Sonia
Let us dive into the world of American architecture and check out 15 unique house styles that dot our neighborhoods. From the time-honored Greek Revival to the cozy corners of a Bungalow, each style tells its own story about where and when it came from. Ready to take a tour? Let’s go!
Colonial
Colonial architecture is like the founding father of American home styles, harking back to the 1600s. These homes are a lesson in balance and simplicity. Imagine a home with a door dead center and windows spaced out evenly on both sides, usually two stories tall. Most have sharply sloped roofs and shutters framing the windows.
Craftsman
Next is the Craftsman style, which became all the rage in the early 1900s thanks to the Arts and Crafts movement. These homes scream comfort with their low-pitched roofs and broad eaves with exposed rafters. Inside, it is all about the details—built-in bookshelves and lots of wood and stone.
Cape Cod
Oh, the Cape Cod homes are snug as a bug! They started out in New England in the 17th century, designed to keep out the fierce Atlantic storms. These homes are usually one or one and a half stories with steep roofs and minimal overhang to prevent wind damage. You will often find them clad in clapboard or shingles.
Mid-Century Modern
The Mid-Century Modern style is for those who love blending the indoors with the outdoors. Designed around the 1950s, these homes feature flat planes, lots of glass, and open spaces. They feature sleek lines and a seamless flow from inside to outside. The roofs have a slight pitch and are often flat.
Victorian
If drama is your thing, Victorian homes are perfect. They look like they have jumped right out of a storybook with intricate trim, vibrant colors, complex rooflines, and sometimes, towers or turrets. Built during Queen Victoria’s reign, they are anything but modest. Inside, expect to find grand staircases and colorful stained glass.
Tudor
Step into a Tudor home, and you might feel like you are in a fairy tale. These homes feature decorative half-timbering, steeply pitched roofs, and narrow windows. It is all very medieval, complete with heavy wooden doors and sometimes lead glass. The vibe is enchanting, rustic, and absolutely packed with character.
Ranch
Ranch-style homes are the epitome of practicality with their open layouts that became a hit in the 1950s and ’60s, particularly in the suburbs. Picture a single-story layout with a low roofline, big windows, and an attached garage. They feature sliding doors that lead out to a patio or garden, perfect if you are not a fan of stairs and love open spaces.
Contemporary
Contemporary homes are what you would call the “now” of architecture, reflecting current trends and innovations. These homes ditch the ornate past for clean lines, irregular shapes, and massive windows that bring in loads of light. They often use materials like steel, glass, and concrete and focus on being green and sustainable.
French Country
For a touch of rustic European charm, French Country homes are the way to go. These houses feature soft, curved arches, delicate woodwork, and a mix of textures. The roofs are often steep and tiled, adding to that old-world charm, while the exteriors are finished in stucco or stone.
Pueblo Revival
The Pueblo Revival style, native to the American Southwest and inspired by the earthen homes of the Pueblo Indians. These houses are usually made of stucco or adobe, with flat roofs and rounded corners, often featuring wooden beams known as vigas. Their earthy tones blend seamlessly with the landscape, and features like enclosed courtyards offer a private slice of the outdoors.
Greek Revival
Greek Revival homes are like stepping back into ancient Greece but in modern America. With their tall columns and symmetrical layout, they often resemble Greek temples. Popular in the early 19th century, they featured large windows, heavy cornices, and either gabled or hipped roofs. The front porches, typically supported by iconic columns, add to the majestic and formal feel.
Shotgun House
The Shotgun House is unique to the American South, specifically New Orleans. Such houses are usually 12 feet wide, very narrow and long structures, and the rooms are arranged one after another in a rectangular style. The layout is straightforward, with a door at each end, which is where the name comes from. They usually have a steep, gable roof and a cozy front porch.
Bungalow
The Bungalow style is all about living comfortably. Originating in California, these homes are usually one or one-and-a-half stories tall, with a distinctive low-pitched roof and wide eaves with exposed rafters. The front porch is supported by robust columns, creating a welcoming entrance. Inside, the layout is efficient, featuring built-in furniture and a big fireplace.
Federal
Federal-style homes echo the elegance of the early American period, around the time of the Revolutionary War. Look for elliptical windows, fanlights above the doors, and intricate details along the roof and cornices. The symmetry and tall, narrow windows of Federal homes reflect a mature taste, emphasizing sophistication and a quiet grandeur.
Art Deco
The Art Deco style brings a splash of glamor and luxury from the 1920s and ’30s. These homes are all about bold geometric shapes, rich colors, and ornate detailing. You will often find flat roofs, smooth stucco walls with rounded corners, and dramatic doorways. Inside, it has decorative glass blocks, chrome hardware, and mirrored accents, offering a peek into a ritzy, bygone era.
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