Crafting your dream home starts with a vision. Even if you're not quite ready to dive into the buying or building process, there's an enjoyable aspect in seeking inspiration for your future forever home.
Can you envision the intricate details of a Victorian-style home, the cozy charm of a Cape Cod home style, the timeless elegance of a Colonial architectural style house, or maybe the quaint allure of a Cottage home style?
Join us as we break down these 8 popular architecture style homes to spark your imagination, whether you are in the market for your dream home or in the planning stages.
1. Victorian
The Victorian era, an influential period in 19th-century England, profoundly shaped architectural home styles. If you have watched movies or TV shows that take place in the Victorian era, you likely have a good sense of what this house style looks like.
The Victorian architecture flourished in the mid-to-late 1800's during Queen Victoria's rule in the U.K. and the U.S. caught on to this trend nearly 50 years later. One thing is for sure these architectural style homes are full of character and offers a unique slice of history not found in contemporary homes.
When thinking about this style, one of the most notable aspects of this house style is its ornate and intricate design. The exteriors of Victorian homes often showcase elaborate trims, decorative finishes, steep roofs, bay windows, and detailed woodwork. These features serve as a testament to the craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail that defined the era.
Another trait of Victorian architectural style is its grandiosity. The structures often boast high ceilings that enhances the sense of space and offers a level of luxuriousness. The gabled shaped roofs are another feature characteristic, adding to the visual appeal and complexity of the architecture. Victorian homes can also be quite substantial, often spanning up to three stories. The sheer size and stature of these buildings were meant to symbolize wealth, social standing, and success during that time.
Today, Victorian-style homes remain a rare and coveted architectural find. Their enduring appeal extends beyond architecture, influencing modern interior and exterior aesthetics with elements like intricate woodwork and distinctive rooflines, creating a timeless connection to the past.
Everything You Need to Know About Victorian Era Homes
www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/a24678733/victorian-style-house/
Know Your Architecture Styles: What Are Victorian Homes?
www.rockethomes.com/blog/home-buying/know-your-architecture-styles-what-are-victorian-homes
Defining a House Style: What Is a Victorian Home?
freshome.com/inspiration/defining-house-style-victorian-home/
2. Cape Cod
The Cape Cod architectural style came to the scene in the 17th century and experienced a resurgence in the 1930's. This design philosophy was born out of the necessity to withstand the unforgiving weather conditions prevalent on the Cape Cod peninsula in the northeastern United States. Given the region's exposure to fierce coastal storms, frigid winters, and gusty winds, homes were required to offer substantial protection for their owners.
Unlike the ornate and luxurious characteristics of a Victorian-style home, Cape Code house styles focus on efficient use of space and structural durability. The layout and design prioritize the essentials, allowing for a comfortable and practical living.
Cape Cod style house embraces a minimalistic and straightforward aesthetic. Compared to others on this list this kind of home has a more modern style. The distinctive features of this style is its symmetrical design, often featuring a central front door flanked by windows on each side. This balanced arrangement creates a sense of harmony and visual appeal.
Despite its functional orientation, the Cape Cod style does not lack aesthetic appeal. Its simplicity has a timeless charm, capturing the essence of a cozy and inviting home. The emphasis on efficiency and endurance without sacrificing elegance has ensured the lasting popularity of this architectural style, making it a staple in American home design for centuries.
Certainly, it's possible to infuse this home style with modern design and decorative elements, ensuring its enduring appeal. With its timeless charm, this home style is likely to remain a prominent choice for the foreseeable future.
What Makes a Home Style: Defining the Cape Cod Home
freshome.com/inspiration/classifies-house-style-makes-cape-cod-home/
Everything You Need To Know About Cape Cod House Styles
www.homedit.com/cape-cod-style-houses/
www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/a24516732/what-is-a-cape-cod-style-house/
3. Cottage
"Cottage house" is probably a term you have used when thinking about this house style. Popularized in the United States during the 1960's and 1970's for vacation homes, This house style draws upon the enchanting charm of stone cottages reminiscent of fairy tale stories. It is one of those house styles where homeowners can transform their living spaces into a personal fairy tale.
The most telling characteristic of this house style is its modest size, often featuring a compact layout with the primary living spaces on the lower level and bedrooms nestled under the pitched roof. This layout creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
Inside a cottage-style house, you'll find a warm and inviting atmosphere. Exposed wooden beams and hardwood floors add rustic charm. The fireplace is a focal point, surrounded by traditional stone or brick finishes. Every corner exudes intimacy and coziness, making a cottage-style interior a haven of comfort.
In the world of home design, cottage style homes offers a versatile canvas for homeowners. Whether you are enchanted by the whimsical charm of a storybook cottage or the understated elegance of a modern interpretation, there's a cottage style that speaks to your unique taste.
If modern trends don't quite align with your preferences, consider the timeless appeal of a cottage-style home – it might be the perfect choice to create your own cozy haven.
Everything You Need To Know About Cottage House Styles
www.homedit.com/cottage-style-homes/
4. Tudor
The Tudor architectural style, originating during the Tudor era in England from the late 15th to early 17th century and named after the Tudor monarchs of England, is a captivating blend of medieval and Renaissance elements. Its most distinctive features include exposed half-timbering, where wooden frames create a grid-like pattern filled with plaster. This style boasts a rich and enduring legacy, characterized by the striking visual contrast of exposed wooden framing against plaster or wattle and daub infill
Steep gabled shaped roofs with cross gables and intricate chimneys grace the skyline, while the framed glass windows arranged in geometric patterns add to this particular style. Arched doorways, often embellished with Tudor arches, along with ornate decorative elements like Tudor roses and fleur-de-lis, further characterize this style.
Blending various materials such as timber, brick, stone, wood siding, and stucco, Tudor architecture emanates a sense of symmetry and balance, embodying a historical aesthetic that continues to inspire modern architecture and maintain enduring popularity. Of the house styles we have listed in this blog, this is the most popular home style in the East Coast.
The interior of a Tudor-style home exudes a unique charm and character that mirrors its distinctive exterior features. Upon entering, you're often greeted by rich, dark wooden beams adorning the ceilings, creating a warm and cozy ambiance. These beams, along with intricate wood paneling and wainscoting, continue throughout the living spaces, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era. Fireplaces are typically prominent, often featuring ornate mantels and surrounded by intricate tile work.
Tudor-style homes often embrace a sense of historical authenticity to create a welcoming and timeless atmosphere.
Everything You Need To Know About Tudor House Styles
https://www.homedit.com/house-styles/#Tudor
Beautiful Tudor Interiors
https://www.pinterest.com/chairishbydesign/beautiful-tudor-interiors-exteriors/
5. Contemporary
Contemporary house styles are one of the modern house styles that embraces a sleek and minimalist aesthetic, characterized by clean lines, open spaces, and a focus on functionality. Clean, straight lines are a distinct element of this house style, emphasizing simplicity and minimalism.
Horizontal and vertical lines are often used to create a sense of order and balance within the structure. These clean lines are paramount to this architecture style. The exterior features horizontal lines that contribute to a feeling of stability and spaciousness, while vertical lines can visually heighten the space and draw the eye upward. This works to add a contemporary flare since these homes are often multiple floors.
Neutral color palettes, with pops of bold accents, create a sense of sophistication and tranquility. Key design elements include large windows to bring in ample natural light, providing a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Modern materials such as glass, metal, and concrete add an industrial touch. Furniture and decor are typically sleek and understated, with an emphasis on comfort and practicality. This modern style is a favorite among new home buyers often for the kitchen and family room being one open space that adds to the contemporary feel.
This style is also a spin-off of mid century modern homes which were the modern homes of the 50's and 60's. The overall design, promotes a sense of simplicity, balance, and a harmonious blend of form and function, making contemporary homes a reflection of modern lifestyle and architectural innovation.
Contemporary Home Interiors
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/contemporary-interior-design-101
The Artistry of Contemporary House Styles
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/contemporary-home-exteriors-inspiration
6. Colonial
Colonial style architecture is a timeless and elegant home style that looks back to the early American settlers and their European roots. Characterized by symmetry, balance, and a sense of order, colonial homes often feature a central entrance with a decorative front door flanked by evenly spaced windows.
The exterior walls are typically made of brick or wood, and the low pitched roofs that are often adorned with dormer windows. Inside, you'll find a layout that emphasizes functionality and classic design, with formal rooms arranged around vertical space like a central hallway or stairwell. Another indicator of the classical style is the roman architecture influence often found in the front pillars of the home. Details like crown molding, wainscoting, and paneling are common, showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail prevalent in this architectural style.
The interior design of a colonial-style home have a number of distinct features. A central hallway organizes the layout, flanked by formal rooms showcasing classic architectural elements like crown molding, chair rails, and wainscoting.
Hardwood flooring and polished wood details are the crown feature. The dining and living rooms often feature fireplaces with mantels, emphasizing warmth and gathering. The kitchen balances practicality with classic design through wooden cabinetry and a central island.
Upstairs, bedrooms maintain symmetry and incorporate traditional touches like fireplaces and built-in cabinets. The color palette, subdued with neutral tones, contributes to a timeless and inviting atmosphere throughout the home.
Colonial house styles exude a timeless charm, seamlessly blending history, simplicity, and sophistication. Among the many popular American house styles, this particular design stands out for its enduring appeal.
Everything You Need To Know About Colonial house styles
https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/a23647602/american-colonial-style-houses-facts/
7. Gothic Revival
Gothic revival style, popularized in the 19th century, embody a romanticized interpretation of medieval architectural elements and design aesthetics. Inspired by the grandeur of Gothic cathedrals and castles, these homes feature pointed arches, intricate tracery, steeply pitched roofs, and ornate detailing. You'll find a lot of these home styles in New England in particular from the Victorian era.
Characterized by their dramatic and often asymmetrical facades made from natural materials, Gothic Revival homes often showcase imposing towers, turrets, and spires, evoking a sense of mystery and historical fascination. The use of dark, moody colors and elaborate ornamentation contributes to the Gothic ambiance, while large narrow windows adorned with intricate patterns allow for ample light and a sense of spaciousness within the interiors. This architectural style continues to captivate enthusiasts and homeowners looking for something that can take then back in time to the victorian era.
The interiors of Gothic Revival houses are equally captivating, reflecting the essence of the exterior design within the walls. Dark wood paneling, often intricately carved which adds to the gothic vibe of this home style.
High ceilings with exposed wooden beams, reminiscent of medieval great halls, add to the sense of grandeur. Furniture and decor often feature Gothic arches, quatrefoils, and other motifs, that people might think of when they think of 'gothic.' Stained glass windows, inspired by medieval church windows, create a mesmerizing and mystical atmosphere.
Lighting is often created through rustic looking chandeliers or ornate fireplaces with intricate mantels serve as focal points, contributing to the room's historical charm. If you love all things dark or historical this is the house style for you.
Everything You Need To Know About Gothic Revival house style
https://www.thoughtco.com/victorian-gothic-house-styles-178207
8. Ranch- House
Ranch-homes, also known as farmhouse style houses or modern farmhouse style, emerged as a prominent architectural style in the mid-20th century and continue to hold a special place in American housing history. Characterized by their single-story, sprawling layout and open floor plans, these homes became emblematic of post-war suburban living. The design prioritizes accessibility and convenience, with bedrooms and living spaces all on the same level, making them particularly appealing for families and individuals seeking ease of movement and a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
One of the key features of ranch-style homes is their emphasis on blending with the natural environment. Their low, horizontal profiles often incorporate large windows and sliding glass doors, seamlessly connecting the interior to the surrounding landscape. This design element not only offers abundant natural light but also allows for picturesque views of gardens, patios, and sprawling lawns. The wide eaves and overhanging roofs provide shade and help regulate indoor temperatures, enhancing energy efficiency and comfort.
Moreover, ranch homes epitomize adaptability and have seen various evolutions in design over the years. Early ranches were characterized by simple, straightforward layouts, but as architectural tastes evolved, variations such as split-level ranches and raised ranches emerged. These adaptations demonstrate the versatility of the ranch style, which has been embraced and modified to suit the changing needs and preferences of homeowners across generations. Today, while contemporary designs have taken the forefront, the enduring appeal of ranch-style homes remains a testament to their timeless and functional design principles.
Everything You Need To Know About Ranch Style Homes
https://www.khov.com/blog/what-is-a-ranch-style-house/
https://www.mydomaine.com/ranch-style-house-5115179
https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-ranch-style-4777678
Creating your dream home starts with a vision, and delving into different architectural styles helps you shape that vision into a tangible reality. Whether it's the timeless charm of a Victorian home, the spaciousness of a ranch-style house, the elegance of a Cape Code abode, or the allure of a Colonial masterpiece, each style offers a unique take on history and aesthetics.
So, let your imagination wander through these architectural styles and uncover the perfect house style that will bring your dreams to life!
