We bought this house intending to do a pretty big addition and remodel. Then we decided to adopt and put the adoption before the addition. But… we cannot wait to do new windows. The current ones have broken panes, mold, water damage, and you can feel the wind blow through them! This is why I need help making these craftsman versus ranch remodel decisions. Here is our current house:
Here’s an example of two old ranch houses where they went craftsman:
Here’s an example of a much higher pitched roof, but with the sideways garage and craftsman style.
Craftsman houses are characterized by windows like these:
Then there’s the Mid-Century Modern look I love, characterized by windows like these:
I couldn’t find many inspiration photos, but this would involve keeping the same roofline and just going wider. It would also involve a more modern look, with a simple modern porch, versus a fancy craftsman porch. I think this option may be a bit cheaper, but also a bit more difficult to accomplish the aesthetic I want.
On top of the major decision on whether to go with a craftsman or ranch style, I have to pick a window color. I LOVE the look of black windows, here’s a few inspiration pics of houses with black windows that I love:
 
But… black windows are also about a third more expensive than white windows. Black windows would also involve new black soffits and fascia, versus possibly using our old soffit and fascia. I am trying to convince myself that maybe we could go with white windows and dark house color for a similar look, here’s a few examples:
So here’s where I need your help. Craftsman or Ranch??? Black windows or White?? Then there’s the still the decision of which contractor, which brand of window, which interior window color (or wood stain) and which type of window.
8/12/15 Update: If you wanted to see which decision we ended up making check out the post here! You can also see the entire house tour after the remodel was complete here!
Because of your eclectic style, I think the craftsman white windows would suite you and your family. Classic is always in style.
Thanks! It’s true that Craftsman never seems to go out of style.
Craftsman all the way….We just built and I did a lot of window research, and we went with Pella; so far so good. My mom also replaced her original 100 year old farmhouse windows with Pella and is happy.
Thanks! I hadn’t even looked into Pella, I may have to do that now. Do you know how they compared to prices on other brands?
I personally love the craftsman!
Thanks! It’s so nice to have so much help making this tough decision!
Craftsman, hands down. We are also turning our 1990 ranch into a Craftssman/Prairie ranch – new windows (Marvin, Andersen?), porch design. Be sure to post “After” photos of your house!
Hello, Mrs. Jess. You wouldn’t happen to know of the location of the tan house with black accents or if it is for sale, would you ? My mother is absolutely in love.
I’m pretty sure in Canada, because this is the company that originally shared the picture and they are a Canadian Design firm. http://www.atmosphereid.ca/#!/portfolio-view/willowgrove-contemporary/?rl
Hi Jess! We are replacing the windows in a 1953 ranch and are having this exact same debate– modern/midcentury look or the craftsman/traditional look. I have flip-flopped a dozen times already but I’ve got to order one or the other soon! I would love to know what you chose and see any pictures of how it turned out!
We ended up going with the Craftsman look, and I LOVE how they turned out. I have yet to share “completed” pics yet because we have been trimming them ourselves and are only about 50% done. Here is the pic I instagrammed of our front window though: http://instagram.com/p/oltpKsmBYG/ Here is a pic of how we’re trimming them on the inside:http://instagram.com/p/pNTi-0GBXm/. I’ll share as soon as I get them done.
Craftsman with the white windows will look amazing!
Great Choice!!! I love your colors & I would have gone Craftsman too. Of course that is my very favorite style of home. LOL They look really good!
Thank you so much, and thanks for stopping by! Craftsman homes are so timeless I don’t think I could go wrong.
Please post pics..before during and after. We are starting the same project in April. Converting our small ranch to an inspired craft an style. We will be keeping it one story. The budget is really tight and I am not planning on changing the window.
One question: did you hire an Architect?
Thanks and good luck…
Tammy
Exciting! We did not hire an architect, but I am planning on having our local building center draw the plans up for free because we will be purchasing our supplies there. Today I just shared our exterior accents that we added: https://www.brightgreendoor.com/copper-craftsman-exterior-accents/ I’m hoping to be back tomorrow to share about how we painted it. Thanks for commenting and stopping by and good luck on your project!
Can you tell me where to find the floorplan or the link to the house that you used as an example to craftman styled homes with black windows. the second one that is black and white and has 202.
I’m sorry I do not know where it is. I found it on google images without a source.
I just love seeing transformations of older homes. Being in real estate, you get a feeling that every home has a purpose and a family that can love it. When an older home gets new life, it is just amazing!
I love old homes too! I would LOVE to be a real estate agent, but I’d probably want to buy all the houses! Thank you so much for your kind comments.
I would like to see your pics without all that advertising coving them! The pics are so tiny to begin with , then you allow them to be covered with advertising! I came to this site hoping to see some beautiful ideas, but no.
On my computer both sides of your column are totally white. Maybe you could rearrange and put advertising on the sides? Thank you for listening! 🙂
I’m so sorry that you weren’t able to see the well. Are you viewing on mobile, tablet, or computer? Thank you for the feedback, I do really appreciate it!
Hello!
Please tell me where to get the pland for the black and beige home with 202 in front. We love that design.
I’m sorry I wrote this post before I began adding sources to images and I don’t remember where I found it. I don’t think it had anything more than the image with the picture though. I love the design too!
Do you happen to know where the house with the 202 address listing is located at? It has black windows, with the tan looking brick and black garage doors on it.
I’m sorry but I only found it on a google picture search and it didn’t have a source. If you happen to discover where it came from I’d love to know! Sorry I can’t be of more help.