ranches Style Architecture
First developed in California during the late 1920’s, ranches style homes were one of the most popular styles in the United States from the 1940’s to the 1970’s. The ranches style home is reflective of the relaxed Western architectural style. Homes built during this period were typically one story and featured asymmetrical front facades. Although individual homes varied by location and need, most ranches style homes featured attached garages and picture windows.
The interior of most ranches style houses typically is a 2 by 2 or 2 by 4 room layout. In most cases the living room, family room, dining area and kitchens blend together without severe room division. These homes were built to meet the demand of an increasingly growing population (especially in the West). Many suburban neighborhoods are comprised completely of the relatively simple and unadorned houses and are designed to meet the needs of families.
The basis of the one story design has roots in Spanish colonial architecture used heavily in from the 17th to the 19th century. These homes also featured one story designs built to meet the need of the inhabitants without extra rooms or unnecessary features and decoration. Architects believed that ranches homes designs should be based on three key features: livability (open floor plans), flexibility (using rooms as needed for whatever purpose the inhabitants choose) and an unpretentious design (simple and casual feel).
Although ranches homes declined in popularity because designs were becoming increasingly bland due to cost cutting measures there has been renewed interest in this style recently. The simple design and affordability makes ranches style homes attractive to young couples or families as “starter” homes. Criticism of the design focuses on the lack of individuality in the design although these homes could be extremely unique depending on the designer.
ranches style homes offer provide homeowners with the opportunity to decorate in almost any style they choose without being restricted to “period specific” pieces. From Victorian style hardware to contemporary designs these homes allow for an eclectic mix of design styles. LookInTheAttic & Company offers a wide selection of home hardware from cabinet knobs to doorknob sets to window hardware. Update older or damaged hardware with glass, solid brass, pewter or iron to reflect your unique personality and decorating taste. The ranches home is a wonderful opportunity to introduce new and exciting patterns all over the house or create a common theme throughout every room.
