Why Ranch-Style Homes Are Having a Comeback: Discover Their Enduring Charm

These post-war treasures, known for their open layouts and integration with nature, have become highly popular once more.

For over eight decades, ranch-style houses have captivated homeowners with their open interior designs and one-level floor plans. This architectural style first gained prominence on the West Coast many years back; since then, it has consistently been a preferred option for households nationwide, catering to all budget ranges. Today, these homes seem more fashionable than ever before.

Ranch-style houses can range from being simple and streamlined to opulent and grand, offering a choice between intimate settings or expansive spaces, as well as embracing either an authentic countryside charm or modern sophistication. modern However, they all include several essential elements. "It’s the variety within ranch-style homes that has contributed to their success in the American market," explains Neda Kakhsaz, who alongside Zabie Mustafa, leads an architecture and interior design company. Studio MUKA In this section, we delve into the details of what drives ranch-style homes—from exploring their origins to identifying their distinctive features.

Meet Our Expert

Neda Kakhsaz and Zabie Mustafa, Founders and key leaders at an architectural and interior design company Studio MUKA

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History

Ranch-style houses first appeared in the 1920s and 1930s, yet they didn't become widely popular until following World War II. According to Kakhsaz, these residences emerged as an answer to the mid-20th-century demand for housing across America, particularly in prominent Southwestern areas such as Los Angeles.

As servicemen came back home and families reunited, ranch-style houses provided a cozier environment. Their extended, low-slung, and horizontally oriented roofs were appealing to the average American nuclear family, offering them warmth, classic design, and a link to the surrounding nature According to Mustafa, they entered the market around 1946 and rapidly became popular—largely because of the newfound prevalence of mass production methods.

Mustafa credits architect Cliff May as another driving force behind the evolution of this architectural style. Known widely as either the progenitor or creator of the ranch house concept, May crafted numerous ranch-style communities across California, significantly impacting the genre’s widespread appeal.

In the years following, ranch-style houses have grown increasingly favored, as owners opt for personalized touches that align with their preferences. "Ranch homes offered numerous styling options," explains Kafhsaz. "ranging from simple details to richer, more elaborate elements."

Defining Characteristics

A Single-Story Structure

A key feature of a ranch-style house is typically its one-story design, frequently featuring an L- or U-shaped foundation, along with interconnected living areas. As Mustafa points out, "This extensive horizontal arrangement accentuates an effortless connection between indoor zones and outdoor environments."

A Link to Nature

The windows At the forefront of a ranch-style house, these features tend to be smaller in scale, whereas at the back of the dwelling, they become considerably larger. According to Kakhsaz, “One defining feature of this layout is its strong link between indoors and outdoors.” This seamless transition is achieved through large sliding glass doors and expansive windows that lead out into either an enclosed patio or a semi-covered courtyard situated towards the rear part of the residence.

An Organized Layout

In a ranch-style house, the center part is designed for communal living spaces, flanked by more personal zones on both sides. According to Mustafa, "Groups of bedrooms occupy one portion of the residence, while an attached automobile garage takes up the opposite side, leaving the core space unobstructed." living spaces in between."

Light and Airy

As there is no second story, a ranch-style house's living areas enjoy high ceilings. ceilings And prominent details, giving an illusion of greater size. "The visible post-and-beam construction in numerous houses aids in creating extra visual space," explains Kakhsaz.

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Popular Versions

Throughout the past hundred years, ranch-style houses have changed to cater to various styles and requirements, all while maintaining their laid-back charm and distinctive floor plan. As Mustafa explains, "The evolution of the ranch-style home has seen numerous versions, ranging from classic Cliff May designs to more modern Californian interpretations. Despite these variations, most retain common features in how rooms are arranged but may vary significantly when it comes to size and specific design elements."

• Traditional: Kakhsaz explains, "The classic ranch-style house features visible wooden posts and beams along with stucco or wooden cladding, complemented by low-pitched tiled roofs."
• Joseph Eichler: The "Eichler" house, similar to the example shown earlier, represents a modern take on the classic ranch-style dwelling. It is distinguished by its visible post-and-beam construction, signature roofing style, plain external walls, and extensive utilization of glass, as noted by Kakhsaz.
• Palm Springs Butterfly: According to Mustafa, another variant that became popular due to architectural advancements in the Palm Springs area of California is characterized by an inverted butterfly-shaped roof and expansive, plain stucco walls.

Why We Love Them

Modern ranch houses incorporate current building techniques along with references to their past, such as terracotta flooring or stucco walls. Indeed, the style’s distinctive features continue to appeal equally to today’s families and those from the 1940s—and perhaps even more so for present-day homeowners. As Mustafa points out, “These homes remain highly desirable because of elements like the open-concept layout, the employment of organic materials, and their strong link to outdoor spaces.”