Planning to build a house may leave you feeling both excited and overwhelmed. The process can be long and tedious, with so many options from which to choose. One of the most important of these choices is the type of home you’ll build.
Architectural style varies from place to place and essentially just comes down to personal preference. Still, finding the perfect balance for your family can be tricky. If you’re unsure of where to start, check out our list of home architectures and see which is best for your needs.
House styles in America come in all shapes and sizes. Some borrow architectural details from classical profiles, while others are unique to the modern world. Here are some of the most common home architectures in the United States.
Log cabins date back to the 1850s and feature log walls, one to three rooms, and sometimes have a center passage known as a dogtrot. Some of the country’s first settlers lived in these homes because they were easy to construct and protected them from the weather. Log homes are still common in the Appalachians and other middle Atlantic states.
The first Cape Cod-style homes were built in the 1600s and resembled thatched cottages from Britain. However, the newer version constructed in the United States features steeper roofs and massive chimneys to protect against the cold Northeastern weather. Sometimes you’ll even find different gutter styles in Maryland for this reason. Many of today’s Cape Cod homes were built between the 1920s and 1940s in some of the nation’s first moderately-priced housing developments.
Another popular architectural style from the 1920s and ‘40s is the modernistic home. These feature a flat roof, Art Deco details, and a smooth stucco exterior. These homes are making a comeback today, gaining popularity in states like California, Texas, and Florida.
Colonial homes date back to the 1600s, and this option includes many different styles thanks to the diversity of America’s first settlers. Regardless, at their core, these homes revolve around symmetry. They are often characterized by their chimneys, columns, and shuttered windows that are evenly placed. Colonial-style homes are still popular and found around the country in places such as the Northeast and Midwest.
Greek Revival style dates back from 1825 to 1860 when Americans were fascinated with Greek democracy and built civic buildings that resembled Greek temples. It didn’t take long for the pediments and columns to also be part of residential architecture. These homes feature a full-width front porch and 6-over-6 windows, complete with pediments.
Though some people confuse modern and contemporary architecture, they are not the same. Contemporary refers to homes built today, and these houses can vary widely in appearance and design. While both styles are similar in that they are built to connect the inside and outside worlds, contemporary homes are known for being energy efficient, made from sustainable materials, and incorporating lots of natural light and non-toxic materials.
Following the Industrial Revolution, Americans were once again interested in handcrafted art. It would become known as the “arts and crafts” era, thus paving the way for the Craftsman home. This style was characterized by simplicity and often featured a low-pitched roof, covered porch, intricate woodwork, and natural tones.
Cotters were European peasant farmers who lived in small homes made from wood or stone siding known as cottages. These houses feature curved entryways, brick or gravel front walkways and are often painted bright colors. Cottages are still popular today and allow for the best curb appeal.
Among the most popular home styles in America today, the farmhouse is a highly functional choice that’s highly stylized and functional. In general, the architecture is relatively simple, but the rooms are large and open, making it a fantastic choice for families to enjoy their time in a home that’s unfussy and meant to be lived in.
Mediterranean homes were trendy in the United States from 1918 to 1940 and were designed after the hacienda style. These homes typically include plaster surfaces, Spanish tile roofs, and arches. This is still a popular style today, especially in states on the west coast and Florida.
As you can see, there are many different architectural styles in the United States, and our list isn’t even close to being complete. The good news is that if you’re looking for a style that’s easy to maintain, any of them on our list above are acceptable.
Just remember that the style that works for one person may not work for another. The best way to find out what style works best for you and your family is to talk to a home designer. This person will be able to explain the pros and cons of each style and help determine which will meet your needs for years to come.
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