There are many different house styles out there for you to choose from. For people who are planning to build their first home, finding the right architectural style for a home is quite a challenge. Why? Home design has evolved in the past decades because of the fast advancement of building technology and influence of the many cultures that make up the United States. Contemporary designers are also creating new designs by blending different styles from different eras into one cohesive composition.
Knowing the house designs that you prefer will help you communicate your vision and ideas of what your dream home would be to your architect. Whether you are planning on a small renovation project, remodeling, expanding, or preserving, having a clear understanding of the different architectural styles will enable you to understand deeper and appreciate the art and science behind building your dream home.
In this article, we will discuss the history, features, and significant characteristics, of the most popular home styles you’ve probably heard of.
1. Acadian
Acadian-style homes are a popular choice for people looking for open-concept living areas with classic southern exteriors as well as lots of room for indoor and outdoor gatherings. Modern Acadian-style residences might not retain all the distinguishing characteristics of the original design since the style has changed over the previous few centuries. However, an Acadian-style home will still have a few traits, many of which were formerly based on functionality and low upkeep.
Key Features:
- Full-length front porch
- Constructed of brick or siding
- Typically have one to one-and-a-half stories of interior space
2. Bungalow
The native architectural design of Bengal, India, serves as the inspiration for the bungalow style. English commanders ordered the construction of modest homes in the late 19th century, during the latter years of the British Empire. The homes were one-story structures with thatched or tile roofs as well as large, shaded verandas.
Key Features:
- Single story
- Can have a partial story that is constructed into a sloping roof
- Dormer windows
- Verandas
3. Cape Cod
Renee Schwitezke / Flickr https://flic.kr/p/2nPeJ
Charming yet simple, Cape Cod-style homes were quite tiny with dormer windows used to enhance space, light, and ventilation. This type of house style dates to the early 17th century and became popular in the 1830s. Today, the cape cod house design is still well-regarded, especially for homeowners who love the traditional aesthetic.
Key Features:
- One or one and a half stories or two
- High-pitched roof
- Central chimney
- Symmetrical layout
4. Colonial
As the name implies, the colonial era served as the inspiration for this American house design. However, it has undergone ongoing evolution, including the Colonial Revival style of the late 19th century.
Key Features:
- They have two or three stories
- Fireplaces
- Brick or wooden facades
- Kitchen and family room on the first level
- Bedrooms on the second level
- Gable Roof
5. Contemporary
Contemporary style describes things that are up to date and in line with current home style trends. Simplicity, subtle elegance, purposeful use of material, and clean lines are the fundamental characteristics of a contemporary home style. Rather than emphasizing objects, interiors frequently highlight space.
Key Features:
- Glass windows
- Open floor layouts
- Smart home features
- Dynamic combination of contrasting materials within the interior
6. Contemporary Farmhouse
With so much going on in the world right now, we are desiring a little bit of the cozier and more comfortable at home through interior design over the traditional past design. Designers addressed that need by creating a new style known as a contemporary farmhouse. The classic rural aesthetic and more simple contemporary design are the ideal combinations that result in a modern farmhouse style.
Key Features:
- Wooden elements
- Muted or neutral color scheme
- Rectangular floor plan
- Large windows
- Dormer windows
- Side gable end roofs
7. Cottage
A cottage is a specific kind of tiny house that may be built in a variety of architectural styles and home layouts. Different cultures have different ideas of what a cottage is, but generally speaking, a cottage is a modest, quaint house in the country, frequently used as a summer or holiday residence. The attractive and comfortable cottage-style homes we are familiar with today were created by American architects inspired by the thatched-roof cottages of Medieval England. During the 1920s and 1930s, the style rose to prominence in the United States.
Key Features:
- Small balconies and porches
- Gable roofs
- Bay windows
- Natural elements
- One story
8. Craftsman
The Arts and Crafts style sometimes referred to as the Craftsman bungalow, gained popularity between 1900 and 1930 and is currently seeing a revival. The Craftsman-style home has been a favorite since the 1990s when its popularity first rekindled. It constantly comes in as one of the top architectural trends for today’s homeowners.
Key Features:
- Interior woodwork
- Built-in seats and shelves.
- Low-pitched roofs
- Large eave overhangs
- Exposed roof rafters
- Ornamental beams beneath gables
- Porches are enclosed by tapering rectangular posts.
- Wide Porches
- Pedestal Like Tapered Columns
- Materials often include stone and wood
9. Farmhouse
Geographical factors were initially a factor in the farmhouse’s architecture. The qualities of the setting—including the people who lived there, the climate, and the materials that were available—evolved into the style. Farmhouse-styled homes were typically located in the countryside but as the style became more popular, the style has been integrated into the interior of contemporary homes and apartments located in cities.
Vintage items are found in a home with a farmhouse aesthetic. Typically, they have a worn-out, imperfect appearance. Everything made of galvanized metal has a rustic, old-fashioned vibe and is commonly used as a decor piece in a farmhouse interior.
Key Features:
- Porches
- Hardwood floors
- Horizontal siding or Board & Batten
- Barn doors
- Open shelves
- Faux beams in the ceiling
10. French Country
French country style is characterized as a fusion of elegant and rustic design that takes its cues from rural residences in France. It is a well-liked fashion all around the world due to its relaxed elegance. American residences built in the country-French architectural style date to the 18th century.
Key Features:
- Half-timbered frame
- Tall rectangular windows
- Paired shutters
- Steeply pitched roofs or bell roof pitches
- Stone or brick facade
11. Mediterranean
Photo: Werner Straube
In the 1920s, residences were built in the Mediterranean style, which has an appearance similar to that of Mediterranean villas. Mediterranean houses are common in warm-weather regions like California and Florida, where Spanish architecture is also present.
Key Features:
- Arches
- Grillwork
- Stucco façade
- Low-pitched red tile roofs
12. Midcentury Modern
Midcentury modern is a design movement that became popular during the United States’ post-World War II period. Mid-century interiors are thoughtfully created which makes them a favorite home style among millennials.
Key Features:
- Clean lines
- Soft curves
- Minimal decoration
- Big windows
- Open floor plans
13. Ranch
The popularity of ranch-style homes took off after World War II when returning soldiers were being relocated to housing projects in suburbs. The ranch-style homes were considered the ideal home to construct because they were simple and inexpensive. Up until now, ranch-style homes are still sought-after by a lot of homebuyers. Ranch houses are still the most common type of residence throughout the United States.
Key Features:
- Single story
- Open floor plan
- Patio
- Long, low-pitch rooflines
- Big windows
14. West Indies
This architectural style originated in the British Caribbean colonies in the late 18th and early 19th centuries and is known as “West Indies” to refer to the British islands in and surrounding the Caribbean.
The goal of this specific design was to provide living spaces that effortlessly merged indoor and outdoor environments. The custom is still practiced in contemporary renditions, such as in waterfront homes on the coasts of the United States that draw inspiration from the islands.
Key Features:
- Outdoor living areas
- Covered porches
- Many windows
- Sliding glass doors
- Wooden verandas
Knowing which architectural style is right for you and your needs is crucial to achieving the home that you truly want. Which architectural style to pick is one of the first considerations to be made when constructing a new home or modifying an existing one. All major decisions, including design plans, material selections, color selections, and more, will benefit from first deciding on a style. Also keep into consideration that each architecture style tends to have different price points. We hope this short introduction to different architectural styles gave you an idea of what home style is the right one for you.