Every home is made in a specific style, from shingle siding on Cape Cod style homes to turrets in Victorian. Most of us know what we like in a home, but we might not know what to call it. Here is a list of the most common styles of home and an explanation of what attributes they have so you know exactly what to tell your realtor!
Cape Cod - Era when popular: 1690 - 1850 & 1920 - 1950
Though Cape Cod homes come in a variety of styles, there are a few defining features that bring them all together. Often found along the east coast, they are popular for their calming feel.
Symmetrical appearance with a centered front entry
Steep roofs with side gables and an overhang
Shingle siding
Double-hung windows with shutters
Centralized chimneys
Simple exterior ornamentation
Single story
Lower ceilings
Symmetrical layout
Open concept living space
Clean lines, small detailing
Colonial - Era when popular: 1714 - 1830
The classic Colonial-style house floor plan has the kitchen and family room on the first floor and the bedrooms on the second floor. Colonial-style homes are easy to add onto and can be found in many historic neighborhoods.
Simple
Symmetrical
Rectangular
Two stories or more
Staircase central in the home
Often wood features
Plain exterior
Pitched roof
Contemporary - Era when popular: 1970 - Present
Often described as a free-for-all, there are key elements that persist from each contemporary style home. Think new age or Frank Lloyd Wright style when you think of contemporary homes.
Curved lines
Rounded forms
Unconventional Volumes
Asymmetry
Open floor plan
Large windows
Unique and strong shapes
Cottage - Era when popular: 1920
Cottage-style homes are described as cozy and comfortable. Practical and Functional. If you are into the cottage core craze, these homes are perfect for you.
Shingles
Stucco walls
Balconies
Small porches
Gable roofs
Bay windows
Informal spaces inside
Natural elements
Craftsman - Era when popular: 1900 - 1930
Craftsman style homes emerged in the American Craftsman movement at the turn of the 20th century and are still widespread. They are often described as timeless and unpretentious.
Low-pitched gable (triangular) roof
Overhanging eaves with exposed rafters and beams
Heavy tapered columns
Patterned window panes
Large covered porch
Stained wood throughout the interior
Earthy neutral paint colors
Outdoor architectural detail
Mid-Century Modern - Era when popular: 1930 - 1980
When we think of Mid-Century Modern, often we think of contemporary but in the 60’s - 70’s era. The architecture is similar in the geometric aspects, but they stick closer to crisp lines, angles, and shapes.
Clean lines
Muted curves
Lack of Ornamentation
Large windows
Design based on functionality
Open floorplan
Indoor and outdoor living spaces complement each other
Minimalism
Bright and vibrant colors
Tudor - Era when popular: 1485 - 1603
Tudor homes became well known in the Tudor era when they got their name. You'll often find these homes in historic districts and old historic neighborhoods. Tudor is loved for their fairy tale qualities.
Steeply pitched (triangular) gable roofs
Elaborate chimneys
Embellished doorways
Groupings of windows
Decorative half-timbering
Two or three stories
Unique nod to medieval architecture
Victorian - Era when popular: 1860 - 1900
Victorian homes are often loved by those in favor of vintage qualities. With the abundance of stained wood, unique windows, and oftentimes turrets, Victorian homes resemble dollhouses and have a quality of old-world luxury.
Steep gabled roofs
Round angles
Towers, turrets, and dormers
Shapely windows
Bay windows
Stained glass
Decorative, hand-carved woodwork
Bright colors
Large/oversized
Large covered porch
Decorative trim
Ranch - Era when popular: 1950 - Present
Ranch style homes are one of the most popular homes built with their ease of single level, a wide variety of styles, and ability to customize each home. Ranch styles can be found everywhere due to their ease of construction and versatility.
Single story
Open concept floorplan
Rectangular, “U” or “L” shaped
Devoted patio or deck
Large windows
Sliding glass doors
Low pitched roofline with wide eaves
Finished basement
Attached garage
Farmhouse - Era when popular: 1700 & present
Have you heard of farmhouse chic? The term has been popularized with the growing popularity of the rustic and southern charm of farmhouses. If you like the popular Magnolia Homes brand by Joanna Gaines, you'll probably like farmhouse style homes!
Large open living spaces
Front porch
Exposed wood
Emphasis on functionality over everything
Often metal roofing
Barn-style lighting and doors
Large front door
Often white exterior
Tall ceilings
Which style do you think should be revived and which should stay in the past?