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Despite the political upheaval of the era, the 1960s were considered to be a time of prosperity for many in the United States.  It was during this time that larger homes were being built and mankind began his race to the moon.  1960s ranch style homes continued to be popular throughout the country.

Homes of the 1960s began to expand beyond the size of the 1950s ranch homes that were so plentiful across the country.  Concrete driveways became a common sight around neighborhoods and new methods of applying wall surfaces were used.  There were other changes among houses of this time, as well.

Rather than having several small rooms and closets like the earlier ranch homes of the 50s, 1960s ranch style homes had larger living rooms and the bedrooms actually had room enough to hang more than a few suits and dresses.  Because entertaining friends and neighbors was done more often during this time, houses of this era had larger yards to accommodate groups of people.  Many even had built-in swimming pools to enjoy during the extra leisure time families had.

Raised ranch houses and other split level homes became more popular during this time especially as the 1960s drew to a close.  Whereas the ranch homes of the 50s may have had a full basement, the homes of the 60s capitalized on the space with many homeowners finishing the basement for additional living space.

On the outside of the home, more care was given to landscaping around the homes during these years.  Covered back and screened porches began to be seen on 1960’sRanch Style Homes particularly in the Western states.

Within the home state-of-the-art materials were used.  Kitchen cabinets were made with Formica.  Other cabinets were made of hardwoods and included magnetic catches and ball bearing drawer glides.  Electric stoves generally replaced gas stoves and the home was also furnished with a dishwasher.

As the 1960s ended, the ranch house began to lose popularity among builders and homeowners alike.  Builders seemed to become bored with this type of house and their workmanship began to suffer for their lack of enthusiasm.  Buyers wanted houses that were anything but ordinary and sought out designers who could provide them with something more eclectic.

Within the last twenty years, however, the ranch style house has been having a revival of sorts.  Designers and architects are using the basic 1960s ranch style house as the beginning point for creating beautiful and spacious houses today.

Today’s homes have spacious kitchens that allow for plenty of natural lighting, an improved traffic throughout the house, and larger master bedroom suites.  It is true that the 1960s ranch style house may not be as popular as it once was, but it is still the backbone of many of today’s most recognizable homes.

Click Here to watch a fun video on Ranch Kitchen Remodels.

Ranch style houses are pretty similar in looks.  Their key elements include a single story, low roofline, simple floor plan, and attached garages.  They also may have had sliding glass doors that open onto a patio or courtyard, shuttered windows, and large overhanging eaves.  The brick ranch house was similar in look and style but had the benefit of the brick exterior which made it much easier to care for

Like most ranch houses, the brick ranch house has an uncomplicated layout.  Living space (living room, kitchen, and dining room) are generally placed at the front of the house.  Bedrooms are placed to the rear or to one side of the house, often separated from the living space by a door, which gives them more privacy.

Because the brick ranch used natural materials on the exterior, it helped to create a warm atmosphere.  Therefore, if you decide to remodel or renovate a brick ranch house, be careful to find bricks that are very similar to the originals on the house.  Matching the bricks will help any addition to your home look as if it has always been there.

What are some of the benefits of having a brick ranch rather than cedar shakes or some other type of siding?

• Brick has a classic beauty that is unmatched.  Many new homeowners are opting for brick exteriors over any other type.
• Brick offers lasting value to your home.
• Brick can add up to 6 percent to the resale value of your home should you choose to sell it in the future.
• Brick doesn’t rot, dent, need to be painted, and won’t be attacked by termites.  It is virtually maintenance free so you have more time to do the things you want
• Brick is energy efficient.  It helps keep your home cooler in the summer months and warmer when the weather outside turns cold.

Since the ranch style of house is making a comeback as the Floor Plan of Choice for new builds, it is not uncommon for the house to be a brick ranch house.  Try to keep some of the brick from the construction so you have something to replace any damaged bricks with or to match the bricks should you decide to add on in the future.

Besides the beauty of a brick ranch house, you can also use the same bricks for decorative walls in your landscaping which is something you wouldn’t be able to do with any other type of house exterior.

If you’re looking for a ranch style house, consider looking for a brick ranch house.  The beauty and durability of the brick make it a great exterior for a great style of home.

Building with Masonry: Brick, Block, and Concrete

photo credit: CJ Sorg

Architectural styles have changed dramatically over the years. Ranch style homes are included in the architectural style known as “Modern Architecture” even though this style began much earlier than the first ranch style houses were. 1950 home designs continued in the modern theme and expanded upon it thanks to architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, and Otto Wagner.

The Modern ranch style house became the predominant architectural style for homes after World War II thanks the large numbers of houses built in new neighborhoods around the country. The 1950s home design was practical. It was a simple, one-story house with an open floor plan; sleeping quarters separated from the remainder of the house, and it often had sliding glass patio doors that brought the outside in.

Over the years the 1950s-era ranch style house fell out of favor with many American home buyers. Now they are becoming popular. In fact, 1950s ranch homes are considered “retro” and many people are beginning to consider them as historic architecture that needs to be preserved.

People who have lived in the 1950 home design may have tired of the style and made changes to the house to keep up with the changes in styles and interior design. Many removed the original cedar shakes and replaced them with vinyl siding. Amazingly newer homeowners are often reversing the changes that had been made and returning the house to its original look.

The 1950 home design was originally small, usually around 1,000 square feet. They had a living room, kitchen, and three small bedrooms. They probably had one bathroom, but may have had two. All of them had attached garages that created the long, low roof look so typical of this style house.

You might be surprised to find that people who grew up in the 1950s home design are coming back to them as their family dynamics change and they no longer need larger homes. New home buyers are also looking seriously at this style of house, especially those that are first-time buyers.

Another benefit to the 1950s ranch is that they often had larger backyards that could be used for growing children or for the adults in the family to entertain. Because they are older homes, they are most likely more affordable than the newer homes on the market. The design, because of its simplicity, lends itself to being modified to suit your own family’s needs.

The 1950 home design may have been non-descript and less fussy than other homes of the era but they have held their own on the market. They require less upkeep than other styles and may be a great buy for those who are just starting out or those who are downsizing as they near retirement.

photo credit: mrbill

With energy sources depleting at a rate faster than they are being built, it is only wise that we use the abundant energy available for free – the solar energy.

Apart from the easy availability, solar energy helps control environmental pollution. Most of us shy away from installing solar power solutions at home thinking them to be expensive and cumbersome.

You will, however, be surprised to know how easy it is to employ these power solutions. Moreover, these will help cut down your power bills. Finally, you will be delighted to know tat you are doing your bit to save power for the future generations. Click Here!