When I first saw our 1980s era ranch style house, I saw potential. My wife saw… well, she saw a lot of work. Our renovation journey began with a vision to honor the home’s vintage appeal while updating it for modern living. Ranch-style houses originated in the United States and are noted for their long, close-to-the-ground profile and wide open layout. But that’s the beauty of these homes, isn’t it? They are a fantastic starting point for creating something truly special. We wanted to take this classic home and turn it into a modern masterpiece, mixing its original charm with a fresh, contemporary feel. This wasn’t just about a new coat of paint; it was about rethinking the space to fit our family, and our project became an inspiration for anyone considering a similar transformation.
TLDR: What We Did
- Exterior: Painted the brick, got new windows, and added a small porch.
- Interior: Opened up the living area, put in a new kitchen with lots of storage, and focused on natural materials like wood.
- Bathrooms: Completely remodeled and finished with modern vanities, new tile, and better lighting.
- Style: Kept it simple and full of character, mixing modern touches with the home’s original ranch feel.
The renovation was completed to achieve a finished, cohesive look throughout the home.
Exterior Updates
The outside of the house is the first thing anyone sees, so we started there. It felt a little dated, and we wanted to give it a major facelift to boost its curb appeal. Certain exterior features were updated to cover unsightly elements like old garage doors and architectural details, enhancing the overall look of the façade.
Landscaping was also planned and updated as part of the exterior transformation to further improve the home’s curb appeal. Landscaping updates should be planned after completing major exterior renovations like siding and window replacements to ensure a cohesive and polished look.
A Fresh Coat of Paint and New Siding
The old brick was a bit tired, so we decided to paint it a light gray. What a difference! It instantly made the house look cleaner and more modern. We also replaced some of the old siding. We looked at both brick and vinyl options but ended up going with a durable vinyl that matched the new paint color.
“Good design is obvious. Great design is transparent.” – Joe Sparano
This quote really guided our choices. We wanted the changes to feel natural, not forced.
Windows and Doors
Next up were the windows. The old ones were drafty and just looked old. We swapped them out for new energy-efficient windows. Not only do they look great, but our energy bills have gone down too. A real win-win! Using high-performance windows can significantly improve energy efficiency in a renovated ranch-style home. The old storm door and shutters had to go. We put in a new, simpler front door and decided to leave the shutters off for a cleaner look. We also added a small front porch, which has become a favorite spot for morning coffee. These updates bring more light and a welcoming atmosphere to the entryway.
Lighting Makes a Difference
Choosing the right lights for the outside was fun. We wanted something modern but not too futuristic. We settled on some sleek, dark-colored lanterns that flank the front door. The details of these lighting fixtures, such as their clean lines and subtle metallic accents, contribute to the overall look by adding a touch of sophistication and enhancing the home’s curb appeal. They give off a warm, welcoming light at night and look stylish during the day.
Interior Design and Layout
Once the exterior was looking sharp, we moved inside. The goal was to create a space that felt warm, open, and inviting for our family and friends. The redesigned interior makes it a comfortable place to live, ensuring everyone can relax, work, and enjoy daily life together.
Creating a Warm and Open Space
The biggest change we made was opening up the main living area. We took down a wall that separated the kitchen from the family room. This completely changed the feel of the house. Now, we can be cooking in the kitchen and still be part of everything happening in the living area. To keep things from feeling cold, we used lots of natural materials. We have wooden floors throughout and have added comfortable textiles like soft rugs and cozy blankets.
A Kitchen for a Family
Our old kitchen was small and cramped. The new one is a dream. We designed it to be super functional with tons of storage. Updating the kitchen can be done in phases to manage costs and allow for gradual improvements. We gathered ideas from magazines and online inspiration to make the kitchen both functional and stylish. We chose modern appliances that make life easier. One of my favorite additions is the large island in the center. It’s where the kids do their schoolwork, we eat casual meals, and friends gather when they come over.
Favorite Kitchen Upgrades
| Feature | Why We Love It |
|---|---|
| Large Island | Great for food prep and casual meals. |
| Pull-Out Pantry | Keeps everything organized and easy to see. |
| Deep Drawers | Perfect for storing pots and pans. |
| Under-Cabinet Lighting | Makes the countertops bright and functional. |
For example, adding a pull-out pantry made it much easier to find ingredients quickly during busy mornings.
Decorating the Walls
We wanted our walls to have some personality. We decorated the walls with personal touches, like artwork and meaningful mementos. In our daughter’s room, we painted a simple mountain mural on one wall. In the living room, we have a large wall weaving that adds texture and warmth. It’s all about finding pieces that mean something to you. Incorporating built-in storage solutions can maximize space in a 1980s ranch house. We also have built-in shelves filled with books and family photos, and we edited our decor choices to reflect our family’s style.
Bathroom Renovations
The bathrooms were probably the most outdated rooms in the house. We remodeled both bathrooms, completely transforming them from their original state. The process of renovating these outdated spaces involved updating fixtures, improving layouts, and adding modern finishes. It was time for a total refresh to turn them into relaxing, spa-like spaces.
A Bright and Airy Feel
For the master bath, we wanted a bright and airy feel. We used a lot of white marble on the floors and in the shower. A new, modern vanity with clean lines replaced the old bulky one. We also added a larger window to let in more natural light. It feels like a little oasis now, and the space finally feels finished and complete.
Smart Storage and Tile Choices
In the kids’ bathroom, we had fun with tile. We chose a classic black and white pattern for the floor that feels both playful and timeless. Storage was key here too. We added some decorative open shelves for towels and baskets, plus a vanity with deep drawers to hide all the clutter. You can never have enough storage in a bathroom!
Home Style Considerations
Throughout this project, we learned a lot about home design. It was important for us to respect the house’s ranch roots while making it our own. The design principles we followed focused on balancing the original character with modern updates to achieve both comfort and style.
Simplicity and Character
Ranch houses are known for their simple, one-story layouts, and our rancher home reflects both classic and modern influences. We wanted to keep that easy-living feel. We focused on clean lines and uncluttered spaces. But simple doesn’t have to be boring. We added character with things like vintage light fixtures, unique art, and colorful textiles. It’s all about finding that right balance, drawing inspiration from country living.
Creating Flow
We also worked hard to create a sense of flow. The open layout helps a lot with this. The colors we used inside are all in a similar family, which makes the whole house feel connected. We tried to make sure that moving from one room to another felt natural and easy. To achieve this, the rest of the house was updated as well, ensuring a consistent sense of flow throughout every space.
Conclusion and Final Touches
Bringing this renovation to life has been quite the project, but seeing the final result makes all the hard work worth it. Reflecting on how the house has evolved over the years truly highlights the transformation and lasting impact of our efforts.
Making It Feel Like Home
The final touches are what really make a house feel like a home. There are a couple of rooms we have especially loved since the renovation, like the cozy reading nook and the bright, open kitchen, which have become our favorite spots. For us, that meant hanging family photos on the walls, putting our favorite books on the shelves, and adding plants in every room. These small things add so much personality and warmth.
Don’t Forget the Outside
We also put some effort into the backyard. We decided to build the new patio area and garden to enhance the outdoor space. We added a new patio area for grilling and outdoor dining. We planted a small garden, which has been a fun project for the whole family. Having a nice outdoor space to enjoy is just as important as the inside.
This house is now a perfect reflection of our family. It’s functional, beautiful, and full of life. Taking that dated 1980s ranch and making it our own has been an amazing experience. It’s a space where we can grow, make memories, and truly feel at home.
