Ranch Remodels.com

Entryways have a lot to say about the homeowner.  For those that have a ranch, entryways say “Welcome, we’re glad you’re here.”  If the entryway to your ranch home isn’t so welcoming, there are ways to change it so it does.

If your home is pleasing to the eye and leads guests to your front door it is said to have Curb Appeal.  Start at the curb or sidewalk in front of your home.  Draw people to your front door by winding the sidewalk toward the house rather than having a straight line from point A to point B.  You may also consider lining the sidewalk with flowers or plants.

Lighting is another element that can give your home a more welcoming look.  No one likes to walk up to a dark doorway because they can’t see who or what may be lurking in the shadows.  Add some outside light fixtures by the door to help your guests feel more secure when approaching your home.

If you have a stoop or porch, decorating the front of the house can be a great way to make it seem more welcoming.  Depending on how big your porch is, you may be able to set out a small table and two chairs.  Plants can also make the porch look more comfortable to the eye, which will help set guests at ease.

Finally, your Door itself can speak volumes.  You may want to keep the door similar to the original style but do you know what type of door would have been placed on a 1950s style ranch?  It seems that doors currently built are designed for more modern homes or homes that are more formal than a mid-century ranch.

Unfortunately, many of the doors you’ll find on 1950s ranch homes are wooden slab flat-front doors.  They do little to welcome a guest to your home.  You may consider changing out your door, as well as painting and decorating around it, to make it more welcoming.

Doors that would be good choices to remain in the style of home include plain doors with three to four small windows cut in them.  These were generally placed on a diagonal line.  You may have also seen flat doors with three larger windows inset in them.

Whatever you choose to do to make your home more welcoming, the ranch entryway can be decorated to suit your style and your tastes.  Don’t feel pressured into sticking with the original style, the home is supposed to be an extension of your personality, so choose what you will.

Be sure to consider how your guests see your home when you’re decorating or renovating your ranch entryway.  Remember that you want people to feel welcomed when they come to your home, and your entryway can be a great start!

Check out this great book on Design Ideas for Curb Appeal

photo credit: toolfan.hess

photo credit: Here in Van Nuys

One of the complaints that homeowners of Ranch style homes have is that the outside of the house is boring, there’s nothing to set it off from other homes of the same style. Patios Paths and Walkways are a great way to remodel outside ranch homes.

If your ranch style home is like most, it’s pretty nondescript. There’s nothing that makes it stand out from other ranch style houses. By adding porches and patios to your home you can change its appearance.

Front porches are a great place to welcome guests to your home. You can choose the size of porch to add to the front of your home. If you prefer a smaller porch, it may create a new seating area for your home by adding a few chairs and a small table. You can also add a wraparound porch, or veranda, that will make your home even more inviting.

What type of porch do you want to add to your home? There are several types to choose from and they don’t have to be placed at the front door. Each porch will give your home a different look and feel. Choose from the following types:

• Sleeping – A sleeping porch is a screened in porch off of a bedroom. Of course, to add this type of porch, your bedroom needs to have a doorway.
• Portico – These are small porches at the entrance to your home that most people think about. Porticos add a warm, welcoming element to your home.
• Screened – Porches aren’t just for the front of the house. You may also choose to add one, onto the back of the house. A screened in porch is a great place to enjoy the outdoors without having to deal with the pesky bugs.
• Wraparound – This type of porch gives you the most porch space of all types. It often stretches around the home, possibly going all the way around. The wraparound also gives you plenty of space to bring your living outdoors.

One of the benefits of having a porch, particularly if it’s covered, is that the porch actually helps lower your heating and air conditioning bills. Besides saving you money, they really do help a home look more inviting.

Porches do so much for a home. They create great curb appeal, can help lower your heating and air conditioning costs, and make your home as unique as you are. Remember to remodel outside Ranch homes with porches to create the look that you desire.