There is an array of home styles wherever you might be in the country. However, if you're a real estate investor or a first-time buyer, you will undoubtedly be searching for a home with the right aesthetics.
Homes mentioned range from luxurious designs with truly lavish architecture to quaint cottages with rich character. There is a home for you, and knowing the popular home styles and types of houses will introduce you to the personalities of many home designs.
The famous structure types we list here help you in your home search and may allow you to narrow down your hunt. Many of these homes have rich design details and characteristics that home buyers relish, including:
- Homes that are airy and have outstanding ventilation
- House styles that reflect buyers' vibes and hosting styles
- Interior designs that have solid ergonomics and make excellent use of space
- Building materials used that are of exceptional quality
- Gorgeous living rooms with space for sofa placement
- Kitchen areas that establish the heart of a home
Look at the collection here and determine if the styles connect with your tastes.
Ranch
Single-story ranch-style homes generally have an open-concept layout and dedicated patio space. Low-pitch roof lines and large windows are a regular feature of these homes. Many homeowners report the ease of maintenance for these home styles.
The rooms on a single floor can also make it simple to heat and cool the house.
Craftsman
First appearing in the late 1800s with the ushering in of the Arts and Crafts movement, Craftsman-style homes have a character that many home buyers love instead of the mass-produced homes.
Their durability and low-pitched roofs delight investors and first-time home buyers. Look for Craftsman's to include overhanging eaves, overhanging eaves, covered front porches, and heavy, tapered columns. This home style emphasizes an aesthetic that aligns with nature.
Tudor
Arriving in the United States by way of European-trained architects in the late 1800s, these homes take inspiration from a style for cold and rainy climates. So the Tudor's stone masonry, timber framing, and leaded windows are pretty fitting for the northernmost states in the U.S.
Colonial-Style Homes
Dating back to structures from the 1600s, Colonial-style homes share the Cape Cod-style traits. However, their aesthetic is balanced and may have tall balconies, large windows, and lengthy columns.
The time of building inspires much of the homes' style. Depending upon the countries that occupied the region in the era, the home style would vary. Most Colonial homes are two stories and showcase formal looks with their grand entryways.
Cape Cod
Famous for their lack of ornamentation, Cape Cod-style homes originate from the 1700s and bear the city's name in Massachusetts. A hardy home style with simplicity and charm has made it last with home buyers.
The Cape Cods sport central doors with flanking windows, wood siding, and roof shingles. A simple but attractive model of home.
Victorian
Named in honor of Queen Victoria, Victorian-style homes are characterized by their Gothic influences and were made famous in the 1900s after emerging in the 1830s. Homebuyers will enjoy their gorgeous high ceilings, charming fireplaces, and two to three stories of ornate elements.
Brightly colored facades are a common trait, and steep gable roofs, small towers, and different styles like Folkstyle or Queen Anne play off these elements differently.
Split-Level
Split-level homes gained popularity in the '60s and represented a budget-friendly suburbian emergence from ranch-style homes. With living spaces separated by small stairs, this home style is unique from a ranch.
Many homebuyers like the separations and short flights of stairs while others prefer home style that may feel simpler to navigate.
Modern Midcentury
The Bauhaus movement gave way to the Modern Midcentury style after WWII. These homes are well built but simple, with a mix of organic design features. Their aesthetic holds up, and their sleek, uncluttered interiors still have fitting looks for today.
More oversized windows that connect residents to nature with a mix of artificial materials give this home a natural feel. The Modern Midcentury style has a thoughtful architecture that does not compromise function while supplying plenty of form.
Mediterranean
A warm style with features from Spanish and Italian villas, the Mediterranean suits those who desire a central living room. Features include white stucco, warm stone and wood, and tiled roofs. These home styles have often been described as understated, with flourishes of color throughout the tile work.
The Mediterranean is also highly adaptable and can include open kitchen and dining areas that buyers enjoy.
Country French Style
Inspired by homes in the French countryside, Country French-Style homes bring features similar to farmhouse style. However, the pointed roofs, shutters, and stone construction are unique to this style.
A defined mix of refined décor and rustic, the design is popular globally because of comfort and elegance that is not overstated. Buyers enjoy the distressed wood and warm yet subdued palettes.
Farmhouse
Homeowners love the rustic features of a Farmhouse-style home. Exposed brick and stone and details pulled from farm buildings for the interior and exterior lend charm to this home style.
Big, bold porches, tall ceilings, and exposed beams are common characteristics that allow a Farmhouse to combine clean lines with updated features. A warm and accessible feel is the hallmark of this versatile option.
Greek Revival
Greek revival-style homes feature prominent white columns and bring statuesque traits famous in Greek buildings. This architectural movement from the 1830s supplies stately flourishes and grand entryways. The subdued or white colorings are the only understated feature as these homes are bold and ornate.
Craftsman Bungalow
A home-style popularized in the 1930s, the Craftsman Bungalow draws home buyers in with its natural materials of stone and its use of siding. This home-style renews its popularity with its crafty woodwork and low-pitched roofs.
Sporting wide eave overhangs and decorative beams, the Craftsman Bungalow often has unfinished yet usable space, which presents an opportunity for renovations.
Cottage-Style House
A cozy home style, the Cottage makes terrific use of limited space. Generally a smaller home, these houses have a prominent personality. Arising from England, many Americans buy cottages as vacation homes, but they have a terrific open floor plan design for primary residences.
Cottages work well on most properties because they don’t make up much space. Those who appreciate small living spaces and intimate porches with cozy fireplaces appreciate the Cottage-style home.
Contemporary Style-Homes
Contemporary-Style homes are designed around the current design ethos at the time it’s built. Contemporary homes have forward-looking designs, sometimes veering towards the futuristic. They used modern materials including glass and metal and these days will feature state-of-the-art technology.
Prairie-Style Home
Functionality is a significant element of Prairie-style homes. Made famous by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, these homes are flowing and open and have a relationship with nature.
Modern-Style Home
Modern-Style homes were built between the 1930s and 70s in the U.S. Minimal stylings with clean, sharp lines are a hallmark of these residences. Not to be confused with “contemporary” homes, these homes , despite the name “modern”, have been designed decades earlier.
Sporting broad roof overhangs, modern homes emphasize their large windows and natural light for the interior. Modern-style homes also use open floorplans with a form over function focus. As a result, spaces often flow one into another.
Rowhouse
First popularized in the U.S. during the Industrial Revolution, Rowhouses drew inspiration from homes of the Netherlands in the 16th century.
Rowhouses are generally simpler than apartment buildings and are familiar in overbuilt areas where space is limited. These homes are built directly next to one another and share walls. Common in metropolitan areas, these homes generally have a uniform look and design.
Saltbox
Typically built from wood and named for the salt containers of the 1600s, Saltbox-style homes are easily recognizable by their long and slanted rear roof. First created by homeowners looking for additions to an existing home, these houses are still typical in New England today.
Typically two stories in size, these homes are built to withstand harsh New England weather and designed with newly expanded families.
There is a lot of style, charm, and personality in this list. Whichever home style suits you, make time to see these residences in person or via a 360 degree walkthrough available online today. Getting into your ideal home requires preparation and a plan to help you in the process. Talk with your real estate agent and home loan expert to determine which style home is right for you.
