The 1960s ranch-style house has a solid place in American home history. These homes were built to be simple, practical, and fast to construct. They sit wide across a lot, usually with one floor, low-pitched roofs, and brick or wood siding. For many families, they were the perfect start. But today, most of them look plain, dull, and far from eye-catching.
The good news is that these houses have strong frames and open layouts. With the right changes, they can look brand new while still holding onto their charm. You don’t need to knock everything down—just make smart updates that bring out the best parts of the home.
Let’s take a look at how you can turn an old, boring ranch into something modern, clean, and full of character.
What Makes 1960s Ranch Homes Unique?
Ranch homes from the 1960s were built with ease in mind. The design was low to the ground, with long lines and flat shapes. Most had attached garages, large front windows, and basic landscaping. They were built to blend in, not stand out.
There’s a certain charm to this style. The wide footprint and single-level living are still popular today. But the outside often needs a serious lift. Many of these homes still have old aluminum siding, small front porches, and dated paint colors that don’t do them justice.
Planning the Remodel: What to Know Before You Start
It helps to have a clear plan before tearing out old siding or planting new trees.
Study the Bones of the House
Take a close look at the shape of the home. Does it have a strong roofline? Are the windows evenly placed? Is the garage taking up too much attention from the front? Knowing the strengths and weak points of the home will help guide your choices.
Think About the Whole Picture
Instead of just painting or changing the door, think about how each part of the house connects to the others. A fresh color can help—but so can changing textures, shapes, and even the layout of the entry.
Choose a Direction
Are you going for a clean and modern feel? A farmhouse style? Something warm and simple? Pick one direction and make sure all your choices point that way. This keeps your home from feeling messy or unfinished.
Transforming the Exterior: Step-by-Step Inspiration
1. Change the Siding
Old sidings are one of the biggest giveaways of an aged home. Replacing it can instantly modernize the look.
Some people go with vertical wood boards for a clean, tall look. Others choose fiber cement panels or painted brick. The goal is to break away from flat and boring.
Mixing materials also works well. Try brick on the bottom half and smooth panels above. This adds texture and helps the home feel more built up and strong.
2. Upgrade the Roofline
While most ranch homes have low roofs, you can still work with them. Some homeowners raise the pitch or add a front-facing gable. Others extend the eaves for a bold, overhanging look.
Even just painting the trim or adding dark shingles can give the home a stronger shape.
3. Add a Porch or Entry Feature
Many 1960s ranches have no clear front entry. The door sits flat against the wall, with nothing pulling you in.
Adding a small porch, covering, or overhang can completely change that. A modern wood beam post or a flat-roof overhang gives shape to the front of the house. It also makes it feel more welcoming and balanced.
4. Replace Old Windows
Tiny or uneven windows make a house look off. New, larger windows do more than just bring in light—they also help shape the front of the home.
Long horizontal windows go well with the wide shape of ranch homes. Black or dark-trimmed frames give a modern touch. Even just replacing a single small window with a double one can make a big difference.
5. Focus on the Front Door
The front door is your first impression. If it’s old, rusty, or hidden, it pulls the whole house down.
Choose a solid new door with clean lines. Wood, dark-painted metal, or glass-paneled styles all work well. You can also add side lights or house numbers nearby to create a small entry zone that feels styled and fresh.
6. Rethink the Garage
Many ranch homes have garages that face the street—and take up a big chunk of the front. While you can’t always move them, you can help them blend in.
Paint the garage the same color as the house, or even a shade darker. You can also add wood slats, new lights, or side-entry panels to reduce the visual weight.
7. Choose the Right Paint Colors
Color changes everything. Light shades like white, cream, or soft gray can lift the home and make it feel clean. Darker colors like navy or deep green can add depth, especially when paired with natural wood or metal details.
If you’re not sure, stick to a simple base color with contrast trim. Avoid too many bright tones or clashing shades—they can make the home feel busy or off-balance.
8. Update the Landscaping
Sometimes the house looks dated because of what’s around it. Overgrown shrubs, old concrete walkways, and empty yards make even a fixed-up home feel stuck in the past.
Trim low plants neatly along the base of the home. Add stone or wood edging around beds. A few simple path lights or trees can guide the eye and bring balance to the whole space.
9. Add Lighting That Fits the Style
Old porch lights or wall lanterns often look small or mismatched. Choose modern lighting with simple shapes and finishes.
Wall-mounted fixtures in black, bronze, or brushed steel look great with most colors. Consider a row of lights along the garage, or one above the entry for a strong finish.
10. Walk Back and Look Again
When you’ve finished the updates—or even during the process—walk back across the street and take a good look. Does everything feel balanced? Is the front entry clear? Are the lines clean and connected?
Looking at the house from a distance helps spot anything that feels too plain, too busy, or just a bit off. Sometimes even a small fix can bring the whole remodel together.
Real-Life Before and After Ideas
A Flat, Brick Ranch Becomes a Farmhouse Gem
One owner started with a tired red brick ranch that had no trim, an old roof, and a single front step. They painted the brick a soft white, added a wood post porch, and used black trim around the new windows.
The result was clean, open, and full of charm—with a touch of farmhouse warmth.
A Plain Stucco Ranch Turns Sleek and Sharp
Another home had faded stucco and an oversized garage. They added vertical siding in dark gray, used wood around the entry, and replaced the garage door with one that had glass panels and modern lines.
The roof got new black shingles, and a row of spotlights under the eaves brought it to life at night.
A Dated Home With No Entry Gets a Bold New Face
This ranch had a great lot but no front porch. The owner built a small deck and added wide stairs, placed a bold wood front door, and added large windows. Dark trim and a modern house number plaque gave it the final touch.
Now it draws the eye in—and stands out on the block.
Conclusion
A 1960s ranch doesn’t have to stay stuck in the past. With the right updates, it can become something fresh, bold, and just right for today’s lifestyle. The goal isn’t to erase the home’s history but to help it grow into something new.
You don’t need to change everything at once. Start with the part that bothers you most—maybe the windows, maybe the siding. Build from there, one step at a time.
The wide, open shape of these homes gives you the freedom to try new things. And when it all comes together, you get more than a pretty home. You get one that feels strong, personal, and ready for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to hire a contractor to remodel a ranch home exterior?
Not always. If you’re just painting, changing lights, or doing simple landscaping, you can likely handle it yourself.
Is it worth the cost to remodel the outside of a 1960s ranch home?
Yes. Even small changes like new paint, modern lights, or fresh landscaping can make a big difference in curb appeal.
What’s the best color for a modern ranch remodel?
It depends on your style, but neutral colors like white, soft gray, dark green, or black work well. Natural wood tones and black trim also help create a clean, modern look.
Can I paint over old brick or siding?
Yes, you can. Just make sure the surface is clean, dry, and in good shape. Use the right kind of primer and outdoor paint, and follow product directions carefully for a lasting finish.
How do I make the front door stand out on a ranch house?
Try using a bold color, adding a small porch or overhang, or placing modern lights and house numbers nearby.