Identifying the Unique Architectural Styles of Homes

What a wonderful time period we live in to have so many unique and inspiring architectural styles to choose from in a home. While each geographical location often reflects their own styles based on the history of the people who have lived there, residential architecture is constantly evolving to please the tastes and the preferences of the modern home buyer.

Here we are looking at some of the most popular architectural styles from yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Bungalow Bliss 

Originating in Ireland and brought to California in the late 19^th century, bungalows are easily identifiable by their low-pitched gable roofs. Narrow and rectangular, they were a dramatic reverse reaction to the elaborate Victorian style homes of the same era. They usually have a small, covered porch and cozy curb appeal.

Craftsman Charm 

Turn of the century architect Gustav Stickley (also well-known furniture designer) popularized the Craftsman style house and it widely became known as the “California Bungalow.” Larger than the late 19^th century Bungalow described above, the Craftsman home is designed to blend nearly seamlessly with the landscape. With a marked scarcity of ornamentation, home buyers are often attracted to the Craftsman’s wide front porches, tapered columns, and overhanging eaves. The stucco, stone, and rough-hewn wood used in its construction lend to the natural merging of homestead and landscape.

Pure Prairie Chic

Developed by America’s most favorite architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, the Prairie style home is most distinctive by its horizontal rather than vertical sprawl often found in the midwest. Its roofs are low-pitched with clapboard and brick being used most commonly for a sleek look. Often, you will find rows of casement windows and porches that are supported by disproportionately large square supports.

The Modern Farmhouse

The Modern Farmhouse is an elegant combination of pastoral days gone by and the use of contemporary elements and materials such as galvanized metal and modern amenities. Gable style roofs, A-lines and lots of windows are typical of the Modern Farmhouse, along with vaulted ceilings and carriage style garage doors which are reminders of its traditional counterpart. The blend of rustic and vintage with clean, bright lines is an appealing one for many home buyers.

Mid-Century Modern

Born just after the start of World War II, the mid-century modern style was hugely popular from 1945 to the end of the 1960’s, and has seen a revival in recent years. What do people like about it? They adore the open concept and wide, low footprint that characterizes this appealing style. It often boasts floor to ceiling windows which bring in an abundance of natural light. Joseph Eichler, whose name is synonymous with mid-century modern architecture, became one of the most famous architects of this style and built over 10,000 homes in Northern California alone.

The Steadfast Traditional

Traditional homes possess a timelessness about them. There is an unfailing charm that permeates throughout the entirety of the home and is intentionally built into it at every turn. Traditionals are family-oriented; they are designed with a mix of architectural styles that often reflect those from the 17^th and 18^th centuries. There are often two stories, defined spaces for the living room and dining room, and all of the bedrooms occupy the second floor. The Traditional offers simple, front facing rooflines and may have a large covered porch which is often supported by columns. The Traditional style home is the most popular in America today.

The Traditional home is a broad category that encompasses many different styles of home architecture. These include:

• Colonial
• Craftsman
• Neoclassical
• Victorian
• Cape Cod
• Georgian Revival
• Dutch Colonial
• Federal
• Contemporary
• Greek Revival

Mediterranean Flamboyance

These homes have heavy Spanish influences and are easy to pick out in any setting. You’ll find the majority of Mediterranean style homes in sun drenched areas of the country such as California and Florida. They are usually light or cream colored and have neat and tidy rows of terra cotta tiles for roofs. As the name of this style would suggest, homes of this nature were designed for temperate climates. There is an abundance of exotic ornamentation such as scrolling ironwork and arched windows and doors. It’s a design that speaks of warmth and welcome, with a colorful and inviting atmosphere.

With so many styles of homes to choose from, you’re sure to embrace more than just one element. Find a home that speaks to you on a personal level in terms of amenities, function, and innate charm. And then make it your own.