A California ranch home, or ranch-style house, is a low-key, single-story dwelling. During the 1950s, housing developments featuring affordable ranch homes sprang up across the country to accommodate returning veterans and their new families. To simplify the construction process, the typical California ranch was built with a bare minimum of embellishment, which can look a bit bland by today's standards. On the other hand, the lack of distinct decoration means the ranch is easy to personalize. While elaborate furnishings would look out-of-place in a ranch home, any type of casual or country theme would complement the open living areas and simple, clean lines.
Instructions
1. Replace any fittings that make the home look dated. Even if you are planning to use retro-style furnishings, replacing things like light fixtures can help give an older home a fresh look.
2. Paint the walls in a light, natural color. Darker shades may be all the rage, but they tend to make a room look smaller. Lighter tones of coral, cream or tan will emphasize the ranch's open floor plan and complement the classic lines of the house. Accent the main color with touches of navy, gray, brown or sienna red.
3. Replace the carpet, or take it out entirely. Many ranch homes have a hardwood floor hiding beneath shag carpet from the '70s. Old wood floors can often be revived with a good cleaning and a bit of wood polish. To complete the look, add a few woven wool throw rugs -- but be sure to steer clear of elaborate carpet patterns or intricate designs, as they will look out-of-place in a simple, straightforward ranch.
4. Choose casual, comfortable furnishings. Look for touchable fabrics such as soft suede, natural leather or classic cotton. Accessorize with real wood. Select practical yet decorative items such as bookshelves, end tables and coffee tables. Steer clear of sleek, modern metal furnishings.
5. Place rustic accent pieces throughout the house. Use an old wagon wheel as a headboard or an antique steamer trunk for a coffee table. Toss a quilt across the back of the couch for a dash of old-fashioned color. Use woven baskets to hold items such as magazines or mail. Hang prints featuring woodsy landscapes on the walls. And do not forget to incorporate a bit of the great outdoors by setting potted plants around the house.
Related posts
Add sophisticated color to stark white walls.If you fell in love with a model home, but found the reality of your new home is something very different, don't despair. Model homes are decorated and...
Cape Cod home interiors reflect their uncluttered exteriors.Cape Cod style has endeared itself to Americans for generations and has even found its way back to Britain from whence it came. Original...
There are several ways in which vinyl siding can spruce up the look of your ranch-style home.A ranch-style house can seem characterless; the long frontage without depth or height variation simply...
If you love the appearance of a Spanish decorated home, decorate your home in this theme. This theme can be used to decorate any home anywhere. Spanish themed homes display bright, bold, vivid col...
Ranch homes often have shutters.The brick ranch, home of the common man, celebrates simplicity. First built in the 1920s and later home to Hollywood's elite, the ranch became the archetypal suburb...
