26 Best 70s Ranch Exterior Remodel Ideas
The 1970s ranch-style home—a classic of suburban America—has a simple, low-profile design that offers incredible potential for transformation.
If you’re lucky enough to own one, you have a blank canvas that can be turned into anything from a modern farmhouse to a stunning mid-century modern retreat.
With just the right touches, you can make your home look like it belongs in an architectural magazine rather than a relic of a bygone era.
1. Update the Roofline
The roofline defines the character of a ranch home, and an easy way to modernize it is by extending the eaves or adding a gabled feature. A standing-seam metal roof or dark asphalt shingles can give your home a sleeker, more contemporary appearance.
2. Introduce Board and Batten Siding
If you want to give your ranch home an instant facelift, consider board and batten siding. This vertical paneling adds depth and a sense of height, helping break up the long horizontal lines typical of a 70s ranch.
3. Incorporate Stone Accents
Adding stone veneer around the base of your home or as an accent on columns and entryways adds texture and elegance. Choose natural or faux stone in warm earthy tones to maintain a cozy yet stylish look.
4. Swap Out the Front Door
The front door is the focal point of your exterior. Swap out that old flat slab for something bold—maybe a modern steel and glass combo or a rustic wooden door with sidelights. A pop of color, like deep blue or forest green, can add personality.
5. Opt for Larger Windows
70s ranches often have small windows, making interiors feel darker than they need to be. Expanding window sizes or adding floor-to-ceiling glass panels instantly brightens up both the inside and outside.
6. Try a Two-Tone Exterior Paint Scheme
A two-tone color palette helps add visual interest to your exterior. A mix of neutral hues—like warm gray with off-white trim or deep charcoal with natural wood—can make your home look both timeless and fresh.
7. Modernize With a Covered Porch
A covered front porch adds both curb appeal and functionality. Whether it’s a small overhang above the entrance or a full wraparound porch, this addition makes your ranch feel more inviting.
8. Install Black-Framed Windows
Black window frames add a modern touch and create a striking contrast, especially against lighter-colored siding. They give a polished, high-end look without requiring a major renovation.
9. Landscape With Native Plants
Good landscaping is a game changer. Swap out overgrown bushes for clean, structured plants like grasses, lavender, and succulents. Incorporate pathway lighting and modern planters to keep things sleek.
10. Add a Pergola Over the Garage
A garage pergola adds architectural interest and helps soften the boxy look of a standard 70s ranch. Choose wood or metal beams for a contemporary or rustic feel.
11. Convert the Carport Into a Functional Space
Many ranch homes have open carports, which can feel outdated. Enclose it into a garage or a breezy covered patio for a more cohesive look.
12. Replace the Driveway
Cracked concrete driveways scream outdated. Upgrade with stamped concrete, pavers, or exposed aggregate for a more sophisticated appearance.
13. Add Horizontal Wood Fencing
A modern wood fence, especially in a horizontal plank style, creates a fresh, contemporary backdrop while maintaining privacy.
14. Install Mid-Century Inspired Address Numbers
Oversized, mid-century modern house numbers make a huge difference. Choose sleek metal or backlit designs to give your home a chic edge.
15. Use Mixed Materials for Texture
Blending brick, wood, metal, and stucco can create an exterior that’s rich in depth and character without overwhelming the design.
16. Introduce Outdoor Seating Spaces
Ranch homes are perfect for front patio seating areas. A small pergola-covered space with modern chairs and a fire pit can elevate your curb appeal instantly.
17. Extend the Roof Overhang
A slight extension of the roofline adds more shade and gives your home a more defined architectural presence. It can also make your house look bigger and more dynamic.
18. Update Exterior Lighting
Ditch the old brass lanterns and install sleek wall sconces or hanging pendant lights to frame your entryway in a contemporary way.
19. Add a Statement Mailbox
A modern mailbox, whether wall-mounted or free-standing, can tie together your exterior upgrades. Look for one in matte black or brushed nickel for a sophisticated touch.
20. Replace Old Gutters
Swap out white, plastic-looking gutters for modern, seamless metal ones in black or bronze to elevate the exterior aesthetic.
21. Create a Defined Walkway
Instead of a simple straight concrete path, opt for flagstone, brick pavers, or geometric stepping stones leading up to your home.
22. Highlight the Eaves With Exposed Beams
Exposing the beams under your roof overhang can add a rustic yet modern feel, especially when stained or painted to contrast with the rest of your exterior.
23. Build a Corten Steel Retaining Wall
If your front yard has a slope, a Corten steel retaining wall adds both function and a striking design feature.
24. Modernize the Garage Door
Nothing ages a house faster than an old garage door. A flush-panel wood or glass-paneled garage door will instantly upgrade your home’s exterior.
25. Consider a Butterfly Roof Extension
A butterfly roof extension can give your 70s ranch a bold, mid-century modern edge. It works especially well when paired with expansive glass windows.
26. Paint the Brick (or Limewash It)
If your ranch home has dated brickwork, consider painting it a fresh neutral or limewashing for a softer, aged look that retains character.
Conclusion
Transforming a 1970s ranch home doesn’t mean erasing its history—it’s about honoring its roots while modernizing it for today’s lifestyle.
By making thoughtful updates to the exterior, you can create a home that feels fresh, welcoming, and timeless. Whether you’re going for a modern farmhouse, minimalist retreat, or a mid-century revival, there’s no shortage of ways to breathe new life into your ranch.
