How to Add Style to a Ranch Style Home

The single-story, basic rectangular design of a ranch-style home makes this type of house functional and affordable to build. Unfortunately, ranch houses sometimes lack the style found in other forms of architecture. There are multiple things you can do, however, to add pizzazz and curb appeal to your ranch home. Some improvements can be accomplished by the average homeowner, but most involve structural changes to the house and require the services of a skilled contractor.

Instructions

1

Add upscale lighting around the entrances to your ranch-style home. Wall-mounted lamps are a popular option, but also consider hanging lanterns, chandelier-style lights and post-mounted lanterns. Landscape lighting along a pathway leading to your front door adds a measure of safety, but also helps to "draw in" guests and create a welcoming atmosphere.

2

Create a "wow" factor with an entry system that includes a front door with decorative glass, double sidelights and a transom window across the top of the unit. A large entry unit creates a dramatic focal point and breaks up the long, relatively plain side of a ranch-style home. Install a kick plate at the bottom of the door and match the kick plate and the new door handle and lock to the finish of the exterior lighting.

3

Build a gable over your entryway and frame it with pillars. A triangular gable that sticks out from the flat front side of a ranch house adds interest to the simple roof line. Pillars support the ends of the gables and add architectural interest.

4

Add multiple dormers with windows to your ranch home. The long, straight roof line of a ranch home is perfect for adding dormers, as the roof does not already have a lot of angles and variety of pitches. True dormers provide extra room in the attic of a ranch house, as they are cut into the roof. Blind dormers are set on the roof for appearance but do not add any space inside the house.