Ranch-style house designs often include large windows, wide porches, and hipped roofs. This type of house design is characterized by its horizontal proportion, low-pitched roof-line, open floor plan, and simple construction. The construction process typically involves a combination of materials like wood, steel, brick, and stone, and a variety of floor plans. Windows and doors are generally placed symmetrically, while appliances tend to be located in the center of the house for ease of use. Ranch house plans sometimes also feature multiple outdoor amenities like swimming pools, patios, and decks.Ranch House Designs
California ranch homes can have a broad variety of styles depending on the climate and specific location. Most commonly, the facade will be symmetrical, with a large central door flanked by windows on either side. The roof will follow a uniform pitch and there may be a porch around the main entrance. This may or may not include elements like arched doorways or windows, awnings, columns, parapets, and quoins. Even the interiors of California ranch homes can sometimes echo traditional Spanish revival designs with colored tiles, stucco walls, and warm hues.California Ranch Home Styles
Ranch-style houses usually feature a single story design with a long, horizontal shape. This style is easily recognizable to the majority of people - perhaps the most well-known feature is the low-pitched, divided, or shallow-pitched roof. Further features that define the ranch-style house are overhanging eaves, brick cladding, shutters or louvered window covers, and exterior entries leading to central courtyards. For people looking for convenience, ranch-style home plans may feature open floor plans, sliding glass doors, and built-in closets and cabinets.Ranch-Style House Features
For people looking to redesign their ranch house, there are a variety of design ideas to explore. One of the most popular ideas is to add covered patios, decks, and other types of outdoor living spaces. These areas can be great for entertaining, and people can choose from a variety of different materials for the roof and walls, such as wood, brick, stone, or metal. Additionally, many people opt to install an energy-efficient roofing material that keeps the home cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter.Ranch House Design Ideas
One of the best ways to update a ranch-style home is to add a second story. This allows a homeowner to increase the home's square footage without having to remove the existing one-story structure. Another popular update to consider is the addition of siding and roofing that are designed to withstand various types of weather, such as heavy rains, snow, and hail. These materials can also create a modern look while protecting the home from the elements. Other updates include updating the exterior by painting, staining, or adding new shutters or window boxes, as well as interior changes such as adding new furniture and floors.How to Update Ranch-Style Homes
A ranch house makeover can be a major undertaking, but there are several tips that can help make it a success. First, it is important to decide what type of changes are desired and then create a budget. Depending on the type of renovations and the materials needed, the budget should be based on the quality and quantity of the materials chosen. Additionally, there may need to be some minor renovations done to make the home fit the makeover. Once the budget and plans are in place, the homeowner can then hire contractors to complete the work on time and within the budget.Ranch House Makeover Tips
Traditional ranch house plans typically feature symmetrical facades, large windows, hipped roofs, stone or brick cladding, double-hung windows, a central front entry, and horizontal lines. Inside, these homes may feature larger rooms with an open floor plan, expansive windows, and sliding glass doors that provide a great way to take in views of the outdoors. Traditional ranch style home design plans may also feature stone fireplaces, updated wood beams, and laid-back furnishings. Although traditional ranch houses typically evoke a Western, rugged aesthetic, modern touches can be brought in to create an eclectic home that will be timelessly stylish.Traditional Ranch House Plans
The exterior of ranch-style homes can often be the most defining features. Exterior styles can be traditional, Craftsman-style, modern, or contemporary depending on the layout and features included. Traditional exterior styles include hipped roofs, gable roofs, covered porches, symmetrical designs, and low-pitched eave lines. Craftsman ranch-style homes are characterized by their steeply-pitched roof-line, wide eaves, broken pediments, and tapered columns. The modern exterior ranch-style house typically features horizontal lines, large windows, metal roofs, and enormous covered patios or decks. Contemporary exterior styles include mixed materials, flat of shed roofs, and siding.Ranch House Exterior Styles
Craftsman ranch house styles pair the traditional aspect of ranch-style homes with the more modern Craftsman style. Craftsman ranch house plans often feature the signature wide, deep eaves of the Craftsman style, as well as tapered columns, composition shingles, and stucco walls. Wood and natural stone may be used throughout the interior as well. To achieve a balance, the home’s exterior will typically be painted in earth tones like brown, yellow, dark green, and rust. Interior features may include Craftsman-style cabinets, built-in bookcases, fireplaces, and trimwork. The exterior of the house may also feature a covered porch and terrace.Craftsman Ranch House Styles
Contemporary ranch house plans combine the traditional ranch-style home with modern materials, designs, and amenities. Contemporary ranch homes have shed or flat roofs, overhanging eaves, cantilevered porches, and exposed exterior beams. Inside, you may find a mix of hardwood and tile floors, exposed posts, walls of windows, and rooftop decks. Contemporary ranch homes may also feature lower levels, high ceilings, and smart home-controls. These floor plans often have open-concept living areas and may include bonus rooms, additional bedrooms, and options to add a variety of amenities depending on the homeowner’s wants and needs.Contemporary Ranch House Plans
Interiors of ranch-style homes vary greatly depending on the specific floor plan and the homeowner’s own personal taste. Common features include low-slung ceilings, long interior corridors, wood floors, large windows, and sliding glass doors. Kitchens may feature open shelving, an island, and a combination of traditional and contemporary appliances and fixtures. Bedrooms and bathrooms are usually designed in a modern style with lots of natural light while living rooms may feature rustic touches, built-in bookcases, warm fabrics, cozy armchairs, and floor-to-ceiling windows.Ranch House Interiors