Remember when raised ranches were the hot new thing? Now yours might be feeling a bit tired.
These homes offer solid structure but often feel trapped in a bygone era. The split-level design that was once cutting-edge now appears outdated in many cases.
The good news? Your raised ranch holds untapped potential. With smart updates, it can evolve into the stylish, functional space your family deserves.
This blog walks through ways to update your raised ranch without major construction. Small tweaks can make big differences in how your space looks and feels.
Ready for a home that feels current while honoring its original character? Let’s get started.
What is a Raised Ranch?
The raised ranch is a two-story home design that became popular in the 1950s and 1960s, especially in suburban areas across the United States.
It was developed as a modern adaptation of the traditional ranch-style home, offering more living space without requiring a larger lot.
The defining feature of a raised ranch is its split-entryway, where the front door opens to a small landing with stairs leading both up to the main living area and down to a lower level.
The lower level often includes a garage, family room, or extra bedrooms.
Raised ranches were widely built during the mid-to-late 20th century and are still common today, though many homeowners choose to remodel them for a more modern look.
Key Features of a Raised Ranch
A raised ranch home has several distinctive features that set it apart from other styles. Below are the key characteristics that define this type of house:
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Two Levels: Main living space is upstairs, with a partially or fully finished lower level.
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Mid-Level Entryway: A central landing connects both floors for easy access.
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Attached Garage: Typically built into the lower level with direct home entry.
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Rectangular Layout: Long, horizontal design for a functional floor plan.
Raised ranch homes have a two-level layout with a mid-level entryway for easy access between floors. The lower level often includes an attached garage, while the rectangular design maximizes space and functionality. This layout creates a practical, efficient, and well-connected living environment.
Revamp Your Home’s Exterior Look
Refresh your raised ranch’s exterior with a remodel that enhances both style and functionality. Update key features like the exterior, entryway, and landscaping for a modern, welcoming look.
1. Front Entry Enhancements
A bold front door color or modern design creates a striking focal point. Adding sidelights or glass panels brings in natural light and enhances the entrance.
Stylish lighting fixtures and updated house numbers refine the overall look. A small porch provides shelter and architectural depth. Upgrading the walkway with stone or brick adds a polished touch.
2. Window Updates
Larger, energy-efficient windows improve both the home’s look and insulation. Black or dark-trimmed windows add a contemporary touch to the exterior.
Replacing outdated windows with modern styles enhances natural lighting. Decorative elements like shutters or window boxes provide character. Arched or bay windows can create a more dramatic architectural effect.
3. Landscaping Improvements
Well-placed native plants and flower beds frame the home beautifully. A stone or brick walkway leading to the entrance enhances accessibility and charm.
Outdoor lighting along pathways and around key features improves visibility at night. Raised garden beds create a neat landscape. Seasonal plants and evergreens keep the exterior lively year-round.
4. Garage Door and Driveway Upgrades
A modern garage door in a carriage-style or paneled design updates the home’s look. Stamped concrete, pavers, or decorative borders add beauty to the driveway.
Automatic lighting and smart openers improve functionality and security. A well-maintained, widened driveway provides better accessibility and a high-end look.
Upgrading Key Living Spaces for a Modern Look
Revamping a raised ranch creates a modern feel by opening spaces, updating layouts, and enhancing style with new fixtures and finishes. Upgrading kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas improves both flow and function.
Living Room & Staircase Upgrades
Upgrading the living room and staircase in a raised ranch can completely change the home’s look and functionality. By removing outdated features and incorporating modern materials, the space can feel more open, inviting, and contemporary.
Installing Modern Railings: Upgrade traditional railings with wood, metal, or glass. Use horizontal metal for a contemporary look. Incorporate a mix of wood and steel for a stylish balance.
Converting the Fireplace: Refresh old brick with sleek tile or natural stone. Swap an outdated mantel for a floating wood beam. Add built-in shelving or accent lighting for a bold focal point.
Enhancing Ceiling & Lighting: Install recessed lighting for a bright, modern ambiance. Add a statement light fixture or ceiling beams for character. Use light paint colors to make the space feel larger.
Kitchen Modernization
Older raised ranch kitchens often feel enclosed, with outdated cabinets and inefficient layouts. Remodeling can change the space by improving functionality, introducing modern materials, and enhancing the overall look.
Layout Optimization for Raised Ranch Kitchens: Remove walls to create an open layout. Expand entryways for better flow. Improve lighting with recessed and under-cabinet fixtures.
Cabinet Updates (Painting vs. Replacement): Paint outdated dark cabinets in fresh, light colors. Replace old designs with shaker or flat-panel styles. Update hardware with modern finishes for a refined touch.
Countertop and Backsplash Refreshes: Upgrade laminate countertops to quartz, granite, or butcher block. Install a new tile or slab backsplash for contrast. Use bold or neutral tones to enhance the space.
Bathroom Refreshes
A bathroom refresh in your raised ranch remodel can greatly enhance both functionality and comfort. By updating fixtures, adding modern finishes, and optimizing space, you create a more inviting and practical bathroom.
Modest-Sized Ranch Bathrooms: Installing floating vanities or wall-mounted fixtures maximizes floor space and gives a more modern appearance. Thoughtful use of mirrors can also help make the room feel larger.
Fixture Updates That Change the Feel: Updating fixtures, such as faucets, shower heads, and towel bars, offers an immediate change in the entire appearance. Matte black, or brass finishes enhances the bathroom’s style.
Ventilation and Lighting Improvements: Improving ventilation is essential for a fresh and moisture-free bathroom. Installing a more powerful exhaust fan ensures better air circulation, reducing the chance of mold and mildew.
Tips for a Smooth and Successful Remodel
Planning a raised ranch remodel requires attention to both design and functionality. Here are some additional tips to enhance your renovation.
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Upgrade insulation and windows to improve energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs while enhancing indoor comfort throughout the year.
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Consider raising ceiling heights or adding exposed beams to create an airy, open feel, making the space feel more modern and less compact.
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Replace outdated interior doors and trim with contemporary styles, such as shaker or paneled designs, to give your home a more cohesive and updated look.
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Integratesmart home technology like automated lighting, thermostats, and security systems to improve convenience, efficiency, and long-term cost savings.
Summing Up the Raised Ranch Appeal
Your raised ranch has so much to offer – and now you have the tools to bring out its best.
Remember, remodeling isn’t about chasing trends or completely erasing your home’s character. It’s about thoughtful updates that make your space work better for how you live today.
Start small if you need to. Even changing paint colors or updating fixtures can make a surprising difference in how your home feels.
The best part? You can tackle many of these projects over time, working at your own pace and budget. You can create a home that feels both fresh and timeless with these raised ranch ideas.
Whatever changes you make, they should reflect your family’s needs and style – that’s what turns a house into a home that truly fits you.
What corner of your raised ranch will you start with this weekend?
