Every single house has a style. In some cases, a house will have two or more styles due to renovations or new mixes. As a result, many homeowners find it difficult to fit the architectural style of their home into a specific category. Fortunately, chances are, you won’t need an architecture degree to identify the architectural style of your home. Here are some popular architecture styles you may see around your current neighborhood, or neighborhoods you may want to be in in the future.
Cape Cod
The first Cape Cod homes were constructed by the original colonists of the United States. These homes are designed to hold up against the harsh elements and are incredibly common in the northern United States. Due to their low ceilings, Cape Cod homes are very efficient to heat, making them an excellent choice for cold climates. Cape Cod homes built in the 20th century usually have dormers and the shutters of these homes are decorative.
While the design of Cape Cod homes is meant to be space-efficient, they can be tight in comparison to more modern homes. As a result, Cape Cod homes are an excellent candidate for additions. Usually, these homes need a larger dining room and kitchen.
A common feature of Cape Cods is that the bedrooms are located at the back of the house while the living room and kitchen are located at the front. Usually, the backyard isn't accessible or even viewable from any living areas in a Cape Cod home. In general, you will need to leave the home from the front and walk along the side of the house to reach the yard. Another possibility is that a door can be built in one of the bedrooms to lead to the backyard.
Colonial
Of the many styles of homes in the country, the colonial home is one of the most popular. One of the main advantages of a colonial home is its spaciousness and elegance. Unfortunately, a colonial home can be difficult to pinpoint because there are many variations. Also, quite a few of the variations are custom-built. Some common features of modern colonials include a first-floor formal living room, a partially finished basement, an eat-in kitchen, a half-bath, and a family room.
There are colonials that are hundreds of years old as well as colonials that have popped up in the past few years. Undoubtedly, the colonial is one of the few enduring architectural styles that has always remained in style. Colonial homes are sturdy and suitable for the lifestyle of today, continually making these homes popular among people shopping for a home.
Contemporary
The design elements of the contemporary home will differ from home to home. However, it is generally easy to identify a contemporary home. Contemporaries are typically designed and built to emphasize the outdoors. The views and windows allow homeowners to enjoy the outdoors even while they're inside their homes. As a result, contemporary homes are incredibly popular in warm climates.
Craftsman
Craftsman houses emphasize natural materials like wood, stone, and brick. Handcrafted woodwork and stone are frequently seen in craftsman houses. Common features of craftsman homes include low-pitched roofs with gables, wide front porches, and overhanging eaves. Structures of this architectural style also tend to be very symmetrical. Many craftsman homes have distinctive color schemes and combinations.
Modern
Modern homes tend to be geometric and boxy. Typically, modern homes have a flat roof and an attention-grabbing curbside appearance. Common materials used to construct modern homes are glass, concrete, and steel. White, solid walls are a particularly common feature of modern homes, with many having floor-to-ceiling windows and unique exterior features. Modern homes typically have an open floor plan for the interior. In general, the modern architectural style emphasizes clean, geometric lines and function over design.
Victorian
Of the different architectural styles, Victorian homes tend to be the most elaborate. Victorian homes are typically two stories and are usually built for beauty rather than functionality. The floorplans of Victorian homes are typically asymmetrical. Other common features of Victorian homes include grand towers, turrets, steep roof pitches with dormers, and large ornate porches. Eyebrow windows, decorative railings, and bright colors are also frequently seen in Victorian homes.
From first glance, it can be difficult to identify a property’s architectural style. While a home may have been built in one particular style, it may have become a mix of styles over time due to past owners’ tastes, trends, and advances in engineering. Whether you’re buying, selling, or are just curious, knowing the basics of popular architectural styles can help you figure out what you do and do not like.