Aspiring homeowners have to sift through several styles as they search for their new dream home—whether it’s classic Craftsmans or cozy bungalows, the list can seem endless. But if you’re investing some change (and time!) in your forever home search, you’ll want to see all the options. Consider a ranch-style home.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for a new home. These 11 unique ranch-style homes have been completely customized (and modernized!) while maintaining classic ranch elements like open floor plans and long, narrow designs. But before we dive into the different styles, let’s clarify what a ranch style home is.
The spacious ranch house became popular in the United States in the 1920s and became a staple of suburban living. This simple home can accommodate a variety of family sizes and boasts a single level or, in some cases, a split level.
What Makes a Ranch Style Home?
Key features of a ranch-style home include a single-story layout, a low-pitched roof and a wide horizontal footprint, McGuire says. “They usually have an asymmetrical design with a simple, unadorned exterior. “Ranch-style homes often have large windows that allow plenty of natural light to enter the living space,” he says.
McGuire shares the different types of ranch homes you can see while house hunting.
What are the pros and cons of a ranch style home?
Thanks to its one-story layout, the ranch house allows for one-house living from early adulthood to old age. This layout makes the ranch house perfect for someone with mobility issues or for those who want the convenience of having everything on one floor, including laundry. Living on one floor can also lead to energy savings, reducing heating and cooling costs.
“The open floor plan creates a sense of spaciousness and allows for flexible interior design options,” explains McGuire. “Ranch-style homes often have large lots, providing ample outdoor space for gardening, recreation or expansion opportunities.”
However, there are some drawbacks to consider when it comes to ranch style homes. “One drawback is the limited vertical space, which can be a disadvantage for those who want multiple levels or separate living spaces. A spacious layout can result in long corridors and separation of living spaces, potentially affecting the flow and interaction between rooms,” says McGuire. “Some people may find the exterior design of ranch style homes to be less visually appealing compared to other architectural styles.”
If you’re looking for ranch style inspiration, keep reading to see 11 beautiful homes.
1. A bold blogger’s colorful 90s style South Carolina ranch
Bold, bright colors on a neutral background bring this ranch home into modern times. Abundant streams of light through the large windows give life to the rich greenery and allow the house’s eclectic decor to take center stage. Since this ranch-style home is a rental property, renter Maggie Overby was somewhat limited in her painting options. Instead, she incorporated bold color combinations like green, black, navy and bright orange into her decor choices for a beautiful finished look.
Visit full house tour to see more of this beautiful space.
2. This Charlotte Ranch-style home gets an update with bold colors and patterns
With its open floor plan and old school vibe, the ranch house is the perfect backdrop for a mid-century remodel. And that’s exactly what owner Brandon longed for when he bought this ranch home in Charlotte, North Carolina. Working with designer Amber Guyton, he incorporated jewel tones like olive and orange, then set them against a moody yet elegant black backdrop in the main living area. This ranch-style home is on point with bright colors and furnishings that are in keeping with the mid-century aesthetic.
See how this colorful house comes to life in full house tour.
3. A first-time renovator on a DIY budget transformed a 1971 ranch house into a kitsch-chic home
Who better to bring a mid-century vibe to a ranch-style home than blogger Megan Housekeeper, who owns the popular Mid-Century Millennial blog? With a clear vision, Housekeeper “embarked on my DIY renovation to make the house a retro dream room by room” in her historic home. And it’s anything but, with bold wallpaper patterns, a fantastic archway leading from the living room, and lots of funky colors throughout.
Explore more of this mid-century modern space at full house tour.
4. This ranch-style home has a warm, earthy color palette and lots of plants
This 3,000-square-foot ranch in Chesapeake, Virginia has a warm, earthy color palette that softens the edges when you walk in the door. Owners Reggie and Tracey Hairston deliberately put their stamp on every inch of this long, flat home, creating a cohesive look that adds a sense of peace and tranquility. Tracey has used the spacious, light-filled living room – a hallmark of the ranch-style home – to house tons of indoor plants, which are her biggest passion.
Take full house tour to see the rest of the environment filled with plants.
5. The “Ew, This Is All Old and Gross” Suburban Ranch Gets a Colorful Makeover
“I’m a firm believer that interior design, especially home design, should be a reflection of who you are,” Kara creator Lauren Kirchhoff said at the time of the tour when asked about their eclectic ranch-style home. “It should evoke joy and give a sense of refuge.” They left no stone unturned in their fabulous Missouri home—from custom paint to exposing old (but fabulous!) hardwood floors, they carefully and tastefully designed a bohemian paradise for their family using the vintage ranch home as a palette.
Visit full house tour to see more of this colorful house.
6. The ethereal ambience of this California ranch house is inspiring
Rejecting that a ranch-style home has to look bland and simple, Paleny Toros spent months transforming her 1,592-square-foot ranch in Van Nuys, California, into the space of her dreams. They started by opening up the kitchen, which brought tons of natural light into the main living area. The house includes a neutral color palette, with shades like white and gray and a lovely soft blue color used on the kitchen cabinets. Additional touches like rustic beams take this ranch-style home right into modern times.
See more of this airy space at full house tour.
7. A 50s Ranch House That Fights the Seattle Weather With Pops of Color and Warm Touches
Seattle couple Stephen and Bobby carved an oasis out of their 1950s ranch-style home by incorporating modern touches and pops of color. While the “innards” of the house have been preserved (smaller windows and an entrance that separates the kitchen and dining room), smart additions make it look like a much more modern space. Take, for example, the high-end textiles in the living room and the clever use of bench-style seating in the dining room. The fully renovated kitchen is another bright spot in this tiny house.
See more of this amazing space at full house tour.
8. This Designer Mid-Century Ranch in Memphis Has the Home Gym We’ve All Wished We Had During Quarantine
If there’s one way to describe designer David Quarles IV’s insanely cool Memphis ranch-style home, it’s curated. From day one, he allowed his Caribbean heritage and love for his culture to be part of the design of his home. And it shows! From the perfect piece for his long, narrow, ranch-style living room to his eclectic artwork and those enviable French doors that lead to his dining room decked out in an explosion of green, his home is all atmosphere.
Explore more of this colorful bohemian oasis at full house tour.
9. This Raleigh ranch home has a modern gym, a bold backyard and more
Homeowner Marie had the opportunity to perfect her DIY skills in her ranch-style home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she lives with her three children. Using eclectic art as the centerpiece of her home decor, Marie slowly and carefully made each room in the home exactly how she wanted it. The main living area features a bright, open living room adjacent to a small kitchen with mid-century-inspired dark cabinets. The dining room combines it with a dramatic wall displaying her vast collection of African masks. With custom art carefully placed and the addition of bold, funky colors and decor, Marie’s ranch house is a desirable space.
See more of this beautiful ranch style home at full house tour.
Credits: Submitted by David
10. California Ranch House Taking Style Inspo from Valley of the Dolls
David and his husband are only the third owners of this spacious ranch-style home in California. The wide-open interior is anchored by a fantastic stone fireplace that creates a cozy atmosphere. In keeping with the state’s near-perfect weather, all entertaining areas in this home open directly to the outdoor pool and deck. At the same time, the upgraded mid-century inspired kitchen is a beautiful feature.
Visit full house tour to see more of this beautiful ranch style home.
11. This moody, dramatic ’90s ranch house draws inspiration from English and French design
“This home was a complete blank canvas with no flow,” Tara Carney, owner of the eclectic ranch-style home, said at the time of the tour. “We created separate spaces in the great room—the library, the music room, the dining room, the entryway, and the living room, all in one great room.” This is a great way to style a ranch house, using furniture and other elements to make it your own.
Explore more inspired space at full house tour.