The 26 Most Common House Styles, Explained

The 26 Most Common House Styles, Explained

26 most common house styles with a quick explanation for each. These styles often reflect different periods, architectural features, and regional influences. Some are more traditional, while others incorporate more modern design elements. Let’s dive in!

1. Colonial Revival

  • Period: Early 20th century, inspired by Colonial America.
  • Key Features: Symmetrical facade, brick or wood siding, gable roof, central front door with sidelights, and columns or pilasters.
  • Vibe: Traditional and formal.

2. Cape Cod

  • Period: Colonial, popular in New England.
  • Key Features: Steep, gable roof, dormer windows, symmetrical design, wood siding, and a centrally located front door.
  • Vibe: Cozy, quaint, and simple.

3. Craftsman

  • Period: Early 20th century.
  • Key Features: Low-pitched gable roofs, wide overhangs, exposed rafters, large front porches with thick columns, and handcrafted woodwork.
  • Vibe: Arts-and-crafts, warm, and rustic.

4. Dutch Colonial

  • Period: Colonial, influenced by Dutch settlers.
  • Key Features: Gambrel roof (barn-style roof), flared eaves, brick or wood siding, and dormer windows.
  • Vibe: Rustic and charming.

5. Tudor

  • Period: Early 20th century, inspired by medieval English homes.
  • Key Features: Steeply pitched roof, decorative half-timbering, brick and stone walls, tall, narrow windows with leaded glass, and chimneys.
  • Vibe: Romantic, historic, and English countryside-inspired.

6. Victorian

  • Period: Late 19th century.
  • Key Features: Elaborate ornamentation, steep roofs, bright colours, bay windows, turrets, and intricate woodwork (gingerbread trim).
  • Vibe: Fancy, whimsical, and intricate.

7. Modern

  • Period: Mid 20th century to present.
  • Key Features: Clean lines, flat roofs, large windows, open floor plans, minimal ornamentation, and use of new materials like steel and glass.
  • Vibe: Sleek, functional, and contemporary.

8. Mid-Century Modern

  • Period: 1940s–1960s.
  • Key Features: Flat or low-pitched roofs, large windows, open floor plans, integration with nature, and minimalist design.
  • Vibe: Retro, clean, and functional.

9. Ranch

  • Period: 1920s–1970s.
  • Key Features: Single-story, long and low profile, large windows, attached garage, simple rooflines, and open living spaces.
  • Vibe: Casual, informal, and sprawling.

10. Contemporary

  • Period: 1970s–present.
  • Key Features: Fluid shapes, modern materials, large glass windows, and often an asymmetrical roofline.
  • Vibe: Innovative, artistic, and always evolving.

11. Cottage

  • Period: Various periods, often associated with rural areas.
  • Key Features: Cozy, small scale, steep gabled roof, dormers, and charming details like window boxes and brick or stone facades.
  • Vibe: Cute, quaint, and rustic.

12. Mediterranean Revival

  • Period: Early to mid-20th century.
  • Key Features: Stucco exterior, tile roofs, arched doorways and windows, terracotta tiles, and wrought iron details.
  • Vibe: Warm, inviting, and European.

13. Neoclassical

  • Period: Late 18th to early 19th century.
  • Key Features: Symmetrical design, grand columns, pediments, and expansive porches. Inspired by Greek and Roman architecture.
  • Vibe: Majestic, formal, and stately.

14. Farmhouse

  • Period: Late 19th century.
  • Key Features: Large, open porches, pitched roofs, simple facades, and practical design. Often includes a barn or outbuildings.
  • Vibe: Rustic, down-to-earth, and functional.

15. Queen Anne

  • Period: Late 19th century.
  • Key Features: Asymmetrical shapes, elaborate decoration, turrets, wraparound porches, and vibrant colors.
  • Vibe: Romantic, ornate, and eclectic.

16. Georgian

  • Period: 1700s.
  • Key Features: Symmetrical design, brick exterior, gable or hipped roof, and dormer windows.
  • Vibe: Classic, refined, and formal.

17. Shingle Style

  • Period: Late 19th century.
  • Key Features: Use of wood shingles on the exterior, asymmetrical rooflines, open floor plans, and large windows.
  • Vibe: Casual, natural, and organic.

18. Art Deco

  • Period: 1920s–1940s.
  • Key Features: Bold geometric shapes, smooth, clean lines, and lavish ornamentation like stepped forms and metallic details.
  • Vibe: Glamorous, bold, and artistic.

19. International Style

  • Period: 1920s–1930s.
  • Key Features: Flat roofs, clean lines, steel and glass materials, and lack of decoration.
  • Vibe: Modern, utilitarian, and minimalist.

20. Italianate

  • Period: Mid-1800s.
  • Key Features: Tall, narrow windows, elaborate cornices, low-pitched roofs, and decorative brackets under the eaves.
  • Vibe: Elegant, Italian-inspired, and sophisticated.

21. Spanish Revival

  • Period: Early 20th century.
  • Key Features: Stucco exteriors, red tile roofs, arched doorways, wrought iron railings, and courtyards.
  • Vibe: Warm, Mediterranean, and exotic.

22. Bungalow

  • Period: Early 20th century.
  • Key Features: Low, wide profile, overhanging eaves, exposed rafters, and a front porch.
  • Vibe: Cozy, simple, and practical.

23. Farmhouse Modern

  • Period: 21st century.
  • Key Features: A blend of traditional farmhouse elements with sleek, modern details, such as minimalist furniture, clean lines, and simple, neutral colours.
  • Vibe: Cozy, rustic, and contemporary.

24. Log Cabin

  • Period: Colonial America.
  • Key Features: Logs as the primary building material, often with a steep, gable roof, small windows, and simple layout.
  • Vibe: Rustic, natural, and cozy.

25. Split-Level

  • Period: 1950s–1970s.
  • Key Features: Multiple levels with staggered floor heights, typically featuring a main entry hall and a lower level for living areas.
  • Vibe: Practical, mid-century, and casual.

26. Barndominium

  • Period: 21st century (a newer trend).
  • Key Features: Steel or metal frame structure, large open spaces, often a combination of living and working areas.
  • Vibe: Rural, industrial, and versatile.

Summary:

These 26 house styles offer a mix of traditional, modern, and eclectic designs that reflect various historical periods and regional influences. Whether you're drawn to the clean lines of Modern or the charming details of a Tudor, each style brings something unique to the table. The goal is to choose one that reflects your personal aesthetic, lifestyle, and the surrounding environment. Do any of these styles particularly catch your eye?

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