Home + Garden Feature: Ranch-Style Homes: Design Tips, Trends, and Timeless Appeal

What is a Ranch-Style House?

Ranch-style homes originated in the U.S. in the 1920s, drawing inspiration from the Spanish colonial architecture commonly found in the Southwest. They gained massive popularity post-WWII and became a suburban staple in the '50s and '60s. On a recent trip to Canada, I overheard two women discussing homes, and when one mentioned a ranch-style house, the other remarked, “Aren’t those more popular in the States?” It reminded me just how uniquely American this style is. You’ll even spot ranch homes in pop culture, from “The Brady Bunch” to “Breaking Bad.”

What Do You Like About Ranch-Style Homes?

Ranch homes are famous for their single-level layouts, making them ideal for anyone seeking convenience—especially as people age and look to avoid stairs. What I love most about these homes is their distinct, functional spaces, moving away from the open-concept trend we see so often today. With bedrooms typically clustered on one end, the layout feels private and cozy. Plus, the long, low profile of a ranch home often connects beautifully with its surroundings, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, thanks to large windows and sliding doors.

Are Ranch-Style Homes Versatile for Interior Design?

Ranch-style homes are incredibly versatile when it comes to design. Their mild, understated architecture provides a blank slate for customization. With individual rooms—rather than a wide-open floor plan—you can give each space its own personality. This layout allows you to experiment with bold colors, statement wallpapers, or varied design elements without worrying about clashing with the next room. Ranch homes offer a unique opportunity to create a personalized living environment, making them ideal for a mix of styles and a more curated approach.

Design Treatments That Shine in Ranch Homes

Incorporating bold wallpaper and paint colors in each room is one of our favorite ways to bring personality to a ranch-style home. With distinct spaces, we can push creative boundaries without fear of overwhelming the entire home. Additionally, unique tiles in kitchens and bathrooms add character, while drapery and higher-mounted light fixtures draw the eye upward, creating an illusion of height in these typically lower-profile spaces.

Fireplace updates are also common in ranch homes. Modernizing the hearth with a new surround, bold tile, or even painting the brick can make a significant impact. We also love adding built-ins for functional storage and using expansive windows or sliding doors to highlight that indoor-outdoor connection, a hallmark of ranch homes. Finally, mixing mid-century modern elements with contemporary pieces helps maintain the style’s roots while giving it a fresh, updated feel.