The Ranch’s exterior style is typically asymmetrical with a one-story rectangular or L-shape. The Ranch is long, narrow and low to the ground with a strong horizontal emphasis. It has strip or ribbon windows, a low but visible chimney, a very visible garage, a recessed entry door with flanking sidelight, and a low roof with projecting eaves. Hearkening back to its California indoor/outdoor roots, the Ranch often has partially enclosed courtyards and patios.
Inside you’ll find an open, free-flowing floor plan. The Rambler interior typically includes wood paneling, a stone fireplace and hearth, built-in storage, and floor-to-ceiling views of the back yard for more of that indoor/outdoor living. Throughout the typical Rambler home you’ll find connections of major living spaces to the outdoors. The beauty of the ranch lies in the simple details which are not ornamental but essential. When the Ranch was en vogue, applied decoration – like you would see on a Tudor, for instance – was considered old-fashioned. Rather, the details are only those required to finish the house, such as door trim, baseboards, crown molding, and cabinets.
If you have one of these American originals in need of home remodeling, we recommend capitalizing on its simple features and clean design. While the essential details are not ornamental, they do not need to be boring either. Today we have a variety of materials to choose from, like metals or woods, to add flare – not decoration – to your Rambler. We also recommend embracing the indoor/outdoor elements unique to this design. We live in an area famed for its amazing outdoors, and this home style allows you to connect to them every day.