Rome To Rio: American Ranch Style
By Ana Zuravliova
Over the past few months, our Rome to Rio series has covered different themes and trends from cultures and countries in Europe. Today however, we’re leaving these shores behind and traveling to the new world. First stop, the United States of America and their iconic ranch houses. In this blog, we’ll be exploring ranch house style, its background and how you can enjoy this fashionable style in your own home, wherever it may be!
What is American ranch style?
Sometimes romantically associated with stirrups, dusty hats and gently bouncing tumbleweed, ranch style actually became popular in the 1920s. It then became popular again in the years following the second world war, when many families wanted to escape the cities and enjoy a freer life. In practice, it’s a lovely, flexible design trend that captures the essence of this great nation.
Ordinarily single-story buildings with a large footprint, ranch houses often have a rugged feel to them that’s connected to nature. Moreover, these homes are decorated and designed for cosiness, with an important focus on both indoor and outdoor living.
Ranch-style homes are popular across the US however their ancestry is in the southwestern states. Accordingly, there are different regional styles, however, there are threads throughout this trend which you can introduce into your home.
How to enjoy the ranch house style – the basics
Most ranch homes in the States are very open spaces with combined living, cooking, and eating spaces and the style that has grown around them reflects that.
Minimalist furniture
To reinforce this point, and enjoy ranch style, consider a minimalist approach to furniture. Avoid clutter and use only well selected pieces in your space. Large, comfortable chairs and sofas making three sides of a square with a lovely coffee table at the centre, and a fire at the open side, is an iconic example of ranch house style.
Colours and pattern
Match the open, airy feel of this aesthetic with plenty of warming neutral colours and tones. Avoid bright whites where possible and instead choose cream, oatmeal, and ivory tones. More eye-catching colours and tones can be easily introduced in well-chosen accessories. Geometric prints found in large rugs, throws and cushions will help add movement and charm into the space without detracting from the overall effect. for supporting colours, look to natural shades of red, dark blues or – if used very sparsely – purples.
Raw materials
Many of the most iconic ranch homes feature raw materials so when it comes to soft furnishings, consider durable, natural fabrics with a subtle coarse nature. Wools and linens are perfect for such objectives but steer clear of overly opulent equivalents such as velvet.
The right shapes for ranch house style
Straight lines
Like the thirteen stripes on the star-spangled banner, much of today’s trend centres on straight lines. The large walls that define the open spaces, the visible beams and large windows provide structure not only for the home itself, but the décor that enriches it. Therefore, where possible, consider using home furnishings that fit within this style.
In favour of curtains or illusion blinds, look to Roman blinds, panel blinds or Venetian blinds in your ranch-inspired home. Tables, cabinets and hard furniture should likewise have elegant, long lines and dynamic 90-degree angles.
Geometric patterns and global culture
Moreover, as referenced above, look to geometric patterns used sparingly throughout your space. America is well known as an international melting pot with cultures from across the globe coming together.
As a result, you can find inspiration from many of the patterns and prints found in the Global Nomad trend – you can learn more in our recent Looking to The Future: Global Nomad Style blog.
Nurture nature
Local environment inspiration
Nature plays a big role in the ranch style aesthetic. We need only think of the hay-day of American cinema for a moment to picture the rolling countryside, the abundance of animals and the endless skies.
This vista is captured in many famous ranches – especially Ralph Lauren’s beautiful home in Colorado. The abundance of natural, unpainted woods, elegantly worn leathers and homely colours found in such homes is clearly inspired by the striking local environment.
Materials that partner nature
Many of these items work wonderfully well outside the borders of America and can be partnered well with wooden blinds or even shutters. Where possible, use items that retain their natural colours and qualities.
If you’re open space includes a living room and kitchen area and you’re rightly concerned about using wooden blinds near kettles and sinks, you can always opt for an elegant faux wooden blind. These help us appreciate the beauty of nature in spaces where woods might get wet, then warp or crack.
In our next instalment of Rome to Rio, we’ll be moving southbound towards central America to see how you can enjoy the beauty of this enchanted part of the world in your home.
Shop our products inspired by the American ranch style:
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