Kitchens

• One area where ranch-style homes can use an update is the kitchen. These rooms are typically functional, but can often be small and cramped, with poor lighting and limited counter space. Simply removing the wall that divides the kitchen from the dining or living room can make the space appear more open, often allowing in more natural light. If you remove a load-bearing wall, you will need to use columns or have beams professional installed to support the weight. To keep it consistent with ranch style, accent the base of the columns with stone.
  
  

Additions

• Ranch homes are generally only one story tall, with low-lying roofs. You can add presence to the exterior of your home, while increasing square footage, by adding an extra floor to your ranch house, by raising the roof. You also can add a sunroom or more living space, as an addition, to the main floor of the home. Consider, also, bumping out the roof to add a cathedral ceiling to your living room.
  
  

Windows

• Windows allow in natural light, which can help bring the beauty of the outdoors into the home. In ranch style homes, large picture windows were decorative and functional. However, some homes featured long, narrow windows, which is a somewhat outdated look. When planning your remodel, consider the look of these windows. You may choose to replace them with larger, more square-shaped windows that will make more of a dramatic and aesthetically-pleasing statement, while allowing for more light. Consider bowed or garden windows for adding extra space to your home, while adding curb appeal to the outside of your home.
  
  

Flooring

• Dark wood flooring was the predominant flooring style of the time. However, during the 1970s, carpeting began to be used to cover these floors. Something as simple as removing any existing carpeting and refinishing the hardwood floors, can dramatically improve the look and value of your ranch home. If the wood is beyond repair, vinyl covering or light-colored, durable carpet, such as Berber, also can work well for this style of home.
  
  

Insulation

• When remodeling walls and ceilings, be sure to insulate these spaces. When ranch homes were first designed, not as much attention was given insulation, as gas heat was much less expensive.