Ranch style homes, also known as American ranch, are one-story homes that are typically long and low. They are popular among homeowners for their simplicity and functionality. Decorating a ranch style home can be a fun and exciting project, but it can also be overwhelming. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to decorate a ranch style home. From choosing the right furniture to selecting the perfect colors, we’ve got you covered.
Understanding Ranch Style Homes
Before we dive into decorating a ranch style home, it’s important to understand what makes these homes unique. Ranch style homes are known for their long, low profile and simple design. They are typically one-story homes with a low-pitched roof and an open floor plan. They often have large windows that let in plenty of natural light and showcase the surrounding landscape.
Exterior Design
The exterior of a ranch style home is typically simple, with a low-pitched roof and a long, rectangular shape. The color palette is usually muted, with earthy tones such as brown, beige, and green. Ranch style homes often have a front porch or patio, which can be decorated with potted plants, outdoor furniture, and other accessories.
Interior Design
The interior of a ranch style home is characterized by an open floor plan, with minimal walls and large windows that allow natural light to flow throughout the space. The color palette is usually muted, with neutral colors such as beige, white, and gray. Ranch style homes often have a central living space, which can be decorated with comfortable furniture, area rugs, and other accessories.
Choosing the Right Furniture
When decorating a ranch style home, it’s important to choose furniture that complements the style of the home. Here are some tips for selecting the right furniture:
Stick to a Simple, Streamlined Look
Ranch style homes are known for their simple, streamlined design, so it’s important to choose furniture that reflects that aesthetic. Look for furniture with clean lines and minimal ornamentation.
Embrace Natural Materials
Ranch style homes are often situated in rural or suburban areas, so it’s important to embrace natural materials such as wood, leather, and stone. Look for furniture made from these materials to create a cohesive look.
Opt for Comfort
Ranch style homes are designed for comfortable living, so it’s important to choose furniture that is both stylish and comfortable. Look for sofas and chairs with plush cushions and supportive frames.
Selecting the Perfect Colors
Choosing the right colors for your ranch style home can be challenging. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect colors:
Embrace Earthy Tones
Ranch style homes are often situated in natural settings, so it’s important to embrace earthy tones such as brown, green, and beige. These colors will help to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Add Pops of Color
While earthy tones should be the foundation of your color palette, it’s important to add pops of color to keep the space interesting. Look for accent pieces such as throw pillows, area rugs, and artwork that incorporate bright colors.
Stick to a Neutral Palette
If you prefer a more minimalist look, stick to a neutral palette with shades of white, beige, and gray. This will create a clean, modern look that is still in keeping with the ranch style aesthetic.
Decorating with Accessories
Accessories are the finishing touch when it comes to decorating a ranch style home. Here are some tips for incorporating accessories into your decor:
Embrace Natural Elements
As with furniture and color palette, it’s important to embrace natural elements when it comes to accessories. Look for items such as potted plants, woven baskets, and wooden accents.
Add Texture
Ranch style homes can feel a bit plain without texture, so it’s important to add some dimension with accessories. Look for items such as textured throw pillows, woven blankets, and patterned rugs to add depth and interest to your decor.
Use Artwork to Create Focal Points
Artwork can help to create a focal point in your decor and draw the eye to specific areas of the room. Look for large pieces of artwork to hang on a feature wall, or create a gallery wall with smaller pieces of art.
Lighting
Lighting is an important aspect of any home decor, and it’s especially important in a ranch style home. Here are some tips for selecting the right lighting:
Embrace Natural Light
Ranch style homes are known for their large windows, so it’s important to take advantage of the natural light. Choose window treatments that let in plenty of light, and avoid heavy drapes or blinds that block the view.
Layer Your Lighting
Layering your lighting will help to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Use a combination of overhead lighting, table lamps, and floor lamps to create different levels of light in the room.
Use Lighting to Highlight Artwork and Decor
Strategic lighting can help to highlight your favorite artwork and decor. Use spotlights or track lighting to draw attention to specific pieces.
Conclusion
Decorating a ranch style home can be a fun and exciting project, and with the right tips and tricks, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the unique characteristics of a ranch style home and choosing furniture, colors, accessories, and lighting that complement that style, you can create a cozy and inviting space that you’ll love to call home.
FAQs
What is a ranch style home?
A ranch-style home is a one-story home with a low-pitched roof and an open floor plan.
What are some common features of ranch style homes?
Ranch style homes often have large windows, a front porch or patio, and an open floor plan.
What color palette should I use when decorating a ranch style home?
Earth tones such as brown, green, and beige are common in ranch style homes, but you can also add pops of color with accent pieces.
What kind of furniture should I choose for my ranch style home?
Choose furniture with clean lines and minimal ornamentation, made from natural materials such as wood, leather, and stone.
How can I incorporate lighting into my ranch style home decor?
Embrace natural light, layer your lighting, and use lighting to highlight artwork and decor.
