9 Types of Home Architecture

1.Cape Cod House Styles

The first is the Cape Cod style. This style dates back to the 1670s and was inspired by small wooden houses where English settlers lived before migrating to America. The design is simple, practical and often symmetrical.

What Are the Features of Cape Cod Style Homes?

Like a colonial home, the Cape Cod style includes these features:

• A low and wide single-story frame structure
• A steep gabled roof
• A large central chimney
• A small or no deck
• High symmetry
• Usually built from local materials such as wood, brick or stone

2.Ranch House Styles

Ranch house styles began appearing in the late 1920s and became popular between 1940 and 1970. These homes are known for their open floor plans and large lots, creating a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

This architectural style was in vogue on the American Sun Coast along its southern shore. As the Ranch style grew in popularity, it evolved depending on homeowners' needs, location and budget. Today there are many different types of Ranch homes including elevated ranches, two-story ranches and suburban ranches.

What Are the Features of Ranch Style Homes?

Here are several visual indicators that will help you identify a Ranch style home:

• Single-story
• Built with an open floor plan
• A low-pitched roof
• Picnic area
• Long decks
• Simples exterior materials such as wood, stone and brick

3.Art Deco Style

The Art Deco style was established in 1925 at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris. This architectural style influenced many commercial buildings and skyscrapers.

What Are the Features of Art Deco Style Homes?

This home style is easily recognizable from a distance. It's known for its functionality and experimental architecture. Some features:

• Vibrant geometry with clearly defined horizontal and vertical lines
• Flat roofs
• A smooth and stylized appearance
• Smooth stucco and rounded corners
• Experiments with various interior materials
• Exterior materials such as concrete blocks, mosaic tile and fired brick

4.Mediterranean Renaissance Style

Homes in the Mediterranean Renaissance style quickly gained popularity in the US due to their exotic aesthetic appeal. As a result, they became widely spread across many resort areas of Southern California and Florida, aiming to convey the atmosphere of the Mediterranean coastal regions.

What Are the Features of Mediterranean Renaissance Style Homes?

Here are several defining features of the Mediterranean Renaissance style:

• Red clay roofs
• Ornamental arches
• Arches
• Lattice elements
• A central courtyard
• Exterior materials such as stucco or adobe

5.Colonial House Styles

Architectural styles that emerged in other countries of the world and influenced American homes are called colonial styles.

For example, British colonial style influenced houses with symmetry, large central chimneys and windows with multiple panes. On the other hand, French colonial style inspired houses with gabled or shed roofs and double chimneys.

What Are the Features of Colonial Style Homes?

Homes in colonial style can vary depending on the colonial architecture, but there are several defining characteristics:

• Use of symmetry
• Two-story design
• Large single or double chimneys
• Sash windows
• Fireplaces
• Building exterior materials: brick or wood

6.French Country Style Homes

The French Country style dates back to the 18th century when France controlled most of the eastern part of North America. French Country style homes are often single-story and distinguished by a multitude of narrow windows and steep roofs. Excellent entrances and surrounding landscape designs define their appeal.

What Are the Features of French Country Style Homes?

Features of this architectural style are inspired by French countryside homes and typically include:

• Balance and symmetry
• Steep roofs (gable or shed)
• Stucco facades
• Unique landscape designs
• Semi-enclosing frames
• Crafted wooden material

7.Cottage Style Homes

Cottage style homes are often considered the coziest architectural type. This style was popular in the 1920s and 1930s and is known for its warm and intimate appearance. As another colonial style, they originate from small English village cottages.

What Are the Features of Cottage Style Homes?

Cottage style homes may be small but they are full of charm. Their features include:

• Steep roofs and overhanging eaves
• Arched doors
• A small deck
• Sidelight or arched windows
• Shingled roofs
• Exterior materials such as brick and stucco

8.Victorian Style Homes

If you are looking for romantic and distinctive homes with many details, Victorian homes are an excellent choice. These types of homes originated during the reign of Queen Victoria.

Modern Victorian homes retain traditional characteristics but use contemporary architecture and colors.

What Are the Features of Victorian Style Homes?

Some common characteristics of Victorian era homes:

• Tall roofs
• Emphasis on the front facade
• Asymmetrical design
• Ornamental wooden bargeboards
• Decks
• Exterior materials: wood or stone

9.Craftsman Style Homes

The last, but no less important style is Craftsman homes. This style became the most popular among millennials. It sharply contrasts with Victorian homes. This style emerged at the beginning of the 20th century and was inspired by the beauty of natural materials.

What Are the Features of Craftsman Style Homes?

The Craftsman style is known for compact and efficient features such as:

• Low and shallow roofs
• Wide front decks
• Wide eave overhangs
• Ornamental beams
• Exposed roof rafters
• Natural materials such as stone, brick and wood

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Four Architectural Styles?

The four main architectural styles in America: Colonial, Craftsman, Ranch and Cape Cod. Each offers unique features that emerged from different countries of the world using both classical and modern architecture. Today, millennials prefer Craftsman style homes, while older generations tend to favor Ranch style homes.

What Types of Architecture Exist?

There are many different types of architectural styles such as Cape Cod, Ranch and Craftsman. The influence of colonial architecture from France, Spain and England also strongly influenced what homes Americans want to buy today. For example, popular styles like Mediterranean Renaissance, Cottage and Victorian have their roots in colonial architecture.