Architecture is the creative combination of art and science, and designing the perfect home that matches your family’s personality and style is a scientific art form in itself.
Having a basic understanding of which basic bone structure you like most in a home comes in handy whether you’re building your home from the ground up or doing a remodel. You may even find that you prefer a mix of several styles.
You should consult with your contractor to help you create a luxurious architectural design and style for your home. If you’re remodeling, your home’s natural bones and design will be your starting point, but your contractor will know best how to proceed to meet your needs.
The following are 10 popular American home styles to inspire you.
#1 Cape Cod
This 1-1 ½ story 1930’s home style traditionally features dormer windows that provide added light, steep roof line, wood siding, sliding windows and hardwood floors. If you’re looking to add onto your home, you may consider a cape cod style addition.
#2 Country French
Country French styled homes are rooted in the 18th century and are typically only 1 story. But that doesn't detract from their beautiful curb appeal features, including narrow windows, stucco, pitched roof and generally half-timbered frame (exposed wood framing on the exterior with spaces filled with plaster, stucco, brick or stone).
#3 Colonial
Colonials boast brick or wood facades and a cozy fireplace. Their architectural design makes it easy to add onto in the future, and they are typically 2-3 stories with living spaces on the first floor and bedrooms on the upper floors.
#4 Victorian
The architectural design of a Victorian home is very distinct because of its steep, pitched roof, dominant front-facing gable, cutaway bay windows, and shingle pattern. You’ll also notice that it has an asymmetrical facade with a partial or full-width front porch.
#5 Tudor
Tudor style architecture is traced back to the Tudor dynasty in England and is known for having a pitched roof and prominent cross gables. If you enjoy decorative half-timbering, tall narrow windows with small window panes, then the Tudor style home is perfect for you.
#6 Craftsman
If you’re looking to design a guest home or enjoy a bungalow style home, then the Craftsman home style is your architectural match. This style features heavy interior woodworking, a low-pitched roof, wide eave overhangs, exposed roof rafters, and decorative beams.
#7 Cottage
Does a pleasant atmosphere come to mind when you think of the cottage style home? If you answered yes, that’s because it features a steep pitched roof, cross gables, arched doors, casement windows with small panes, and either brick, stone or stucco siding, which are all the makings for a cozy, charming home.
#8 Mediterranean
Mediterranean style homes often have a low-pitched, red tiled roof with a floor plan designed in the shape of a U to make everything central around the courtyard. This is a uniquely smart design because it promotes cooling cross-ventilation and flow of fresh air throughout the home.
#9 Ranch
Based somewhat on Spanish Colonial houses in the Southwest, the Ranch style is simple and classic with plenty of efficient living spaces. Though this style may appear plain to some, they have plenty of room and make for great potential home add-ons. They are one story and have a wide asymmetrical facade, front-facing garage, and low-pitched roof.
#10 Contemporary
Think glass home when imagining the Contemporary home. Well, not entirely, but it is designed with large window spaces, open floor plans and inventive designs. This style is also fairly simple, avoiding any ornamentation and unnecessary details, but includes contrasting materials and textures with a flat or low-pitched roof.
Whether you’re building your home from the ground up, remodeling or adding onto your home, consulting with a contractor will help you create a find your perfect architectural design and style for your home. Contact us today for a consultation!