Ranch-style homes are one of the most popular housing styles in America, known for their long, low profiles and open floor plans. While ranch houses were extremely popular in the 1950s-1970s, their classic design can now seem dated. Many homeowners with ranch houses are looking for ways to update the look of their homes to feel more current. While undertaking a full remodel can be costly, there are several affordable ways to give your ranch house a modern facelift.
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Should you remodel a ranch house?
Before diving into a remodel, it’s important to consider whether it makes sense for your home. Here are some key factors to weigh when deciding on remodeling a ranch house:
– Budget – Full renovations can easily cost $100-$200 per square foot. Have a realistic budget before beginning.
– Return on investment – Cosmetic updates like paint, hardware and landscaping can pay off. Structural changes are less likely to recoup costs.
– Your timeline – Small DIY projects can be done quickly. Whole home remodels can take months of planning and dislocation.
– Your goals – Are you looking to update styling or change floorplans? Prioritize must-haves before starting.
– Permits – Major structural, electrical or plumbing changes will require permits from your local municipality. Plan for extra time and costs.
Carefully considering these factors will help you determine the scope, budget and timeline for ranch house renovations.
Modernize the exterior
Curb appeal is key in giving a ranch house a modern look. Here are budget-friendly ideas to update the exterior:
– Landscaping – Simple foundation plantings like boxwood shrubs, ornamental grasses and flowering perennials can frame the home in an updated style.
– Front door – A new, modern front door in a bold color or with clean lines instantly provides visual interest.
– Exterior lighting – Sleek pathway lighting and modern sconces by the front door give a contemporary vibe.
– House numbers/mailbox – Update these features to simple modern numbers and mailbox.
– Hardware – Swap dated house numbers, lighting fixtures and doorknobs for updated brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze options.
– Siding – If worn, consider replacing with fresh neutral colored siding in a modern horizontal board or panel style.
– Roof – New asphalt shingles in gray tones feels fresher than traditional black shingles.
– Shutters – Remove non-functional shutters and window boxes to streamline the look.
– Paint/stain – Fresh light neutral paint or stain lets the home’s lines shine.
These affordable exterior updates modernize the curb appeal and let the home make a great first impression.
Open up interior layouts
Many ranch floorplans have chopped up, closed off spaces. Opening the layout creates brighter, more contemporary spaces. Consider:
– Removing walls between kitchen/dining/living areas
– Widening doorways and openings between rooms
– Trading doors for wide openings without doors
– Taking down non-load bearing walls to open sightlines
– Replacing interior doors with pocket or barn style doors
– Updating to open-concept railings on staircases and second floors
Opening up ranch homes creates free-flowing main living areas reminiscent of open concept contemporary homes. Bringing in natural light makes spaces feel fresh and airy. Just be sure to consult building codes and work with contractors to ensure structural integrity.
Modernize the kitchen
The kitchen is often the heart of a home. Giving a ranch kitchen and updated modern style can completely transform the space. Ideas include:
Cabinetry
– Replace heavy dated cabinets with streamlined slab door styles in white, gray or wood tones
– Install open shelving for casual display space
– Hide appliances inside cabinetry for a unified look
Countertops
– Quartz, recycled glass and concrete look countertops offer sleek modern options
– Run the countertop material up the wall as a backsplash for a streamlined look
Fixtures
– Oil-rubbed bronze, matte black or brushed nickel finishes feel current
– Sleek modern faucets and sink styles make a statement
– Pendant lights over islands and bars provide an updated look
Appliances
– Stainless steel appliances with pro-style touches update dated options
– Hide small appliances like coffee makers and toasters in cupboards or drawers
By focusing updates on key areas like cabinetry, counters, fixtures and appliances, ranch kitchens can take on a wholly modern style.
Refresh bathrooms
Bathrooms are another area where small updates can make a big visual impact in a ranch home. Ideas for modernizing ranch bathrooms include:
– Replacing dated tile with large, clean-lined porcelain or ceramic tiles
– Trading a shower-tub combo for a spacious walk-in shower
– Installing floating modern vanities with updated fixtures
– Adding frameless glass shower doors for a sleek look
– Updating lighting and fans to streamlined modern options
– Swapping out dated mirrors for bold framed statement mirrors
– Replacing bathroom doors with pocket or barn style doors
– Choosing wall-hung toilets and bidets for a contemporary vibe
– Using under-cabinet or sconce lighting for a clean look
With some new tile, fixtures, lighting and finishes, outdated bathrooms can be one of the most dramatically modernized spaces in a ranch home remodel.
Modernize secondary bedrooms
Don’t forget about secondary bedrooms, kids rooms and guest rooms when updating a ranch. Small updates can make these spaces feel fresh, including:
– Removing heavy draperies for simple modern window treatments
– Painting walls light, bright colors like pale blues and grays
– Updating lighting fixtures to streamlined modern styles
– Replacing dated carpeting with light-hued hardwood floors or modern carpets
– Adding built-in shelving and closet systems to maximize space
– Repainting dated built-in cabinetry in modern white and gray tones
– Removing unnecessary furniture and decor for a pared-back look
– Choosing modern bedding, bedframes, desks and other furniture
Even on a budget, giving secondary bedrooms clean lined window, lighting and furniture upgrades can cozy them right up stylistically with the rest of your updated ranch home.
Modernize finishes and details
It’s often finishing touches that pull together a cohesive modern style throughout a home. Consider these ideas:
Flooring
– Replace wall-to-wall carpeting with hardwood or laminate floors
– Choose large-scale contemporary tiles or stained concrete floors
Trim/molding
– For a clean look, remove heavy crown molding, chair rail and baseboards
– Update remaining trim with simple modern styles
Paint
– Use light neutral shades on walls like warm grays, sand and soft whites
– White ceilings reflect light and look contemporary
Hardware
– Swap ornate hardware for simple brushed metals and clean lines
Fixtures
– Slim, adjustable track lighting suits a modern aesthetic
Railings
– Sleek steel cables or glass panels update traditional railings
Accessories
– Add contemporary art, plush rugs and modern decor
Editing floor plans, finishes and decor down to the essentials gives ranch homes a light, contemporary look. Taking a thoughtful but cost-conscious approach allows homeowners to realize their vision of a modern ranch over time.
Conclusion
With their charming layouts and enduring popularity, it’s no wonder so many homeowners want to update their ranch houses with a modern style. Thankfully this can be achieved even on a budget by focusing on high-impact spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, opening up floorplans, streamlining finishes and adding contemporary details. The result is a home embracing its unique ranch roots while feeling current, bright and newly stylish for years to come. With some strategic thinking and careful planning, you can craft a ranch home revamp that makes the mid-century classic feel fresh, contemporary and completely your own.