Ranch Home Renovation: From Old to New with Style and Function

Renovating a ranch home can be a dream come true, but it requires careful planning to ensure the transformation is both stylish and functional.

Ranch homes typically have an open floor plan, which can make it easier to renovate, but it also means that every detail counts. A well-designed renovation can greatly improve the livability and aesthetic appeal of the space.

A key factor in a successful ranch home renovation is choosing the right materials. For example, using durable and low-maintenance materials like hardwood floors and granite countertops can make a big impact on the overall look and feel of the space.

By incorporating modern amenities and design elements, you can bring your ranch home into the 21st century.

Discover more: Ranch Style Home Renovation Ideas

Remodeling a ranch-style house requires careful planning to maintain its classic charm while giving it a modern twist. We started by making a plan on paper about the changes we wanted to make, prioritizing the integrity of the original design.

To enlarge the existing arches, we opted for a semi-open floor plan, keeping some visual barriers between rooms to maintain that cozy traditional feel. This balance between classic and modern is key to a successful ranch home renovation.

A complete exterior makeover is often necessary to refresh the look of a ranch house. The first step is to remove overgrown shrubs that cover the house, revealing the front porch and its potential. We replaced old siding with new vinyl board and batten siding and gave the front porch a refresh by creating an accent wall of wood cedar shakes.

New double-hung windows and exterior doors can completely transform the exterior of a ranch house. We also updated the garage door with a fresh coat of white paint, completing the look of this new house. The back of the house got a full makeover with a brand new deck leading to the large open backyard.

To improve workflow and accommodate modern appliances, it's essential to relocate the sink and add a peninsula in the kitchen. We created a large archway to the dining room, which made a big impact, and added a French door leading to the new rear deck. The natural light from the new French door was significant, giving this small kitchen a fresh look.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Home Exterior Renovation

Here are some key considerations for a ranch house renovation:

We aimed for an open floor plan to improve flow and functionality, without going fully open, by installing new exterior windows and doors and replacing interior doors with solid core craftsman style doors.

A small entryway is a great opportunity to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and in this case, it sets the tone for the rest of the home. The new front door leads directly into the living and dining room area, creating an open feel.

Neutral paint colors, specifically Greek Villa on the main floor and finished basement, were chosen to create a cohesive look throughout the home.

An open floor plan can greatly improve the flow and functionality of a living space. This was a key consideration in the ranch house remodel.

To achieve an open feel without going fully open, consider using a small entryway like the one in this home. This can help create a sense of separation between spaces.

New exterior windows and doors can make a big impact, as they did in this remodel. Solid core craftsman style doors were also installed to add character and functionality.

Choosing neutral paint colors can help create a cohesive look throughout a home. In this case, Greek Villa was used on the main floor and finished basement.

Opening up walls can make a small living room feel much bigger. This was achieved by adding a beam to support the ceiling.

Adding old barn beams to the ceiling can add character and interest to a room. This can be a great way to make the most of a room with shorter ceilings.

Built-in features, such as a built-in bookshelf or storage unit, can be both functional and decorative. In this home, a built-in was used to store toys and media equipment.

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Widening arch doorways can enhance accessibility and connection between rooms, all while maintaining structural integrity.

By widening these arches, you can create a sense of spaciousness and visual interest, as seen in the renovation where a vaulted ceiling was installed in the living room.

Arch doorways can also be a defining feature of a room, and widening them can make a big impact on the overall feel of the space.

In the renovation, the existing archways were widened to create a seamless look throughout the house, and the fireplace stone was painted the same white color as the walls to match the modern vibe.

Widening arch doorways can also make a room feel more connected to adjacent spaces, as seen in the renovation where the dining room was opened up to the living room and hallway.

This can be especially beneficial in older homes where load-bearing walls are present, as seen in the renovation where the arches were widened without removing any load-bearing walls.

Converting a garage into a master bedroom can be a game-changer for families who need more space.

Framing the garage to the same level as the rest of the house is essential to create a seamless transition.

The exterior updates are just as important as the interior changes, as they help to maintain the home's original look and feel.

Matching the flooring with the rest of the house is a crucial detail that can make or break the overall aesthetic.

A wet room, which combines the shower and tub in one space, can be a more practical and efficient option than having separate elements.

This design choice can also help to create a sense of openness and flow in the bathroom.

Preparing Knotty Pine and Rough Cedar for Painting can be a challenge. Oil-based primers are a good choice to block stains, odors, and bleed-through of the knots.

You'll need to clean the surface thoroughly before applying the primer. Sanding is also essential to smooth out the wood and remove any imperfections.

Cleaning and sanding are just the beginning. You may need to patch and repair any damaged woodwork, such as trim or cabinets. I had to replace a lot of trim in my own project.

In addition to repairing woodwork, you'll also need to prep cabinets and other surfaces for painting. This can be a massive task, like the one I faced in my kitchen and laundry room.

Bathroom renovation can be a game-changer for a ranch home. A well-designed bathroom can increase the value of your home and improve your quality of life.

To achieve a cohesive look, consider matching existing floor tile to the shower walls, as seen in the first floor bathroom renovation. This creates a seamless transition between the shower and the rest of the bathroom.

When renovating a bathroom, don't be afraid to repurpose existing elements, like the cast iron bathtub in the first floor bathroom. Reglazing it can make it look brand new and save you money.

A wet room, where the shower and tub are in one space, can be a great space-saving solution, as seen in the master bedroom and bathroom renovation. This design can be particularly useful in small bathrooms or those with limited space.

Explore further: Mobile Home Bathroom Renovation

The Hall Bath is a great example of how a bathroom renovation can be done without breaking the bank.

We painted the tile rather than demoing it out, which saved a lot of time and money.

The 1960's tile was installed with concrete and wire mesh that would have been a beast to remove.

We decided to replace the floors but paint the tile to give it a fresh clean look.

After 3 years the paint held up great, proving that this method can be a long-lasting solution.

Broaden your view: Home Depot Lighten Paint

The basement bathroom is a unique space that requires some special attention. This small but mighty bathroom can be a challenge to design and renovate.

To start, it's essential to gut the space completely, down to the studs, to create a clean slate for your design. This will allow you to pick out classic modern tile for the floor and shower.

Board and batten siding can add charm and character to the bathroom, while a modern vanity with a vessel sink and mid-century modern lighting can give the space a custom feel. The goal is to make this small bathroom feel like a part of the rest of the house.

A different take: Home Renovation Ideas for Small Home

Removing the old ceiling can make a big difference in the bathroom's feel, increasing the height and avoiding that boxed-in basement feel. This simple adjustment can make the space feel open and airy.

Natural light is also crucial in a basement bathroom, and installing new sliding glass doors and large windows can make a big impact. This will not only brighten up the space but also make it feel more connected to the rest of the house.

A different take: Home Depot Bathroom Renovation Cost

The kitchen renovation is a crucial part of any ranch home renovation. A fresh new layout can make a big impact, as seen in the kitchen remodel that featured a new U-shaped design for more space.

Natural light from a new French door can give a small kitchen a fresh look, as demonstrated in the 1950s ranch kitchen remodel. A large archway to the dining room can also make a big impact.

Additional reading: Home Depot Kitchen Renovation Cost

To improve workflow, relocating the sink and adding a peninsula can be effective. This was done in the kitchen renovation, where a peninsula was added for visual separation between the kitchen and walkway to the back door.

Painting existing cabinets can be a cost-effective way to update their look, as seen in the ranch kitchen renovation where the cabinets were painted with Sherwin William Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel. Installing new appliances, lighting, and a farmhouse sink can also greatly enhance the kitchen's functionality and aesthetic.

Replacing the ceiling fan with a beautiful French farmhouse chandelier can add a touch of elegance to the kitchen, as done in the ranch home renovation. Butcherblock acacia countertops and a cool new kitchen faucet with an LED light that changes colors can also add a modern twist to the space.

Hardwood flooring can be installed in the kitchen to match the original hardwood in the rest of the home, as done in the kitchen renovation where new hardwoods were installed and refinished to match the existing flooring.

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Renovating a basement can greatly increase the value of a home, especially for a fixer-upper.

The overall square footage of the house without the basement was on the smaller side, so finishing the basement into a more livable space was a must.

A finished basement can be transformed into a functional family room, additional living space, or even an extra bedroom.

Removing the old ceiling to increase height is crucial for avoiding that boxed-in basement feel.

The transformation was amazing after adding white paint and new sheetrock.

Installing new sliding glass doors and large windows maximizes natural light and easy access.

The finished basement added an additional 550 square feet to the house, which included a 3rd bedroom, laundry room, and bathroom.

Tying the space in with the main floor can be achieved by using similar colors, such as Sherwin Williams Greek Villa.

We kept the classic charm of our ranch house while giving it a modern twist by enlarging the existing arches. This decision helped maintain the integrity of the original design.

To create a cozy traditional feel, we opted for a semi-open floor plan with some visual barriers between rooms. This balance between classic and modern was key to our renovation.

Some of our favorite room makeovers include transforming an old coat closet into a pantry by building wood shelves and painting a dated stone fireplace with white paint.

Bathroom makeovers can be a great way to update the look and feel of your home without a full renovation.

The original layout of a bathroom can be kept, but it's often necessary to gut the space to accommodate new fixtures and features.

A cast iron bathtub can be reglazed to make it look brand new, saving you money and preserving the original charm.

New lighting fixtures and glass jar-style light pendants can add a modern touch to a bathroom, while still keeping with a classic look.

Installing the same floor tile on shower walls can create a cohesive and custom look that ties the space together.

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A guest room can be a versatile space that serves multiple purposes. This is especially true if you have a large guest room, like the one mentioned in the article, which was originally the master bedroom.

Having a bigger guest room can be really functional, as it can be used as an office or a play area, in addition to being a cozy retreat for guests. I wanted a cozy retreat for my guest since we have family come in regularly.

The guest room's size and layout make it perfect for hosting family members or friends who come to visit. This is especially important if you have a big family or entertain frequently.

The laundry room can be a tricky space to design, especially when renovating. I had to squeeze mine into a tight spot, but I found a solution by opening up two closets in the hallway to create a laundry nook.

The key to making a laundry nook work is to think creatively about the space you have available. In my case, I was able to repurpose two closets that were just taking up space.

Adding a decorative touch, like peel and stick tile, can make a big difference in the look and feel of the space. I used this tile to add some visual interest to my laundry nook, and it held up great over time.