Aug 29, 2023
The vast expanse of the United States has given birth to a plethora of architectural home styles. These styles reflect the country’s rich history, varied landscapes, and the melding of cultures from around the world.
In this article, we’ll journey across America, delving deep into the 21 prominent styles of houses that have shaped its architectural narrative.
House Styles in America
Whether you live in the midwest or on the west coast, it’s helpful to identify what style of architecture you like if you’re planning to buy a home or build one from scratch.
1. Victorian Style Home
Intricate designs and ornate details define Victorian houses. With their steep pitched roofs, turrets, and bay windows, they date back to the 19th century and showcase an era of romanticism in American architecture.
2. Ranch Style Home
The Ranch style home was popularized in the 1950s and 60s. It’s characterized by a long, low, ground-hugging profile and is often L- or U-shaped. Given that a ranch is only one level, it’s convenient for those who want to avoid climbing stairs.
3. Colonial Style Home
Originating in the 1600s, Colonial homes are a testament to America’s beginnings. They are characterized by symmetry with centered front doors, brick or wood facades, and gabled roofs. The style has many variations including Dutch, Spanish, and Georgian Colonial.
4. Prairie Style Home
Designed by architectural giants like Frank Lloyd Wright, Prairie homes showcase horizontal lines and flat roofs, aiming to mimic the flat, expansive prairie landscapes.
5. Cape Cod Style Home
Inspired by the early colonial homes, Cape Cod homes are cozy, one or one-and-a-half-story houses with steep roofs, symmetrical facades, and dormer windows. They were designed to withstand the harsh northeastern weather.
6. Georgian Style Home
Rooted in the rustic charm of the American frontier, log homes are made entirely of logs, offering a cozy, cabin-like feel.
7. Tudor Style Home
Drawing inspiration from Medieval English architecture, Tudors in America are recognized by their steep-pitched roofs, decorative half-timbering, and tall, narrow windows.
8. Craftsman Style Home
Emerging in the early 20th century, the Craftsman style home is renowned for its handcrafted aesthetics. They are typically bungalows with low-pitched roofs, broad eaves, and a large front porch. These houses are scattered throughout the midwest, southeast and along the east coast.
9. Pueblo Revival Style
Native to the Southwest, this style is inspired by ancient Pueblo homes with flat roofs, earthy materials, and rounded edges.
10. Split Level Style Home
A split-level house is one with staggered levels and a front door that opens in the center of the two levels.
Typically, this means that, upon entering through the front door, you’ll be greeted by a staircase that goes up to the bedroom level and another that will take you to the basem*nt area.
11. Mediterranean Style Home
Reminiscent of the Mediterranean coast, these homes exhibit red-tiled roofs, stucco walls, and wrought-iron details, encapsulating the warmth of the European sun. Mediterranean design style is heavily influenced by the architecture of Spain and Italy and other European countries, including France, Portugal, and Greece.
12. Farmhouse Style Home
Farm homes have been in existence for centuries, but their modern counterpart has become one of the most popular styles in the 2020’s.
13. Greek Revival Home
Mirroring ancient Greek temples, these homes boast tall columns, pediments, and symmetrical facades.
14. Mid-Century Modern Style
Celebrating the post-war era, mid century homes combine simplicity with functionality, clean lines, and integration with nature.
15. Art Deco Style
Making a splash in the 1920s and 30s, Art Deco homes embrace geometric designs, rich colors, and ornate details.
16. A Frame Style
A-frame homes are characterized by a triangular silhouette in the shape of a capital A. Most common in northern parts of the U.S., they’re designed so that snow and rain side easily down the sloped roof.
17. French Provincial Style
Echoing the manors of the French countryside, these homes incorporate steep roofs, brick or stone facades, and balanced, symmetrical designs.
18. Gothic Revival Style Home
Taking a page from European Gothic architecture, these homes have pointed arches, decorative tracery, and an air of romanticism.
19. Rowhouse Style Home
Authentic row houses abound in cities like Washington DC, New York and Philadelphia. Modern town home designs are inspired versions of row homes found in older American cities.
20. Queen Anne Style Home
Queen Anne houses typically feature a steep roof with cross gables or large dormers and an asymmetrical front façade. The homes are often built with a a large front porch and ornate, decorative wood trim and wainscoting. Perhaps the most noticeable architectural feature is a cone shaped roof.
21. Neoclassical Roman Style Home
Influenced by Classical Greek and Roman architecture, Neoclassical homes are grand, with tall columns, triangular pediments, and ornate details.
Bonus styles
These newer, emerging home styles that have become popular in recent years despite local ordinances that may prohibit them in certain cities or regions.
- Tiny house
- Barndominium
Conclusion
In conclusion, the versatile styles of houses in America ranges from the rustic to the royal. From the early settlers to modern-day innovators, the architectural home styles of the US stand as a testament to the nation’s diverse heritage and evolving tastes. Whether you’re an aspiring architect or just someone with an appreciation for home design, these styles offer a glimpse into America’s architectural journey.
