First developed in California during the late 1920’s, ranch style homes were one of the most popular styles in the United States from the 1940’s to the 1970’s. The ranch 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 ranch style homes featured attached garages and picture windows.
The interior of most ranch 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 ranch 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 ranch 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 ranch 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.
Ranch 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 ranch home is a wonderful opportunity to introduce new and exciting patterns all over the house or create a common theme throughout every room.
By: Kohn Coleman
Posts Tagged ‘Style Architecture’
Ranch Style Architecture
October 19th, 2009Dubai’s High Rising and Architecturally Brilliant Developments
September 25th, 2009Dubai has become an international hotspot for property and the reason behind this is the high rising and architecturally brilliant developments like the ones listed below.
Westside @ Lincoln Park:
Brilliant low-rise architectures with the great blue sky as backdrop, best describes Lincoln Park. Offering true value for money, Lincoln Park is a mixed-use development of 7 buildings with dedicated commercial and residential buildings. Inspired by Chicago style architecture, the buildings have a well articulated and ornamented front entrance, flat roofs with parapet walls and beautifully designed roof terraces.
Burjside Boulevard:
Burjside Boulevard is a 36-storey spectacle, with 3 levels of podium and 1 level dedicated to leisure, all offering uninterrupted views of the bustling Business Bay and Burj Dubai. A life of fine choice customized for the connoisseurs of contemporary living, the tower offers contemporarily opulent three, two and one bedroom apartments with a fully equipped kitchen. Burjside Boulevard offers a lifestyle investment personalized to your high standards. Select from three flexible 5-star homeowner investments.
Palmsprings:
Enviably located in a prime location on the Palm Jebel Ali’s Crescent, Palm Springs is the apex of inspirational living. Having commissioned award-winning architects, we have created an architectural tour de force. Palm Springs offer uninterrupted sea and water views.
Situated elegantly between the Two world class hotels, our building, which is managed by a prestigious international hotel chain, boasts a wealth of superlative amenities. A unique and exclusive residential property on Jebel Ali, Palm Springs is the Zenith of desire.
Park Towers:
Park Towers is a two tower residential project in the heart of DIFC with freehold facility for UAE nationals and expatriates. Each tower is 30 storeys high, and offer approximately 432 exquisitely designed one, two and three bedroom apartments.
Park Towers at DIFC offer panoramic views of the financial hub and provide the ultimate in exclusivity and comfort. The Residences at DIFC are bound to appeal to your discerning tastes. Poised to be the most sought after address in the world’s newest financial centre, the two towers are designed to provide you with a luxurious yet comfortable apartment – a masterpiece of contemporary architecture and distinct styling.
The intelligent design of the towers ensures that every apartment has a wide balcony offering you the freedom to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the financial district, with its parks, cafés and entertainment facilities.
Damac Properties are the largest private master developers in the Middle East offering the most luxurious and exclusive residential and commercial Dubai Real Estate, Dubai Freehold Property and Dubai Investment Property for sale.
By: JumpHigher