In the mid-20th century, ranch-style homes with their simple, single-level designs and open floor plans were theepitome of modern living. Fast forward to today, many of these classic homes still stand, offering their original charm but often in need of a refresh. Let's explore a captivating 1950s ranch remodel before and after exterior transformation.
This particular 1950s ranch began its journey as a typical home of its era, characterized by its elongated, single-story layout, attached garage, and pitched roof. However, time and changing trends had left it appearing dated and uninviting. Here's how a thoughtful remodel breathed new life into this classic home.
Exterior Renovation: Curb Appeal Revamp
The primary goal of this 1950s ranch remodel was to update the exterior while maintaining the home's original character. The design team aimed to create a fresh, welcoming look that would appeal to modern homeowners while honoring the home's historic roots.
In this quest, every element of the home's exterior was carefully considered - from the exterior cladding to the doors, windows, and landscaping.
Signature Material Upgrade
One of the most impactful changes was the switch from the original wood siding to modern, low-maintenance James Hardie fiber cement siding in a classic smooth finish. The color palette was updated to a timeless combo of Halo (H1059-13) for the siding and Iron Ore (E1119-30) for the trim and garage doors, creating a sleek, cohesive look.
The fiber cement siding not only evoked the character of wood but also offered greater durability and resistance to pests, fires, and extreme weather conditions, ensuring longevity and low maintenance for the homeowners.
Window and Door Rejuvenation
Outdated windows and doors can significantly bring down a home's curb appeal. In this remodel, the old windows were replaced with energy-efficient, double-hung windows featuring black exterior frames, which popped against the fiber cement siding. The old garage door was also replaced with a new, stylish model in the Iron Ore color, complete with window inserts to match the new residential windows.
The entry door was also given a facelift, with a new, striking design featuring a glass insert and a color that complemented the trim and garage door. The new door not only made a statement but also offered enhanced security and energy efficiency.
Landscaping Overhaul: Frame and Focal Point
Landscaping played a pivotal role in transforming this 1950s ranch's curb appeal. The design aimed to balance low-maintenance hardscaping with lush, soft landscaping, creating a cohesive, inviting space that complemented the home's modernized exterior.
First, the landscape designers addressed the home's underlying drainage issues, ensuring a solid foundation for the new hardscaping and plantings.
Hardscaping Highlights
To create a harmonious flow from the street to the home's entrance, the landscape team installed underground drainage and new footings, then poured a new concrete walkway in a herringbone pattern. The walkway led to a new, welcoming front porch with stone steps and a railing that matched the home's exterior_color scheme.
A paver driveway replaced the old asphalt, providing a clean, maintenance-free surface that complemented the home's updated appearance. The landscapers also installed new, efficient lighting, illuminating the path to the front door and enhancing both safety and curb appeal.
Soft Landscaping: Adding Life to the Exterior
To complement the hardscaping and tie the whole exterior together, soft landscaping was thoroughly planned. Existing trees were trimmed and preserved, and new evergreens and flowering shrubs were strategically planted to create a lush, welcoming facade.
Versatile, low-maintenance perennials and ornamental grasses were used in planting beds, selected for their ability to thrive in varying conditions and provide prevention, pops of color throughout the growing season. A few Lowe's Garden Goodness™ blooming shrubs were also added for year-round interest.
As the sun sets on the renovations, we're left with a stunning transformation that respects the home's history while embracing modern aesthetics. This 1950s ranch remodel before and after exterior comparison illustrates how well-planned updates can reinvigorate classic homes, breathing new life into them for generations to enjoy. If you're considering a similar exterior update, consider drawing inspiration from this successful renovation - your home's story awaits a new chapter.