25 Best 70s Ranch Exterior Remodel Ideas

Ranch homes from the 1970s have a particular kind of charm—low-slung roofs, wide facades, and that unmistakable mid-century attitude.

But after a few decades, even the grooviest pad can start to look more drab than fab. If you’re staring at your 70s ranch and thinking it’s stuck in a Brady Bunch time warp, you’re in the right place.

1. Add a Front Porch for Instant Curb Appeal

Many 70s ranch homes were built without front porches—leaving a blank, uninviting facade. Adding a small covered porch or an extended platform with sleek columns gives the house character and creates a welcoming entryway. It’s like giving your home a firm handshake.

2. Paint the Brick

One of the easiest and most transformative changes? Paint that outdated orange or brown brick. A crisp white, dramatic black, or trendy greige can turn “meh” into modern. When we painted my neighbor Lisa’s ranch white with black trim, it went from looking tired to tastingfully modern overnight.

3. Upgrade the Garage Door

That big slab of garage door often dominates the front view of a ranch home. Swapping it out for a modern carriage-style door or a wood-look panel adds texture and class. Think of it as replacing orthopedic shoes with handcrafted leather boots—same function, way more style.

4. Add Wood Accents

Wood is your best friend when trying to warm up a 70s exterior. Use it for soffits, under the porch, or as slats around windows. Cedar, ipe, or even faux wood can make your home feel earthy and elevated. Just like your favorite cabin getaway, but suburban.

5. Modernize the Roofline

The long, low roofline of a ranch is iconic, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enhanced. Add overhangs, or even change the pitch if your budget allows. I once saw a ranch where the homeowner added a gabled detail just over the entry—it didn’t just raise the roof, it raised eyebrows (in a good way).

6. Create a Breezeway

Got a detached garage or carport? Consider connecting it to the house with a covered breezeway. It adds a nostalgic feel and gives you bonus outdoor space that’s both practical and stylish.

7. Install Horizontal Siding

Replacing old vertical siding with wide horizontal lap siding or board and batten panels can make your house look wider, newer, and more substantial. You’d be surprised how this one switch can update the entire aesthetic.

8. Rework the Windows

Big picture windows were a 70s staple—but swapping them for black-framed modern windows (or even expanding the openings) can instantly make your home feel sleek and updated. Window boxes? Optional. But always charming.

9. Bring in Native Landscaping

Sometimes the biggest change isn’t the house—it’s what’s in front of it. Ditch thirsty lawns and go for native plants, gravel beds, and low-maintenance shrubs. Your home will look clean, curated, and modern, and you’ll spend less time mowing.

10. Add Stone Veneer

Mixing in stone accents—like a column base, front-facing wall, or chimney—can add instant gravitas to your ranch. Think of it like giving your house a rock-solid handshake.

11. Upgrade Your Lighting

Swapping out dated exterior lights with sleek, modern sconces or mid-century inspired fixtures makes a bigger difference than you’d think. Good lighting is like good eyeliner—it highlights the best features.

12. Extend the Eaves

A subtle but impactful way to change your ranch’s silhouette is by extending the eaves. It creates a more dramatic overhang, improves shading, and gives the home a custom architectural edge.

13. Replace the Front Door

The original front door might be solid, but it’s probably also boring. Try a modern wood door with glass panels, or go bold with color. I went with deep teal and never looked back.

14. Add a Pergola Over the Garage or Walkway

Sometimes it’s not what you remove, but what you add. A wooden pergola can make a flat facade more dimensional and provides an inviting element—like a friendly arm slung around a guest’s shoulders.

15. Create a Courtyard Entry

If space allows, use low walls, planters, and pathways to carve out a courtyard. This makes the entry feel more intentional and adds a touch of Spanish-modern charm.

16. Go Monochrome

A single, strong color over the whole house—trim, siding, brick—can be incredibly chic. Dark colors like charcoal, navy, or olive work well for this moody makeover.

17. Install a Metal Roof

Traditional shingle roofs are fine, but a standing seam metal roof elevates a ranch to something spectacular. It’s functional, durable, and has that undeniable modern farmhouse edge.

18. Update the Walkway

Concrete slabs? Yawn. Try pavers, brick pathways, or stamped concrete for texture and visual interest. It’s the red carpet your house deserves.

19. Incorporate Mid-Century Modern Elements

Think breeze blocks, geometric railings, or even a starburst house number sign. Little touches go a long way in honoring the home’s roots while giving it a contemporary boost.

20. Install a Horizontal Wood Fence

Instead of traditional pickets or chain link, go for a clean-lined horizontal wood fence. It frames your yard beautifully and pairs perfectly with a minimalist ranch.

21. Use Dark Trim for Contrast

Dark trim around windows and rooflines can give even a beige house some backbone. It outlines the structure and gives it definition—like a bold eyebrow on a plain face.

22. Install Modern House Numbers

This might sound small, but house numbers are like your home’s jewelry. Sleek, brushed metal digits or backlit numbers can signal sophistication before anyone even rings the bell.

23. Create a Mixed-Material Facade

Blend wood, stone, metal, and stucco to add richness and texture. This layered approach is like dressing your house in the perfect outfit: fitted, accessorized, and photo-ready.

24. Add Shutters or Remove Them Entirely

Depending on your vibe, wooden shutters can add charm—or if your home is bogged down by fake, too-small shutters, removing them can actually clean things up.

25. Use Landscaping to Frame the House

Sometimes, remodeling doesn’t require a hammer. Use strategic landscaping—tall grasses, trimmed hedges, or layered flower beds—to guide the eye and accentuate the home’s horizontal lines.

Conclusion

You don’t have to gut your ranch to give it a new lease on life. With these 25 ideas—ranging from a fresh coat of paint to complete architectural updates—you can respect the roots of your home while pulling it stylishly into the 21st century. Whether you’re working with a weekend budget or a renovation fund, there’s something here that’ll make your 70s ranch shine like Saturday Night Fever never ended. Now grab your coffee, step outside, and take another look at that facade. What’s the first thing you’re going to change?