Lawn & Landscaping Ideas for a Rambler Home

Rambler-style houses, or ranch houses, are very common in the United States. They are typically one-story, basic homes without much exterior detail or architectural features. While this type of structure may appear uninspiring, homeowners can add personality, style and curb appeal to rambler homes with exceptional landscaping and lawn designs.

Some homeowners add visual appeal to the front entrance of their rambler houses with walkways, according to the design experts at Curb Appeal. This type of front-yard face-lift may be done by removing the old pathway and replacing it with an angled pathway featuring steps and levels. The new levels can feature landscaped plants and rock gardens. If the homeowner must work with the basic straight walkway, he can add landscaped borders on either side of the walkway, featuring small shrubs, herbs, gravel and attractive lighting.

Adding trees and shrubs may create the illusion of a bigger rambler home, as well. While large trees add energy-efficient shade to homes, they should be planted away from the actual structure, due in large part to their massive roots systems affecting the foundation. Shorter, ornamental trees and shrubs may be planted beside the structure. Planting ornamental trees in groups of odd numbers, (one to three) at the corner of the home, creates the illusion of width and height.

Many homeowners add color and texture to their rambler houses with flowers and plants. They use a mixture of plants and flowers that bloom throughout the seasons, so that no holes appear in the overall landscape design. You can even plant flowers that complement the rambler home's paint color, or add texture by planting two dramatically different types of plants next to each other, such as blue holly next to ornamental grass, according to "Landscape Design Advice."

Most rambler homes were built with economy in mind, and they do not have elaborate backyard entertaining areas, according to the designers at Service Magic. Some homeowners add stone patios, wooden decks or screened-in back porches to create a functional outdoor space. These areas can be ideal for gatherings when chimineas, outdoor fireplaces and grills are added. They are more visually appealing when accented with patio furniture and potted plants, as well.

Many people enhance the yards of their rambler homes with outdoor lighting. Adding small spotlights, of white or colored lights, around the house foundation, can add depth and visual interest to your rambler home. Installing tree lights, install lamp posts at the front entrance ways, also help to add visual appeal.