6 Amazing Ways to Update Your Ranch Home | United Country Real Estate

6 Ways to Update Your Ranch 

Tired of the same old ranch house style? Are you looking for ways to make it feel fresh and vibrant?

Ranch-style homes were popular in the 1950s and ’60s, but are now considered dated.

But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

With a few changes and some creative ideas, you can easily update your ranch home and make it look modern.

If you’re ready to give your ranch home a facelift, think beyond painting the walls or drawer pulls.

There are plenty of innovative ways to update a ranch that will give it an entirely new look and feel.

Here are six ideas to update your ranch or modernize it. 

1.  Expand your operations horizontally, rather than vertically.

Horizontal expansion is often a great solution and can update your current home with more space, natural light, and curb appeal.

As popularized during the 1950s and 60s, ranch-style homes are one-story, horizontal dwellings that are loved for their simplicity, warm character, and affordability.

While well-loved by families around the nation (and throughout the world!) over time ranch homes may become outdated or too small.

When it comes time to give your ranch a much needed home improvement —expanding horizontally is usually the way to go! Read on to discover six steps for how you can look at changes like extending walls in different directions, adding windows and doors, building screen porches or decks, as well as upgrading materials like brick or wood cladding to create a beautiful new look for your beloved ranch home.

2. Choose a patio, not a deck.

Ranch-style houses have been popular in the US since the 1950s, and many ranch houses remain today. If you’re the proud owner of one of these iconic houses, you may be looking for ways to update it—without sacrificing its character.

One option that is sure to transform your living space is installing a deck or a patio. Both types of outdoor places offer ample opportunity for entertaining and providing an inviting setting year-round, but there are differences between them that will impact the final look and usability.

Before making such an important change to your home, it’s vital that you take all factors into account: how often will it be used, what purpose will it serve, who will use it, as well as other considerations.

A patio is a great choice when upgrading your ranch because it can easily be customized according to your own taste. Patios come in a variety of materials and sizes, so you can choose the one that best suits your ranch aesthetic.

Patios are generally easier to maintain and cheaper than decks. If you live in a colder climate, patios offer more protection from inclement weather, as their raised and reinforced surfaces won’t suffer from warping or rotting over time.

Plus, with an open-air design, you’ll be able to better enjoy your view of nature around your ranch property all year long!

3.  Replace small windows with large expansive ones.

Replacing small windows with large expansive ones is a great way to upgrade your ranch and make it feel more spacious. Large windows can bring in more natural light, allowing your ranch to feel open and larger while bringing in the beauty of nature.

Large, expansive windows can also create a warmer environment than smaller, tightly-fitted window panes because they allow for extra air circulation that increases overall air quality. 

Installing new windows also adds a touch to the home’s aesthetic without compromising its overall style—especially when you pick designs and materials that are sympathetic to the home’s age and original design.

4. Replace or repaint the front door

Replacing or repainting your front door is one of the quickest and most impactful ways to give your ranch a facelift. Doing so can create an updated look for the entire home, giving it more curb appeal and making it stand out from the crowd.

With new paint, house numbers or knockers, glass etching designs, letter boxes, or even a large stained-glass panel, you can customize your door in any number of ways to make it unique and beautiful.

A fresh coat of paint will help protect against weather damage for years to come and give your entryway a chic appearance.

Whatever design elements you choose for your front door replacement or update project, you’ll be sure to enjoy the transformation it makes on your ranch exterior.

5.  Paint the brick of your ranch home

Renewing the finish on your ranch’s brick exterior can come with a myriad of benefits. Painting the brick is not only easier and cheaper than replacing it, but it also helps to protect against rain and the elements as well.

A fresh coat of paint can lend a modern look to an aging house or give new life to an old one. Furthermore, paint is far more versatile than replacing bricks — you can play around with multiple colors and accent pieces for an updated look without breaking the bank.

6.  Make columns square off

Creating square, precise columns for your ranch can dramatically add to the curb appeal of not only the ranch but also the entire property. It creates a sense of uniformity that attracts potential buyers and guests, while also providing an aesthetically pleasing design.

Apart from the obvious visual upgrade, precise square columns can also provide extra support to the structure, which is especially beneficial if you are looking to increase the weight-load limits of specific areas on your ranch.

Talk With Professionals to Get the Best Advice on Ways to Update Your Ranch

Upgrading your ranch can be a difficult prospect and one that should not be taken lightly. Seeking the advice of an experienced agricultural specialist or land development expert is beneficial to ensure that you have the best results for your effort and money.

Professionals are knowledgeable about the local terrain, climate, and land conditions. They can provide specific guidance about which improvements would work best for your particular property and guide you towards support systems available in your area to maximize the upgrade potential of your land.

If you’re in the market for a ranch style house, check our listings at United Country Real Estate. We have thousands of ranch properties you can choose from Alabama to Wyoming.