflected in the cost of the building. Usually the ranch has:

Back to the top

Building materials

In past years, the American ranch has always been built from the most affordable and inexpensive materials that are not of high quality.

Ranch project with original architecture

Warm climate, constant moving cowboys did not require the construction of buildings designed for long-term operation. nine0003

In addition, during the severe economic crisis, the cost of building materials was quite high. Not everyone could afford to buy quality materials. Therefore, the ranch was built from a variety of materials:

Today, such materials are used for finishing modern buildings created according to such projects.

Back to index

Layout Details

A mostly American ranch has only one level. It is extremely rare to build houses that have two levels. Inside the house, certain geometric shapes have never been adhered to.

Since such a house was notable for its small dimensions, it was almost impossible to divide it to get several rooms.

Terrace Ranch Option

The ground floor was made walkable and had two completely separate exits. One led to the terrace, the other to the courtyard. Sliding doors make your home look more spacious. The dining room is combined with the living room, and the bedroom is completely fenced off from all rooms. This is the only room in this house where you can hide from your family. nine0003

Today, the American ranch project is highly functional. With an increase in the family, it is easy to make an extension to the building so that all generations can live in the same house. Such single-level buildings are very popular with the owners of individual buildings. But at the same time, it is necessary to foresee the laying of the most important communications in advance, to accurately plan all the premises of the building.

Back to index

Ranch decor

When decorating an American ranch, various antique items are used:

For the interior, textiles are selected, distinguished by delicate tones, made from beautiful natural materials. The room is decorated with carpets, there are a lot of soft pillows everywhere. Thus, a cozy atmosphere is created. Most of the decorative elements are made by hand. In every cowboy's house you can find:

An example of decor and interior of a house in the style of "Ranch"

The ranch, where a large family lives, always has an original hearth, in its design they use:

Back to TOC

Lighting

When setting up an American ranch, you should always remember to install the right lighting. At first, when there was an economic crisis in the country, large panoramic windows were made to save electricity. Thus, natural light illuminated the darkest places in the house. nine0003

Today, ranch-style houses also have similar large windows, but there is also plenty of artificial lighting to help with any work. Original lighting creates comfort, attractiveness, coziness and texture in the room.

Suitable for this interior:

The interior of the ranch has undergone many changes in our time, however, this style of building remains popular today. For such a house, modern manufacturers have developed a lot of various finishing materials. They easily imitate the desired texture, creating an incredible and very original style. nine0003

It seems to take a person back for a while to the past, which took place in a distant village.

When decorating a house built in the style of an American ranch, it is very important to create the style of the room, as old items, "mixed" with modern details, will simply spoil the interior. It will look very awkward.

To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to foresee all design elements in advance, to select finishing materials. The comfort and beauty of the building depends on this. Only in this case the house will be comfortable, it will be possible to relax and have a good rest. nine0003

Back to the top

Interior decoration

The American ranch is decorated without much luxury, there are no chic details. They are replaced by important family heirlooms.

The ceilings in the rooms are always open and untouched.

Learn more