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Remodeling a ranch style house ideas


Exterior Makeover Design, Style & Ideas

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How to update the exterior of a ranch-style house.

The “ranch house” has been an essential part of American architecture and American living for nearly a century. Although some dictionaries define it as a home style appropriate for ranch living, the popular ranch-style home we know and love is said to have been born in 1932 by San Diego architect Cliff May. Hallmarks of the style revolve around the one-story design, often built with wood siding or simple brick with shallow-pitched roofs and deep overhangs.

After World War II, the style took off as these homes were quickly purchased by soldiers returning from war looking for simple, affordable homes to raise their families. The easy-living, ground-level designs made the most of outdoor living, usually opening out to patios used for relaxation and entertaining. Undoubtedly, the ranch home contributed to the popularity of outdoor barbeques and neighborhood gatherings.

By 1950, nine out of ten homes built in the U.S. were ranch homes. But what goes up must come down, and ranch houses fell from favor in the 1970s for two-story homes with more ornamentation and traditional colonial style.

However, a whole new generation of homeowners is appreciating the original ranch-style homes today and finding the simple architecture appealing for its ease to update and similarity to mid-century style homes. Ranch homes are now the darling of home improvement fixer-uppers. In fact, in a 2018 Harris Poll of more than 2,000 Americans, 41% rated the ranch home among their favorites. 

It’s clear the ranch house is here to stay. So let’s look at a few ways to make the most of these popular, livable, and affordable homes.

1) Add differing heights in landscaping

Since ranch homes are typically one story with horizontal lines and a shallow roofline, it helps to break up the flow with some vertical height elements like landscaping, potted plants, or decorative detail. Adding trees in the front yard can add interest, shade, and curb appeal, too.

2) Draw attention to the front door

Typically, the façade of a ranch house is sleek and simple. But the doorway itself can set a modern, captivating tone. Contemporary single entry doors with a wide sidelite window can add attention, while double doors add a more formal tone. Spice up your exterior color palette with a bold door color like yellow, red, or turquoise to add a pop that draws the eye.

3) Add a porch or patio area to the front of the home

The thing about ranch houses is their connection with outdoor living. Sure, you’ll often see sliding patio doors around back opening to an outdoor entertaining space, but how about creating a similar effect at the front of the home? A brick or flagstone patio next to the front entry or walkway can add personality, charm, and an invitation to meet the neighbors.

4) Horizontal lines in fencing and house trim

Ornamental fencing or house trim detail should keep the horizontal lines of the house itself. Wide horizontal planking adds a contemporary touch. Add some large, modern house numbers to make an easy decorative statement.

5) Open interiors by removing walls

Although original ranch houses made the most of wide-open outdoor spaces, their interiors did not always keep the same open concept. Yes, some boasted great rooms rather than formal living and dining rooms, but if yours seems a little too confined, consider removing a non-load-bearing wall to open up space and sightlines.

6) Lift your ceiling to the roofline

The low-slung rooflines of ranch homes present an opportunity to add a modern vaulted look by removing the ceiling and finishing off the trusses in the attic. This compromise trades a little attic space for an impressively open and airy den, kitchen, or bedroom.

7) Replace double-hung windows with casement styles

Add a clean, modern touch by replacing traditional double-hung, grid-style windows with new energy-efficient casement styles. The simple design makes the most of any view and is easy to open and close with a crank handle. Also, consider combining large picture windows with awning-style windows below to allow for ventilation.

8) Frame windows in a natural wood look

One feature of original ranch homes was the use of wood paneling in living areas rather than wallpaper. Although you may not want the heavy look of wood throughout the house, using natural wood tone window frames can give a room the casual mood ranch homes are known for.

9) Consider replacing traditional windows with a bay or bow

If you want to pay homage to true ranch-style design, add a bow window to your living or dining room. The look creates interest both inside and out while adding lots of natural light.

10) Add a gable above the entryway

If you find the one-story, simple design of a ranch home exterior a little too plain, adding a gabled entry can make a charming difference in curb appeal. The gabled roof can incorporate a front porch or patio or simply define the front door area.

 

Window World’s extensive product line of entry doors, patio door designs, and window options are excellent choices for updating ranch homes, or any home, with beauty and energy efficiency. Discuss your ideas with a free consultation. Over 25 years of experience make Window World a name you can trust with your most important investment — your home. Contact your local store today.

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Renovating and Modernizing a Ranch House

By

Lee Wallender

Lee Wallender

Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 04/28/22

Reviewed by

Kelly Bacon

Reviewed by Kelly Bacon

Kelly Bacon is a licensed general contractor with over 40 years of experience in construction, home building and remodeling, and commercial building. He is a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board

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For years, home remodeling was focused mostly on Victorian, Craftsman-style, or various types of Colonial architecture. Conspicuously absent was the simple ranch-style rambler, even though this is arguably one of the most purely American forms of residential architecture.

With most new home construction in the last few years avoiding the classic ranch-style home in favor of more neo-eclectic styles, the ranch-style home has now become an object of historical interest. Many buyers find these homes both affordable and less challenging to remodel than older homes heavy on ornamentation.

Tips for Renovating Rambler-Style Homes

Maintain or Create an Open Floor Plan

The original ranch-style homes often featured an open floor plan in which living areas and dining areas were combined.

But this original design feature was often lost in the mass-produced ramblers of the 1960s.

Removing interior walls to open up the floorplan is an excellent way to get back to period authenticity with these homes. You can take the classic stance of joining the dining room and living room into one space. Or use the more recent open-concept strategy of joining the kitchen, dining room, and living room into one truly great room.

Either way, this modern open-concept principle is entirely consistent with the classic ranch-style home.

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Improve the Ceiling

The 1950s rambler version of this style often featured 8-foot ceilings, which can feel quite low and claustrophobic. But the original ranch-style homes from California and the Southwest often used vaulted ceilings that went all the way to the rafters.

Tearing out the ceilings in the larger living spaces and raising them is an expensive and majorly disruptive remodel that often isn't worth it. Instead, improve the ceiling's look with faux wood beams. If the ceilings have a popcorn texture, then remove the texture in favor of plain, painted wallboard.

Expand Horizontally, Not Vertically

Where room additions are needed, never expand upward by adding a second story—not if you want to maintain the aesthetic of a true ranch-style home. Instead, extend to the side of the house or with a T-shaped room addition off the back of the house.

Many people find that the attached garage that is part of most ranch-style homes can easily be converted into living space without compromising the architectural lines of a ranch-style home.

Make a Patio, Not a Deck

Wood decks are not perfectly in style with a genuine ranch-style home. A deck tacked onto the back of a ranch-style home is always a giveaway that this is not an accurate remodel.

Instead, build a spacious patio, providing access with large sliding glass doors. Remember, this is a home style that originated in the Southwest, so use the building materials that are common in that part of the country.

Create Larger Windows

By the 1960s, the expansive windows found in the original ranch-style homes had shrunk to small double-hung windows, partly out of concerns for energy costs.

To return your home to ranch-style authenticity, replace those small windows with more expansive ones, preferably sliders or casement styles.

Modern glazing options with double- and triple-insulated glass will make these windows much more energy-efficient than the older, smaller windows.

Replace the Doors

In the mass-produced era of the 1960s, it was common to use wood veneer hollow-core doors in ranch-style homes.

Replacing these doors with solid-wood frame-and-panel doors in a Prairie or Craftsman style—long vertical panels—goes a long way toward making your home feel like a genuine ranch-style.

Or, to save money, simply sand down the old veneer doors. After sanding, lightly stain and coat with oil-based polyurethane coating. Go easy with the sanding (use fine-grit sandpaper only), since the veneer is ultra-thin.

Simplify Trimwork

The stock ranch-home moldings sold in home centers might a bit on the plain side. But with ranch-style ramblers, you should avoid any hint of intricacy in the door or window casings and the baseboards.

Simple square-cut case moldings and baseboards, naturally finished, will make your home look authentic.

If previous owners have installed ornate crown molding or stacked baseboards in your ranch-style home, modernize your home by removing them and replacing them with streamlined trim. Since the old trim will, in most cases, be wider than the new trim, you'll need to patch and re-paint the walls.

Maintain the Fireplace

If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace in your ranch-style home, by all means, keep it, especially if it is constructed from stone or brickwork.

If the fireplace happens to be an open-sided fireplace, visible from both sides, then you already have a very typical feature of a classic ranch-style home.

If you are doing a major remodel that involves removing walls and creating an open concept, then adding a gas fireplace with a stone or brick enclosure and floating it to divide living spaces is a great way to recreate a classic ranch-style look.

Wood burning is becoming illegal in many communities, turning wood-burning fireplaces into dinosaurs. If you decide to keep the fireplace, convert it to gas or use candles in the firebox.

Remove the Carpet

Ranch-style homes are known for their use of natural materials and most carpeting is anything but natural. In the 1970s and 1980s it was common practice to cover hardwood or ceramic tile floors with carpeting—sometimes even in bathrooms.

If you pull up that carpeting, there is a good chance you will find a perfectly good natural floor underneath. Hardwood floors can be refinished and accented with area rugs. If you happen to have a later generation ranch-style home in which carpeting was laid over a plywood subfloor, then consider laying a ceramic tile floor—a choice that was quite common in the original Southwest ranch-style homes.

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Ranch-Style Home Features

Although ranch-style ramblers appear in many different variations, there are certain hallmarks of the classic ranch-style home to keep in mind if you are shopping for a home or are planning a historically accurate renovation:

History of the Ranch-Style Home

The ranch-style home has its roots in Spanish colonial architecture of the 18th and 19th centuries, in which Spanish new world settlers focused on single-story homes that were easy to build using native materials.

The low, simple roof lines with wide eaves helped shade windows from intense heat in the southwest U.S., and the style lent itself to both adobe/stucco construction or framed wood where timber was available. The style now known as ranch-style was introduced in San Diego, California, in 1932, and quickly became popular throughout California and the Southwest.

Boom Period: 1950s and 1960s

By the 1950s, the style reached its peak, with nine out of every ten American homes built in this style, which was particularly well suited to post-war America's explosion of young middle-class families.

This is the period during which the automobile became a principal focus of American life, and ranch-style architecture is responsible for attaching garages directly to the home.

No longer known as "ranch-style," these 1950s versions more often were called simply "ramblers." With a rapidly shrinking farm population and greater urbanization (and sub-urbanization), fewer of their owners had any connection to the origins of the style.

In many cities all across America, there are huge tracts of hundreds or even thousands of ranch-style ramblers, all constructed between the end of World War II and the mid-1960s, and all flavored by a style that originated in California.

Peak and Decline: 1960s and 1970s

In the late 1960s, American architectural tastes began to shift away from ranch homes. In the hands of mass developers, ranch-style homes had become commonplace, bland, and poorly built.

The open floor plans of the original ranch style, for example, had given way to boxy, cookie-cutter floorplans featuring many small rooms arranged around a single central hallway. Shoddy, builder-grade materials led to buyer dissatisfaction.

Rising real estate prices also played a role, with smaller lot sizes making one-story homes less practical than building upward, as with two-story structures. Soon, the principal residential architectural style in America became neo-eclectic, a style that borrowed freely from any previous architectural styles.

H. Armstrong Roberts / Getty Images

Ranch Style Resurgence: 1990s and 2000s

The late 1990s saw the beginning of renewed interest in the ranch-style home as young homeowners began to return to the cities and inner-ring suburbs with a focus on existing homes rather than new construction.

A rediscovered interest in the neighborhood lifestyle made tracts of ranch-style homes a natural target of like-minded families whose interests focused on parks and school. Such amenities were already present in these neighborhoods, which had been built 40 years earlier for large groups of young families.

Ranch-style homes were affordable for young families, they typically did not have the massive and expensive structural problems sometimes found in older historical styles, and they were common enough that it was easy to source materials for historically accurate remodeling.

Older homeowners were also rediscovering the merits of ranch-style homes. For older homeowners who no longer wanted to climb stairs, the single-story designs made it easy to age in place, and these neighborhoods were friendly for walking. Predictably, nostalgia kicked in for these older buyers, fueled with the popularity of TV shows like AMC's "Mad Men." The early 2000s were the peak of this renewed interest in mid-century modern styles.

The surge in interest for ranch-style homes came from both directions—young homeowners looking for affordable homes in clearly defined neighborhoods and downsizing older homeowners for whom the style made for easier living.

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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!

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Rustic motifs in The interior looks very cozy and simple. This is a great option for those who wants to rest at home from the oppressive atmosphere of the metropolis. Also this direction ideal for country houses - helps to preserve rustic traditions and plunge into the world of memories of distant childhood. After all, many wanted to have a habitat that would give peace and where you want would come back again and again. nine0003

Due to its naturalness and "naturalness" country style in the interior is used great popularity.

Characteristic features

Back in the century before last This style was born, and quickly spread throughout the world. Many tried furnish your country mansion so that it looks like a grandmother's house. Accordingly, each country had its own country style, so over time there was such an offshoot as ethnocountry.

Borrowing village styles from other countries. You can also choose a theme for your design. at home: whether it will be a Russian hut, a Ukrainian hut, an American ranch, or Spanish hacienda - a huge number of options. But we will return to this. a little bit later. nine0003

Now let's look at the main features that characterize the interior Country:
1. Natural materials in everything - decoration, furniture, accessories and decor. Wood, metal, stone, paper, clay, porcelain are all integral parts country interior. True, with the advent of new technologies, more and more artificial materials are used;
2. Natural and naturalness;
3. Simplicity and smoothness of forms;
4. Practicality in everyone;
5. Natural shades;
6. Mandatory a fireplace or other similar source of heat must be present;
7. Unique a combination of brutality and romanticism: rough large interior details and on the contrary, very elegant and fragile accessories of small size.

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home. It should be borne in mind that all rooms are subject to design in one design - this is not an option when you can combine different interior styles in one home. nine0003

It is noteworthy that in such version, the kitchen, dining room, living room and hall are not separated, but are common room. Problematic is the design of the bathroom, although with the presence of imagination and this will not be a problem.

If we are talking about the city housing - an apartment, then it will be possible to equip only one room. more suitable rustic motif will look in the kitchen, living room, bedroom or dining room.

Country interior is absolutely not suitable for a home office. The abundance of technology and modern gadgets correspond to the high-tech direction. nine0003

Materials

What is important is to avoid modern trends in decoration and decoration, which are very far from naturalness and ecology. It is better not to use linoleum, laminate, plastic, stretch ceilings or tiles with a fashionable design. And definitely forget about chrome handles, faucets and other decorative elements in a similar design. Such cases it is worth using copper, bronze, forged elements in the decor - even from battered iron.

Colors

Here is a complete flight of fancy. One main condition - no screaming tones. And remember the golden rule - no more than three colors in one room. nine0003

For interior design it is worth considering that against the background of walls, furniture and textiles of saturated colors the rest of the decor elements should not stand out. And, conversely, with restrained general colors of the room, make a color accent on the details of the interior.

Of course, used colors should fully remind you of nature: brown, green, soft shades of yellow and terracotta, colors of field plants, autumn foliage, sky and etc.

Finishing

Putting all of the above together, you can already get the big picture about the style and, guided by our further advice, proceed to finishing premises. nine0003

Walls

Everything is very simple - even or not very smooth walls, covered with paper or vinyl wallpaper, plain paint, covered with fabric, wood or decorated with plaster.

If you choose wallpaper, then use the simplest pattern - a cage, a stripe or a pattern on a vegetable theme. Just consider the features of each pattern: horizontal stripe, for example, visually lengthens the room and "raises" the ceiling.

Will look original alternation of decorative plaster and brickwork. In fact, whatever type of finish you choose, keep in mind - the walls should be the background, no more Togo. nine0003

Floor

Wood is ideal. Preferably if it is not elegant parquet or laminate. Also well suited stone or tile flooring.

Ceiling

It is worth painting the ceiling white and decorating it wooden beams - a typical option for a village dwelling.

Lighting

Remember that style country in the interior is a connection with nature. Therefore, the lighting of your home should match the light outside the window. During the day, the room should be well lit. sunlight, with the onset of dusk and the lighting inside should be dimmed. No bright lights or intense lighting. nine0003

Candelabra shaped chandeliers are best with forging elements, wall lamps, candlesticks, floor lamps with fabric lampshades. All these light sources should please the eye during the day.

Furniture

You guessed it, the interior country style accepts only simple, functional and natural furniture, which is characterized by unpretentiousness and directness of outlines.

Well worth a start dig in your grandmother's attic or visit a flea market - probably there you will find what you need. Although it is not necessary to look for the old rustic furniture or buy one with antique styling. nine0003

Don't worry if the furniture isn't will be polished or varnished - a rough finish looks more harmonious. It can be an ordinary wooden table, a wicker rocking chair, numerous chests and baskets.

Perfect for the kitchen look like an open cupboard and a rough table. By the way, carved furniture too welcome. In the bedroom, the bed and wardrobes should be massive, they can there are elements of forging and carving.

Decor and accessories

It is preferable to use handmade items as decor. After all, what is made by hand is saturated with the warmth of the hearth, love for creative process - and therefore gives a special feeling of comfort and home comfort. nine0003

Primary preference in decorating rooms should be given to textiles - especially since options for creativity abounds. For example, you can add originality to the kitchen by sewing a tablecloth, curtains and chair covers from the same material.

We offer you types accessories that can be used:

The presence of such details creates that unique home comfort, gives a feeling of security and peace.

Types of ethnic country

At the beginning of the article, we already said that country style has its own characteristics - it all depends on the country where it is used. let's Let's get acquainted with its various types. nine0003

English

Combines elegance and stiffness at the same time, sophistication and simplicity. There is an abundance of textiles and upholstery in furniture. Its colors are red, green and brown. dark wood furniture, massive and expensive. The decor contains horizontal paintings and porcelain figurines.

American

Mandatory attribute - wooden beams on the ceiling and a fireplace. The furniture is also massive and solid, decorated with copper and bronze fittings. On animal horns hang on the walls, patchwork multi-colored rugs or skins are on the floor animal. The furniture is upholstered in leather. Dining tables with wood top usually round in shape. nine0003

Italian

This is characterized by elegance rather than brutality. Furniture no longer so impressive, varnishing and polishing is allowed. Furniture is often not stylized in the old days - it is really made of wood, which decades. A clear feature is a panel of ceramic tiles in the kitchen, the presence arched forms in furniture and decor, the use of stone in wall decoration. After a few times

German

Restraint, accuracy and practicality are the main country features in Germany. The Germans love the abundance of wood. Therefore, in the decor they use beams and slats on walls and ceilings. If you are using the half-timbered layout, then accurately create German-style country music. nine0003

French

Distinguished by its brilliance. typical colors: lavender, violet, bright yellow. This applies to both decoration and decor. bright fabrics with floral print and animal themed designs. The furniture is mostly pine light shades. The beds are just huge - quadruple. The decor is dominated field motifs - straw.

Swedish

Cooler interior due to discreet color gamma, matte walls and wooden floors.

All of the above ethnic manifestations are original in their own way and at the same time have common features.

Room interior

Its huge advantage is that the country style in the interior of the apartment will never get bored of its owners only because it is devoid of artificiality, stiffness and excesses. let's consider design options for various country-style rooms.

Kitchen

It is always cozy and comfortable here, you want to spend evenings for quiet conversations with the family. The main material used for finishing the kitchen is tree and stone. On the floor it is better to use a stone coating - practical and conveniently. And wood for everything else - furniture, walls or ceiling. budget option - ceramic tiles on the floor, wood veneer for the walls and chipboard for furniture. nine0003

If the stone is on the floor for you unacceptable, you can also use wood - choose its color to match the finish rooms. In general, the color scheme for the country kitchen should be calm. and restrained. You can add a bright accent with accessories: colored plates, jars for cereals, flower pots.

Living room

This is the room where the family gathers, meets guests and friends - therefore, the atmosphere should be conducive to communication and be hospitable. Decorate the walls in light colors: beige, caramel, cream. Feel free to experiment and use wood, paint, wallpaper and stone in the walls. But not all at once. nine0003

The floor is covered with parquet board, laminate or wood. Furniture should be comfortable, soft and durable. Leave a minimum of household appliances - in the living room there is an abundance of them to what. And, of course, you can not do without a fireplace. home hearth - guarantee of comfort and home warmth. Add some decorative elements: soft pillows, family framed photo, fresh flowers on the table.

Bedroom

Country style in the bedroom, by the way, is perfect for creating the perfect atmosphere for relaxation. Choose furniture with smooth outlines, not too rough. Do not overload the room with an abundance of furniture and accessories. On the ceiling is enough to have one chandelier. nine0003

Walls can be painted in light colors, sheathed with wood or decorate with decorative plaster. Can stick simple wallpaper. By the way, all these types of finishes are correctly combined. The floor in the bedroom is best made of wood and covered with soft carpet.

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