A ranch style house, also known as a rancher or a rambler, is a single-story home that features a low-pitched roof, wide eaves, and an open floor plan. The house usually has a simple, rectangular or L-shaped layout, and the exterior is often clad in brick, stucco, or wood siding. Ranch-style houses are a popular architectural style that emerged in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s, and have since become a staple of the American suburban landscape.
Ranch-style houses originated in California in the early 20th century, as a response to the state’s warm climate and desire for indoor-outdoor living. Architects such as Cliff May and Joseph Eichler popularized the style, emphasizing the use of natural materials and a connection to the surrounding landscape. The design quickly spread across the country and gained widespread popularity in the post-World War II era. The low-maintenance, single-story design of the ranch house appealed to many families who were looking for affordable and efficient homes. Ranch-style homes were also a symbol of the suburbanization of America, as many were built on large lots in newly-developed suburban neighborhoods.
Ranch-style houses have several advantages that make them a popular choice for homeowners. Firstly, the single-story design makes them accessible and convenient, particularly for those with mobility issues or disabilities. The open floor plan provides ample space for families to spread out and entertain, while the outdoor living spaces, such as patios or decks, allow for easy access to the outdoors. Additionally, the simple and functional design of the ranch-style house makes them easy to maintain and energy-efficient, saving homeowners time and money. The wide eaves provide shade in the summer, while the low-pitched roof helps to trap heat in the winter. These features have made the ranch-style house a classic and enduring architectural style in the United States.
Features of a Ranch Style House
Exterior Design
Low, Single Story Profile
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One of the defining features of a ranch-style house is its low, single-story profile. This design makes the house more accessible and easier to navigate, particularly for those with mobility issues or disabilities. It also helps the house blend in with its surroundings, making it a good fit for suburban and rural areas.
Open Floor Plan
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Ranch-style houses typically have an open floor plan, with a central living area that flows into the dining room and kitchen. This design creates a spacious and inviting atmosphere, allowing for easy movement and conversation. It also makes the house feel more modern and contemporary, in contrast to the compartmentalized layout of older homes.
Attached Garage
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Many ranch-style houses have an attached garage, which provides additional storage and parking space. The garage is often located at the front of the house, creating a convenient and accessible entrance for homeowners.
Simple and Functional Design
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Ranch-style houses are known for their simple and functional design, with a focus on practicality and efficiency. The exterior is typically clad in brick, stucco, or wood siding, while the roof is low-pitched and often covered in asphalt shingles. This design makes the house easy to maintain and energy-efficient, which can save homeowners time and money in the long run.
Interior Design
Spacious Living Area
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The central living area of a ranch-style house is often the largest room in the house, creating a comfortable and welcoming space for families to relax and entertain. This area is usually located at the front of the house, with large windows that provide plenty of natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
Large Windows and Natural Light
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Ranch-style houses often feature large windows that provide ample natural light and views of the surrounding area. This design creates a bright and airy interior that feels connected to the outdoors.
Outdoor Living Spaces
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Many ranch-style houses feature outdoor living spaces, such as patios, decks, or porches. These spaces provide additional areas for relaxation and entertaining, and often feature outdoor furniture, grills, or fire pits.
Efficient Use of Space
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Ranch-style houses are known for their efficient use of space, with a focus on functionality and practicality. This design makes the house feel more spacious and inviting, while also maximizing the available square footage. The open floor plan also allows for easy movement and flow between rooms, creating a sense of unity and connection throughout the house.
Types of Ranch Style Houses
California Ranch Style
The California Ranch style is one of the original and most iconic variations of the ranch house design. This style emphasizes a connection to the outdoors, with large windows, sliding glass doors, and outdoor living spaces such as patios and courtyards. The California Ranch style often features a low-pitched roof and a simple, horizontal layout, with a focus on natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick.
Split-Level Ranch Style
The Split-Level Ranch style is a variation of the ranch house design that features multiple levels within a single story. This design often features a partial basement or lower-level garage, creating a split-level floor plan that allows for more defined living areas. The Split-Level Ranch style is often characterized by its distinct entryway, which features a staircase that leads up to the main living area.
Raised Ranch Style
The Raised Ranch style, also known as a Bi-Level Ranch, is a variation of the ranch house design that features a split-level entryway, with a half-flight of stairs leading up to the main living area and another half-flight of stairs leading down to a lower-level garage or basement. This design creates a vertical division of the house, with the upper level typically featuring the living areas and bedrooms, and the lower level used for storage or additional living space. The Raised Ranch style often features a simple and functional design, with a focus on efficiency and practicality.
Pros and Cons of Living in a Ranch Style House
Advantages
Accessibility and Convenience
One of the primary advantages of living in a ranch-style house is its accessibility and convenience. The single-story design makes the house easier to navigate, particularly for those with mobility issues or disabilities. It also allows for a more open and flexible floor plan, creating a more inviting and comfortable living space.
Easy Maintenance
Ranch-style houses are known for their simple and functional design, which makes them easy to maintain. The low-pitched roof, single-story profile, and efficient use of space all contribute to a design that is relatively easy to clean, repair, and update.
Energy Efficiency
Ranch-style houses are often designed to be energy-efficient, with features such as large windows for natural light and ventilation, insulation in the walls and roof, and efficient heating and cooling systems. This design can help homeowners save money on energy bills, while also reducing their environmental impact.
Disadvantages
Limited Living Space
One of the main disadvantages of living in a ranch-style house is its limited living space. The single-story design can limit the amount of square footage available, which can make it more difficult for large families or those who require additional space for work or hobbies.
Lack of Privacy
Ranch-style houses often have large windows and an open floor plan, which can make it difficult to create a sense of privacy within the home. This can be challenging for families who want to separate living and sleeping areas or who require additional privacy for work or personal reasons.
Maintenance Challenges
While ranch-style houses are generally easy to maintain, they can present some maintenance challenges. For example, the low-pitched roof design can make it more difficult to access the roof for repairs or maintenance. Additionally, the open floor plan can make it more difficult to separate living areas and keep them clean and organized.
Decorating a Ranch Style House
Tips for Decorating
Emphasize the Open Floor Plan
Ranch-style houses are known for their open floor plan, which creates a flexible and inviting living space. When decorating a ranch-style house, it’s important to emphasize this open floor plan by using furniture and decor that complements the flow of the space.
Focus on Comfort and Functionality
Ranch-style houses are designed for comfortable, functional living. When selecting furniture and decor, it’s important to prioritize comfort and functionality over trends or aesthetics.
Incorporate Natural Materials
Ranch-style houses often emphasize natural materials, such as wood, stone, and brick. When decorating, it’s important to incorporate these natural materials into the design, both for aesthetic appeal and to complement the architecture of the house.
Recommended Furniture and Decor Styles
Mid-Century Modern
Ranch-style houses are closely associated with the mid-century modern style, which emphasizes clean lines, organic shapes, and a focus on functionality. Furniture and decor from this era can be a great fit for a ranch-style house.
Rustic
Ranch-style houses also lend themselves well to rustic decor, which emphasizes natural materials, earthy colors, and a cozy, inviting feel. Rustic furniture and decor can help create a warm and inviting living space in a ranch-style house.
Best Colors and Textures for a Ranch Style House
Earth Tones
Ranch-style houses often feature natural materials and a connection to the outdoors. Earthy colors, such as browns, greens, and blues, can help create a cohesive design that complements the architecture of the house.
Textured Fabrics
When selecting fabrics for a ranch-style house, it’s important to consider texture. Natural fibers, such as cotton, wool, and linen, can help create a cozy, comfortable living space.
Accent Colors
While earthy colors are a good choice for the main color scheme, accent colors can help add interest and personality to a ranch-style house. Bold accent colors, such as red or yellow, can be used sparingly to add a pop of color and visual interest.
Conclusion
Recap of the Benefits of a Ranch Style House Ranch-style houses are known for their low, single-story profile, open floor plan, and efficient use of space, making them an ideal choice for homeowners looking for accessibility and convenience. Ranch-style houses often feature natural materials, large windows, and outdoor living spaces, creating a connection between indoor and outdoor living that is highly valued by many homeowners.
Ranch-style houses are easy to maintain and energy-efficient, making them an affordable and practical choice for homeowners.
If you’re considering buying a ranch-style house, it’s important to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of this architectural style, as well as your personal lifestyle and design preferences.
When decorating a ranch-style house, it’s important to emphasize the open floor plan, prioritize comfort and functionality, and incorporate natural materials into the design.
Overall, a ranch-style house can be an excellent choice for homeowners looking for accessibility, convenience, and a comfortable, inviting living space. With the right design and decor choices, a ranch-style house can be transformed into a beautiful and functional home that meets the needs of modern homeowners. If you enjoyed reading this article, consider reading our other ones by clicking here.
