Homeowners Guide to Modern Ranch Style

Published on Thursday January 25, 2024

Ranch-style homes have recently had a resurgence in popularity, especially among homeowners looking for a fixer-upper with a solid foundation. Whether you’re considering a full renovation or just a few enhancements, modernizing your farmhouse-style home is a great way to make it your own.

In this guide, we’ll explore what elements make up the modern ranch style. Read on to explore ideas for stylish upgrades to your home’s interior and exterior.

Defining the Modern Ranch Style

Modern ranch-style homes are a nod to mid-century modern design. They share the same signature look as traditional ranch-style homes: low-pitch rooflines, single-story construction, open layouts, and large windows. The key difference is that modern ranch homes have upgraded features with more current materials and furnishings.

The ranch-style home first became popular around the 1950s and remained one of the most popular home styles for many years, so when a new generation of homeowners began house shopping, there were many ranch homes to choose from. Many buyers choose these homes because their architecture is simple enough that certain changes can make the home feel brand-new.

Modern Farmhouse Interior Design

Modern farmhouse interior design is characterized by a few key traits. To make sure your transformation feels authentic, it’s essential to understand the foundational elements that define the modern farmhouse look.

Natural Materials and Textures

The modern farmhouse style is deeply rooted in the use of natural materials and textures. This design approach emphasizes the beauty of simplicity and the charm of rustic elements. Materials such as reclaimed wood, stone, and metals are commonly used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The textures these materials bring not only add depth to the space, but also connect the indoors with the natural world outside. In a modern farmhouse, you might find wooden beams across the ceiling, stone accents in the kitchen, or metal fixtures that add a touch of industrial flair.

Neutral Color Palette

A defining characteristic of the modern farmhouse is its neutral color palette. This typically includes shades of white, beige, gray, and soft, muted tones. The idea is to create a serene and calming environment that feels both welcoming and stylish.

These neutral tones provide the perfect backdrop for the natural textures and materials, allowing them to stand out. Additionally, this color scheme is versatile, making it easy to add personal touches or seasonal decor without overwhelming the space.

Open and Airy Spaces

Open and airy spaces are a hallmark of the modern farmhouse design. This architectural style often features open floor plans that combine the kitchen, dining, and living areas to create a spacious and cohesive environment.

Natural light is also a staple in these homes, which contributes to the sense of openness. The goal is to create a space that feels both expansive and intimate, where family and friends can gather comfortably.

Vintage and Modern Blend

The beauty of the modern farmhouse style lies in its ability to blend vintage charm with contemporary design. This is achieved by mixing older, rustic elements with sleek, modern fixtures and furniture.

For example, a vintage wooden table might be paired with contemporary chairs, or antique decorative pieces might be displayed alongside modern art. This blend of old and new creates a unique and timeless aesthetic that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

Modern Farmhouse Exterior Design

When modernizing your ranch-style home, you don’t need to completely renovate its exterior. Plus, some projects (like a front door replacement) are actually pretty simple changes. Let’s explore the stylistic characteristics to help determine what upgrades you want to make.

Functional Porches and Outdoor Spaces

Porches and outdoor spaces are essential features of the modern farmhouse, reflecting the style’s emphasis on indoor-outdoor living. These areas are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, offering additional space for relaxation and entertainment.

Wraparound porches, screened-in patios, and spacious decks are common, often furnished with comfortable seating and surrounded by lush landscaping. These outdoor spaces serve as an extension of the home, blurring the lines between the indoors and outdoors.

Statement Front Doors

The front door often serves as a statement piece, sometimes showcasing bold colors like deep reds or classic blacks, or it might retain a natural wood finish for a more traditional look. Panel designs with glass inserts are common, allowing natural light to filter through while maintaining privacy.

Wood is the predominant material used for doors in modern farmhouses, offering durability and a timeless aesthetic. However, to blend with contemporary elements, materials like fiberglass or steel are also popular. These materials offer increased energy efficiency and lower maintenance while still providing the desired farmhouse look.

Large Windows

Large, double-hung windows are common, as are casement styles. Grid patterns, such as six-over-six or four-over-one, add a traditional touch while still fitting within the modern aesthetic.

Vinyl and wood are the most common materials for modern farmhouse windows. Vinyl windows offer durability and low maintenance, while wood windows provide a classic, authentic look. Both materials can be finished in a variety of colors to complement the farmhouse style, with white being a particularly popular choice for its crisp, clean appearance.

Textured Siding

The siding of a modern farmhouse is where the traditional meets the modern. Board and batten siding is a signature look, offering a vertical pattern that adds texture and interest. Horizontal lap siding is also used, sometimes in combination with board and batten, to create a dynamic exterior. The color palette usually revolves around whites, grays, or natural wood tones.

Materials for modern farmhouse siding include traditional wood, engineered wood, and fiber cement. Wood provides a classic and authentic look but requires more maintenance. Engineered wood and fiber cement are durable, low-maintenance alternatives that can mimic the look of natural wood while offering better resistance to the elements.

Stylish-Yet-Functional Roofs

The roofing of a modern farmhouse is designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Gable roofs are predominant in this style, often with steep pitches that create a dramatic look. Dormer windows are a common feature, adding character and additional light to the upper floors of the home.

Metal roofing is a popular choice for modern farmhouses, known for its durability, longevity, and sleek appearance. It complements the farmhouse aesthetic while providing a modern edge. Asphalt shingles are another common option, offering versatility in color and style at a more affordable price point. Both materials effectively enhance the farmhouse’s overall charm and functionality.

Choose Long Home Products for Your Next Project

Modernize your ranch-style home with the help of the experts at Long Home Products. We’ll work collaboratively with you to ensure you love the finished product.

We offer transparent financing options as well as comprehensive warranties on all Long products. Contact us to get started and receive a free estimate today!