A common feature of mid-century ranch homes is their focus on creating open and seamless indoor-outdoor connections. This often means having plenty of large windows that let in copious amounts of natural light, and providing large sliding or French doors that open out onto outdoor living spaces.
Mid-century ranch homes are typically single-story, and built in a horizontal shape that follows the natural landscape. They generally blend right into their environment to provide an unfussy, relaxed style of living.
Mid-century ranch homes also tend to emphasize natural materials like wood paneling and stone that adds texture, contrast, warmth, and character. Mid-century ranch style homes often feature dramatic pitched roofs and bright, vibrant colors that create a distinctive look.
Other characteristics may include asymmetrical layouts, low-slung pitch, post and beam construction, and scaled-down details. All of these charming features come together to create the mid-century modern look we all know and love.
What is mid-century ranch?
Mid-century ranch is a style of residential architecture that developed in the United States in the mid-20th century. The style became increasingly popular during the post-World War II economic expansion, when the exurbs of large cities began to be populated by a growing middle-class of home owners.
Mid-century ranches are typically single-story, low-slung structures, with a prominent roofline, minimal ornamentation, and an open floor plan. Design elements often draw from modernist influences, such as large windows, flat roofs, horizontal lines, and a predominance of glass and masonry.
The style is often identified with the post-war modernism of the 1950s and 1960s, as well as the International Style, which rose to prominence in the 1920s and 1930s. The ranch style is typically characterized by a split-level design, with one level dedicated to living spaces, and the other to bedrooms.
It also features plenty of outdoor areas, with expansive lawns, decks and patios, for summer barbecues and outdoor gathering. Exteriors often employ a combination of materials, such as stucco, stone and wood siding, giving the house a unique and attractive look.
What are the characteristics of a ranch house?
Ranch houses have a unique and distinctive style, which helps them stand out from other types of homes. Characteristics commonly associated with a ranch house include a single story, low pitched roof, large windows, an open floor plan, and an L- or U-shaped design.
They typically have an attached garage and simple, efficient construction which makes them economical to build. Exterior materials are normally brick, stucco, vinyl, or wood shingles, and the roof can be either a flat roof or a gabled roof.
Inside, they usually have wood panelling or wood trim, wood floors, and a fire place as a central focus. They may also feature built-in cabinets, shelves, or bookcases. Ranch houses are ideal for people who are looking for a simple but attractive home that fits both their budget and their lifestyle.
They also typically have larger yards than other types of homes, offering additional space for outdoor activities.
What is considered mid-century design?
Mid-century design is a style of architecture, furniture, and decorative arts created between the 1930s and 1960s. This modernist movement was influenced by both Bauhaus and Art Deco, with a heavy focus on angular shapes and clean lines.
Materials such as chrome, vinyl, particleboard, and plywood were often used, and bright colors became a trademark of the style. Mid-century design heavily influenced architecture, furniture, and interior design.
It was the inspiration for iconic pieces such as the Eames Lounge Chair and the Noguchi table. The style is often characterized by geometric patterns, minimal ornamentation, and natural materials like wood and steel.
Mid-century design is still popular today and is considered to be a timeless classic.
What is the difference between mid century and mid-century modern?
The distinction between mid century and mid-century modern is an important one to make. Mid century design is an umbrella term that encompasses a number of different styles, the most commonly associated being the popular art deco and modernist styles.
Mid-century modern on the other hand is considered to be a specific and unique style, which includes elements from both of the larger categories of mid-century design. This style incorporates simple lines, angular shapes, and a muted yet vivid color palette.
Mid-century modern furniture and decor also lean into organic shapes and materials, often featuring wood, leather, or metal.
Mid century design is marked by a focus on creating items that are functional and comfortable, while mid-century modern looks to make a statement with the use of things like glass, bright colors, and bold shapes.
To really simplify the distinction, mid century pieces focus on creating items that can stand out while still ergonomically honoring their purpose, while mid-century modern pieces are mostly decorative, often without much need for functionality.
How do you make furniture look mid-century modern?
Making furniture look mid-century modern can be achieved by selecting pieces that are constructed of natural materials, such as teak, walnut, and oak, and feature the signature lines of the era. Many pieces can be upcycled with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware, or through refinishing techniques, such as brushing and waxing, which can bring out the natural grain of the wood.
If you’re looking to purchase new furniture, there are many retailers that specialize in mid-century modern designs that feature clean lines, tapered legs, and organic shapes. Incorporating vintage accents, such as mid-century modern lighting, rugs, and accessories will further enhance the look.
You can also play with color and add a modern touch with abstract art hanged on the wall. When selecting fabrics, look for bold geometric prints, along with velvets, mohair, and tweeds.
Can you mix mid-century with modern?
Yes, you absolutely can mix mid-century with modern design elements when decorating a home. This type of combination of styles creates a unique look which combines the best of both eras. When mixing mid-century with modern design, it is important to choose one style to anchor the space.
Use this anchor style to inform larger design decisions, such as furniture and paint colors. To achieve a successful mid-century modern combination, balance is key. Integrate mid-century design elements without overdoing it by incorporating too many pieces.
The same applies when mixing modern furniture pieces with a mid-century color scheme. A few carefully chosen pieces that are both timeless and stylish will create a look that is both comfortable and inviting.
What is a ranch-style house considered?
A ranch-style house is considered a single-story home that is typically spread out in a horizontal ‘L’ or ‘U’ shape. They are typically more casual and informal, and are designed to take advantage of the surrounding landscape and views that may exist outside the house.
Ranch-style homes date back to early Californian and Spanish influences, and they began to become popular around the 1940’s and 1950’s. The typical layout of these homes usually involves a central living area, which is usually connected to the kitchen, dining room and bedrooms, with hallways and closets extending to each side.
As such, ranch-style homes are very practical, providing plenty of space and creating an efficient flow. They also often feature low-pitched gable roofs, open floor plans, and large picture windows, making the best of natural lighting from different angles.
Today, ranch-style houses have been influenced by modern styles and provide a unique, yet timeless, look.
What makes a ranch house a ranch?
A ranch house is a style of residential architecture that was popularized in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. Characteristics of a traditional ranch house include a single story, a low-pitched roof, and asymmetrical ‘winged’ or ‘L-shaped’ floor plans.
The exterior of the house often has a minimalist look, with few decorative flourishes and a focus on a horizontal and rectangular floor plan, often defined by an extended front porch and a rear patio.
Ranch houses typically feature open-floor plans, which make them popular with families who want a more informal living arrangement. They generally have three bedrooms, a combination living and dining room, one or more bathrooms, and maybe a den or family room.
Kitchens of ranch homes often have plenty of counter space, multiple sinks, and a breakfast nook – all of which add to their efficiency of design and ease of use.
Overall, the characteristic features of a ranch house – an L-shaped or ‘winged’ floor plan, a single story design with a low-pitched roof, an open-floor concept, and an emphasis on efficient design – all contribute to its iconic look, popularity, and continuing ability to appeal to families looking for a practical and stylish home.
Where are ranch style homes most popular?
Ranch style homes, also referred to as rambler style homes, are most popular in the western United States. This style of home typically features a single-story construction and a long, low profile. It also has a wide, open floor plan, often with double or triple sliding glass doors that open onto a patio or porch.
The style is also often associated with a ranch lifestyle, whether actual or symbolic. States in the west where ranch style homes are most popular include Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
In the Midwest, ranch style homes are popular in Kansas and Oklahoma. In the East Coast, Virginia and Maryland are two states popular for ranch style homes. The popularity of ranch style homes comes in part because of the ease of access to the main living area, as well as the minimal maintenance they require.
Why is it called a ranch style house?
A ranch style house gets its name from the style of home developed in America during the 1920s. During this time, ranchers in the Western United States needed a type of housing that could withstand the extreme weather conditions and still look aesthetically pleasing.
As such, they created a single-story, low-slung design with a large porch across the facade, giving the house a ranch-like appearance. The style was also largely inspired by a blend of Spanish Colonial, California missions, and Pueblo Revival architectural motifs.
Today, the ranch style is one of the most popular and recognizable architectural styles in the United States, and its popularity has extended to other countries as well. It is characterized by its open, single-story layout and simple, rectangular shape, with a low-pitched roof and wide, overhanging eaves.
Additionally, ranch style homes often have sliding or French doors that open to the backyard, large picture windows, and wood or brick siding.
How do you modernize a ranch house?
Modernizing a ranch house can be an exciting project that will rejuvenate its style and add a modern touch to the home. To achieve this, you can update the exterior of the home with a new paint job, revamped landscaping, and an outdoor living space.
Inside the home, consider replacing any outdated features with more modern finishes such as tile or marble. Also, this is the perfect time to remove any unnecessary walls to give the home a more open and spacious feel.
Lastly, don’t forget to add modern touches to the home’s interior such as incorporating colorful and modern furniture, remodeling outdated bathrooms and kitchens, and updating the lighting. By making these changes, you can give the ranch house a more modern look while still maintaining its original charm.
How can I make my ranch house more interesting?
Making your ranch house more interesting can be a fun and rewarding project. There are a variety of ways to make your ranch house more modern and updated while still preserving the classic look that defines the style.
One approach is to embrace the simplicity of a ranch home and create an open, airy atmosphere that allows you to take advantage of natural light. This can be done by removing walls, windows, and outdated features that could potentially divide the space and make it feel crowded.
When possible, add lots of natural greenery or brightly-colored decor to help bring life into the space.
The exterior of the ranch house can be updated as well. Consider adding accents such as shutters, planters, and stone or wood accents to the front façade. Painted doorways, modernized windows, and a sleek new color scheme can also help to update the look of the house.
The front yard can also be spruced up with landscaping, including low-maintenance grass, trees, shrubs, and flower beds.
Finally, reinvent the spaces inside your ranch house by making the most of the floor plan. Consider knocking out any non-structural walls that narrow the open-concept of the house, as well as investing in modern upgrades such as flooring, lighting, and bathroom fixtures.
A fresh coat of paint in fun, light colors can also make the space seem larger and brighter. These simple changes can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your ranch house.
What is a modern look for a house?
A modern look for a house typically includes clean lines, minimal decor, and neutral tones. This look is easy to achieve by incorporating furniture pieces with minimal detailing, clean lines, and simple shapes.
You can also use neutral colors like black, white, and gray to create a modern look. Also, accents of bright coloring like blues, greens, and reds are excellent contrast when used sparingly. Additionally, natural materials like wood, stone, and fabrics can bring in an interesting contrast of textures that will add to the modern aesthetic.
Stainless steel handles, knobs, and light fixtures are also a great way to create a sleek and modern look. Lastly, using more open and strategically placed plants in the home will add extra life to the modern look.