Different architectural house styles can be found in American cities and suburbs. Many older houses still have a lot of the charm that defines their style. But if you want to add old-house charm to a more modern home, you’ll need to understand some distinctive qualities that set each style apart.
Here are some prominent house styles and the characteristics that make them unique.
Cape Code
In suburban areas, Cape Cod homes are prevalent. During the 1950s, they became widely popular in the United States. The style was named after the coast of Massachusetts and was introduced by English settlers in the late 17th century. These houses are typically one and a half stories tall with dormers and a central doorway. Centuries-old English half-timbered buildings influenced the initial design, but the frame was modified to suit the New England environment.
Colonial
Colonial-style residences date back to the 17th century and exist in various styles. Depending on their country of origin, early American settlers affected each style. The houses are usually symmetrical and have some dormers. Because the United States was under British dominion for a long time, you’ll encounter many examples of British or Georgian colonial-style homes. Federal, Dutch, French, and Spanish colonial styles are also possible. They are trendy on the East Coast, but they may be found all around the country.
Ranch
Ranch homes are single-story or split-level residences that initially appeared in the United States in the early half of the twentieth century. People built these homes influenced by Spanish colonials in the Southwest in the 1930s. Later ranch homes might be confused with mid-century modern homes because they share several features, such as their streamlined design. Ranch-style homes typically have open floor designs that connect to the outside.
Tudor
Tudor-style residences are easily identified by their timber elements set against light-colored stucco. They also have elaborate brick decorations. Historic homes inspired the Tudor design in England. This house type became widespread in affluent suburban communities across the United States in the early twentieth century. Because the strong building is appropriate for cold weather, many Tudor residences can be found in northern regions.
Modern
It’s easy to mix up modern and contemporary homes, but the simplest way to determine the difference is to check the home’s construction date. Modern-style homes were mainly built in the United States between the 1930s and the 1970s, with midcentury modern being a subset of this style. On the other hand, modern homes were not erected until decades later. Modern homes are typically minimalist in design, with clean, sharp lines. There are few decorative details. These houses can be found nationwide, most on the West Coast.
Farmhouse
A farmhouse-style home is a contemporary design interpretation of the rural family farm homes on many acreages. Old farmhouses were built throughout the United States in the 1700s and 1800s. They were available in various design styles, including Victorian and colonial. The most typical farmhouse was a plain rectangular home with a broad porch and a clapboard exterior. Modern farmhouses have grown in size while mimicking the subtle form.
Cabin
Small log cabins have been constructed for centuries, with European settlers introducing the style to North America. Initially, this primitive architectural style comprised simple one-room dwellings in the forest. People build modern cabins as their primary houses in rural and suburban settings for aesthetic reasons. As a homage to historical architecture, the outside is frequently built with logs or wrapped in wood. And the design is straightforward, with a relatively open interior. If you’re considering this style, learning why log homes are durable can help you understand their long-lasting appeal and structural benefits.
Rowhouse
Row Houses, often known as townhouses, are erected next to each other with an adjoining wall. This home style is widespread in major cities throughout the country, where lot sizes are long and narrow. Often, the same architect may create the majority, if not all, of the rowhouses on a block, giving them a consistent appearance. Depending on the architect’s preferences, the design style can vary. Row Houses first appeared in the Netherlands and Belgium in the 16th century, and they spread to towns across the United States during the Industrial Revolution.
French Country
Centuries-old farmhouses inspire French country homes in the French countryside. These residences were more natural and lived-in than the exquisite French architecture that dominated cities. Natural stone façade, sloping roofs, chimneys, and natural wood or stone flooring are standard features of French country residences. Such houses can be found in various residential neighborhoods around the United States.
Saltbox
Saltbox houses first appeared in New England in the 1600s and remain popular today. They were simple structures that early settlers could construct with materials, chiefly local timber. Saltbox houses have sloping, asymmetrical roofs as well as a giant chimney. The front of the house usually is flat, with two floors in the front dropping down to one in the back.
Queen Anne
Queen Anne architecture is a type of Victorian architecture prominent in the late 1800s. It was popular in the United States until the 1920s, with most structures in that style located in the east. Queen Anne houses typically have an asymmetrical front roof and overhanging eaves. A front porch, sometimes with a second-story balcony, is also ordinary.
Cottage
Tiny cottage-style homes first appeared throughout Europe in tiny towns and villages. They are widely used throughout the United States, particularly in small towns. Cottages are distinguished by their diminutive size and are often clad with stone or wood, though siding has also become popular. They typically stand one to one and a half stories tall., with little porches. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable.
Greek Revival
Ancient Greek structures influence Greek Revival architecture. The style first appeared in Britain in the 1700s but entirely took off in the United States in the 19th century. Americans sought to honor the cradle of democracy through architecture as a new democracy, which is why many government buildings utilize the design. Home examples can now be found all across the country. Giant columns, a symmetrical design, and a white facade identify the style.
Rowhouse
Row Houses, often known as townhouses, are erected next to each other with an adjoining wall. This home style is widespread in major cities throughout the country, where lot sizes are long and narrow. Often, the same architect may create the majority, if not all, of the rowhouses on a block, giving them a consistent appearance. Depending on the architect’s preferences, the design style can vary. Row Houses first appeared in the Netherlands and Belgium in the 16th century, and they spread to towns across the United States during the Industrial Revolution.
Contemporary
Contemporary architecture mainly refers to building styles that are popular nowadays. Contemporary homes can vary widely, but they often combine interior and exterior design to create a sense of movement. Although the style is usually clean and basic, the edges can be soft and rounded. Modern-style residences can be found nationwide, particularly in new construction (but a new construction does not have to be modern).
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed house-style ideas. These ideas are trendy. Cities and suburbs in the United States have a variety of residential architectural styles. A lot of charm still gives older homes their distinctive appearance. However, you’ll need to know some unique characteristics that make each house design unique to add old-house charm to a more contemporary property. Foyr provides the best house-style ideas. When house styles are used correctly, your company’s brand will be supported and strengthened because there will be a standard presentation technique and a uniform appearance across all contracts our clients deal with. Additionally, employing house styles facilitates editing specific portions of the page.
