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Home styles vary widely across cultures and personal preferences, offering unique architectural features that give insight into history, geography, and lifestyle. Discover some of the more common home styles, their defining characteristics, and examples.
According to Redfin, the most popular styles of homes across all of the United States are: Ranch, Craftsman, Colonial, Cape Cod, and Tudor, followed by Victorian, Mediterranean, and then Modern. Two newer styles that haven’t yet made the list include the “Barn-dominium” and the “Shouse” (a mashup of Shop + House). The Barndominium is spacious and has high ceilings, steel siding and roof, an open floor plan, and a porch. A barndominium is essentially a large pole barn with living quarters, but don’t let the simplistic concept fool you – they can get quite extravagant. The Shouse is similar in concept and incorporates everything the barndominium does, except it also includes a separate area designated for a workshop. Both have been growing in popularity, particularly in rural or agricultural areas, due in large part to higher energy efficiency and a lower overall cost compared to two separate buildings.
RANCH
Ranch-style homes became popular in the post-World War II era in America. These single-story dwellings are known for their extended, low profile and integration with the surrounding landscape.
CRAFTSMAN
Known for its handcrafted details and natural materials, the Craftsman style emerged in the early 20th century as an alternative to industrialized mass home construction. It often features wide porches, low-pitched roofs, and exposed wooden structural elements.
COLONIAL
The Colonial style is a classic American design that reflects the architectural styles of the early settlers. Generally symmetrical with a rectangular footprint, it often features a central entrance, gabled roofs, and a brick or wood façade.
TUDOR
Tudor style homes draw inspiration from medieval England and are recognizable by their steeply pitched roofs, decorative exterior half-timbering, and embellished doorways.
CAPE COD
Originating in early 17th century New England, Cape Cod style homes are known for their steep roofs, central chimneys, and dormer windows. These homes are often found in coastal areas and evoke a cozy charm and quaint appeal.
VICTORIAN
Originating from the Victorian era (mid-19th to early 20th century), Victorian homes are renowned for their ornate detailing, complex rooflines, and asymmetrical shapes. Tower-like structures, vibrant colors, and large porches are also common features.
MODERN/CONTEMPORARY STYLE
Modern homes embrace minimalism and simplicity, often utilizing open floor plans and large glass windows to promote natural light. Functionality is prioritized, and ornamentation is typically limited.
SPLIT-LEVEL STYLE
Split-level homes are characterized by staggered floor levels, typically divided into three sections. The entry-level usually houses the living room and kitchen with bedrooms a half-flight up and a family room a half-flight down. This design utilizes space efficiently and offers separation between living areas.
SPLIT-ENTRY / BI-LEVEL
Also known as a bi-level home, the Split-entry style became more popular in the 20th century and features two distinct levels connected by a short flight of stairs right at the entrance, either going up to the main living areas or down to additional living or utility spaces. This design offers a clear separation of space a practical solution for living and recreation areas in a smaller footprint.
MEDITERRANEAN
Inspired by the coastal regions of Spain, Italy, and France, Mediterranean style homes often feature tiled roofs (often red in color), stucco walls, and arched windows and doorways. These homes often have a romantic and luxurious appeal and can most often be seen in western and southern coastal areas of the United States.
COTTAGE STYLE
Cottages are synonymous with old-style comfort and warmth and are often characterized by their small, cozy dimensions, steep-pitched roofs, and quaint details. They typically feature stone or wood facades and arched doors.
FRENCH PROVINCIAL STYLE
Drawing inspiration from the French countryside, French Provincial homes are known for their elegant and symmetrical appearance, steep roofs, and decorative stonework. These homes often contain luxurious details and formal gardens.
FARMHOUSE STYLE
Farmhouses are known for their functional, unpretentious design and are often found in rural areas. These homes usually have large porches, eat-in kitchens with oversized sinks, simple lines, and main living areas downstairs with beds and baths upstairs.
MIDCENTURY STYLE
The Midcentury style emerged during the mid-20th century, emphasizing open floor plans, flat planes, and expansive glass windows to integrate indoor and outdoor spaces. The design leans towards simplicity and organic forms.
CONDOMINIUM
Condominiums, or condos, refer to a housing structure where individual units within a building are owned separately. Styles can vary widely, but common features include shared amenities such as pools, gyms, and community spaces within the building itself.
TOWNHOUSE
ownhouses, or row houses, are typically multi-story homes connected in a row. They often have a uniform façade and are fairly common in urban areas, balancing privacy and community living.
From the rustic charm of Farmhouses to the contemporary elegance of Mid-century homes, these diverse architectural styles reflect a rich tapestry of cultural influences and practical considerations throughout the nation. Whether it’s the elegant details of a Victorian home or the clean lines of Modern design, each style embodies a unique story waiting to be explored.
Understanding these styles provides insight into various aesthetic choices, shaping our perception of community and living spaces. Whether you’re drawn to the communal spirit of townhouses or the cozy appeal of cottages, these architectural expressions cater to different preferences and desires, making our homes an extension of our personalities and lifestyles.