45 Of The Most Popular House Styles In The United States
Over the past few centuries, house styles have evolved based on trending architecture and technological advances. European settlers also had a significant impact, bringing numerous architectural styles to the United States.
The most popular house styles in the US are:
- Victorian
- Farmhouse
- Cape Cod Style
- Cottage
- English Cottage
- Colonial
- Country
- Arts and Crafts
- Spanish
- Tuscan
- Mediterranean
- Hacienda
- Georgian
- Barn
- Art Deco
- Cabin
- Chateau
- Italianate House
- Ranch
- Tudor
- Craftsman
- Mountain
- Contemporary
- Row House
- Greek Revival
- Antebellum
- Neoclassical
- Queen Anne
- Eastlake
- Romanesque Revival
- Gothic Revival
- Mid-Century Modern
- Bungalow
- Adobe Revival
- McMansion
- Townhouse
- Prairie Style
- Shingle Style
- Palladian
- Brutalist
- Bauhaus
- Haussmann
- Split Level
- Vernacular
- Baroque
1. Victorian
Victorian houses originated in the Victorian Era, from 1830 to 1901. The period coincided with the reign of England’s Queen Victoria. While the term “Victorian Houses” encompasses many styles from that period, they all share similarities.
Common characteristics of Victorian homes include:
- Ornate trim work
- Bright exterior colors
- Steep gable roofs
- Large front porches
- Small towers at the roofline (turret) and dormer windows
These homes are known as “dollhouses” or “gingerbread houses.” The interior features separate rooms with an asymmetrical floor plan. Most American Victorian homes are two stories tall and have narrow stairwells.
2. Farmhouse
The original farmhouse style originated in Germany and Scandinavia as a solution for housing farmhands. The farmhouse made its way to the United States in the 1700s.
Here are the common traits of traditional American farmhouses:
- Built of wood, brick, or stone
- Two-stories tall
- The first floor boasted a large kitchen and formal living room
- The second floor housed all bedrooms
- Large wraparound front porch
- Located on farms
Original farmhouse design focuses on practicality. Interiors are often neutral and feature many wood accents. Today, the modern farmhouse style is popular in suburban areas.
3. Cape Cod Style
Cape Cod style originated in England in the late 17th century but didn’t make its way to America until the early 20th century. A Cape Cod house has a simple, symmetrical design, but because of its finishes, has a charming aesthetic.
Identifying characteristics of a Cape Cod include:
- 1.5 story home
- An attic loft with dormer windows
- Wood shutters
- Shingle siding
- Steep roofs
Original English Cape Cods were one-story and didn’t feature dormer windows. But, the 20th-century versions in America almost always have dormer windows. While the original siding was cedar shake or shingles, many modern Cape Cods feature vinyl siding.
4. Cottage
The definition of a cottage is a small home, usually located in the countryside, near a beach or lake. However, cottage homes are hard to define. One person’s cottage might be another person’s country farmhouse.
Here are some characteristics of a cottage:
- Small, one-family house
- Considered cozy or quaint style
- 1 to 1.5 stories tall
- Steep roofs
- Many have small front porches
The first cottages debuted in Europe as housing for “cotters” or farmhands. These small dwellings grew in popularity and are now found worldwide.
5. English Cottage
While a regular cottage is a small home, English cottages have a distinct architectural style. English cottages originated in the 1700s during the Picturesque movement. Builders used local resources to construct these rustic country homes.
Some typical characteristics of an English cottage include:
- A high-pitched roof, often covered in straw or rush plant for insulation (thatched roof)
- A mix of stone, brick, and wood
- Leaded windows
- A stacked chimney
- Vines on the exterior
English gardens surround these cottages, housing flowering plants, herbs, and vegetables. The interiors often feature warm, neutral color palettes, exposed wood beams, and hardwood floors.
6. Colonial
The Colonial home was the dominant style in US domestic architecture from the 1600s through the 19th century. The design is rooted in British architecture, but there are other spins on this style, including Dutch Colonial, Spanish Colonial, and French Colonial, French Country.
Key characteristics of colonial homes:
- Symmetry, with a center front door and even spaced windows
- At least two stories tall
- A pediment over the front door
- Wood or brick siding
- 1-2 chimneys
The interior of a Colonial home features four rooms on the first level, including a formal dining room, living room, kitchen, and family room. The second-floor houses all bedrooms. Modern colonial homes often have finished basements and one or two wings on the side of the house.
7. Country
Country homes encompass a broad range of American house styles, most prevalent in rural areas. They are traditional, drawing inspiration from farmhouses, cabins, and barns.
Identifying characteristics of country-style homes:
- One to two stories tall
- Large front porches
- Gable roof
- Double-hung windows
- Natural accents of wood or stone
Country-style homes feature neutral color schemes, large kitchens, and flexible floorplans. They may include a mix of materials depending on the area, such as exposed beams, hardwood floors, and spacious kitchen islands.
8. Arts and Crafts
The Arts and Crafts movement originated in England in the mid-19th century. It was a rebellion against the Industrial Revolution and mass-produced goods. Instead, artists and architects advocated for hand-crafted materials. Arts and Crafts can be hard to identify since it’s not a specific architectural style.
Some key characteristics of homes from the Arts and Crafts movement:
- Common for small to medium-sized homes
- Exteriors of brick, stucco, wood, and stone
- Triangular corbels on the exterior
- Use of natural materials and quality craftsmanship
- Stained glass
The Arts and Crafts movement had a major effect on interior style with a focus on craftsmanship. Common features include built-in bookshelves and benches, natural colors, dark stains on wood, and rich-colored rugs.
9. Spanish
Spanish-style homes are common in southern California, Arizona, Florida, and Texas. The first Spanish-style dwellings in America debuted in the 1600s, constructed by Spanish settlers. The settlers built with surrounding materials.
Common characteristics of Spanish-style homes include:
- Red or terra-cotta tiled roofs
- White stucco exterior
- Wrought iron fences
- Flat or low-sloped roofs
- Small, narrow windows
The interior features bright-colored tiles, arched doorways, exposed wood beams, and asymmetrical interior designs.
10. Tuscan
Tuscan-style architecture originates from the Etruscan people of Tuscany. The style incorporates natural building materials and a family-centered home layout. Tuscan style is popular in specific regions of the United States, including California, Florida, and Texas.
The identifying characteristics of Tuscan-style architecture include:
- Wood frame with limestone or sandstone exteriors
- Marble accents over door and window arches
- Terra-cotta tiled roofs
- Outdoor spaces such as loggias or patios
- Wrought iron accents and gates
Tuscan-style interiors have a sun-baked look. They boast large wood kitchen islands, open floor plans, massive fireplaces, and worn wood or terra-cotta tile floors.
11. Mediterranean
Mediterranean-style homes draw inspiration from Spain, Italy, and Portugal with one goal in mind: use available resources to create a relaxing atmosphere. In the United States, the Mediterranean style experienced peak popularity from 1918 to 1940.
Key characteristics of Mediterranean-style homes:
- White or light stucco exteriors
- Red tiled roofs
- Large, symmetrical exterior
- Arched windows and doors
The interior of Mediterranean-style homes have stucco walls and tiled floors. Most feature private courtyards and gardens.
12. Hacienda
Hacienda architecture originated in Spain and Mexico and made its way to the United States in the 1600s. These Spanish-style dwellings are most common in Southern states, including New Mexico, Texas, Florida, California, and Arizona.
Identifying features of Hacienda style homes:
- Stucco exterior
- Red clay roof tiles
- Rounded doorways
- Small windows
- Large courtyards
The interior of Hacienda-style houses have stucco walls, exposed beams, and brick, tile, or hardwood floors. The interiors are neutral and often feature handmade furniture and wood accents.
13. Georgian
The Georgian period began in 1700 and ended after the American Revolutionary War. Georgian-style homes originated in England but made their way to America via the circulation of pattern books. These homes are among the most formal looking.
Common characteristics of Georgian homes:
- Simple shape with a focus on symmetry
- Most often, stone or brick
- Two story homes
- Side gabled roof
- Decorative details around the front door, such as moldings, pediments, or a portico
In the southeastern US, Georgian homes feature raised basements because of the climate and topography conditions. The interior of Georgian homes follows the rules of symmetry but with more ornate details like intricate trim, wall panelings, muted color schemes, and soft furniture.
14. Barn
Farmers have used barns to house animals for hundreds of years. It wasn’t until the beginning of the 20th century that families began converting them into homes. Since then, barn houses have remained popular.
Identifying characteristics of a barn house:
- Tall and proportionate
- Gable or gambrel-style roof
- Vertical siding
- Sliding “barn style” doors
- Open floor plan
It’s easy to spot this style since these homes look like traditional barns. However, materials vary by region and whether the construction is new or old. Modern versions may feature metal siding, while rustic styles use wood.
15. Art Deco
Art Deco architecture debuted in Paris and Vienna in the early 1900s. It made its way to the United States in the 1920s. Since then, it’s become an international style.
Key characteristics of art deco homes in the United States:
- Linear or stepped outline exterior
- Sleek materials
- Long strips of windows
- Repeating geometric shapes
- Use of contrasting colors
The interior features include smooth wall surfaces, geometrical decorative elements, chevron patterns, block front facades, and reeding or fluting around doors and windows. There are not as many art deco homes in the United States as there are commercial or government buildings.
16. Cabin
Cabins debuted in Europe around 3,500 B.C. European settlers introduced them to the United States in the mid-1600s. The traditional cabin was constructed of logs and featured one small room with a dirt floor. Today’s cabins are more elaborate, containing multiple stories and modern amenities.
Identifying characteristics of cabins:
- Small wooden structures
- May contain chinking between logs
- Rustic appearance
- Gable style roofs
- Hardwood floors
There are many variations of the log cabin. While settlers chopped down trees to make primitive cabins, today, milled lumber is the norm. Milled lumber is uniform and cut to a specific width, length, and height, so the logs fit together without gaps.
17. Chateau
Chateau homes are“mini-castles” originating in France. These large homes housed nobility, gentry, or the Lord of the Manor. In the United States, Chateaus are often referred to as mansions.
Key characteristics of a chateau:
- Stone, brick, or stucco exterior
- Large home with multiple stories
- Steep roofs with dormers
- Ornate chimney tops
- Corner quoins
The interior of Chateaus features high-quality materials, arched doorways, and ornate moldings. But the color palette is light and airy. The interior has a whimsical look.
18. Italianate House
Taking its cue from medieval Italian country villas, the Italianate House style was popular in the 19th century. It debuted in Britain in 1802 and then made its way to the United States.
Characteristics of Italianate architecture:
- Homes look like tall rectangles
- 2-4 stories high
- Low-sloped roofs with overhanging eaves
- Tall, slim windows with rounded tops
- Corbels and decorative brackets
The interior features an asymmetrical floor plan. The first floor houses the living room, dining room, and kitchen, while all bedrooms are on the upper floors. In traditional Italianate style, the interior was ornate, featuring ceiling medallions, arched doorways, and Venetian rugs.
19. Ranch
Ranch-style homes are one-story structures featuring an open floor plan and casual ambiance. They debuted in the southwestern United States in the 1920s. Their popularity spread, and by the 1950s, 9 out of 10 new houses were ranch-style.
Identifying characteristics of a ranch home:
- Rectangle, L, or U-shaped
- Low-pitched gable roof
- Mixed exterior materials
- Large driveways and attached garages
- Outdoor living spaces
There are many variations of the ranch style, including Suburban, California, storybook, raised, and split level. Each features a slightly different aesthetic but shares many of the same identifying characteristics.
20. Tudor
Tudor architecture originated in Europe between 1400 and 1600. It grew popular in the United States during the mid-19th century. The home style is a blend of late medieval and early Renaissance architecture, sometimes looking castle-like.
Characteristics of Tudor style homes:
- A mix of materials on the exterior featuring stucco, brick, and wood
- Pitched gable roofs
- Stone accents
- Tall, narrow windows
- Arched front doors
The inside of Tudor homes features the same mix of materials, like stucco and brick walls. The floor plan is asymmetrical, with rooms of various sizes and ceilings of mixed heights. Wood and stone are the most common flooring materials.
21. Craftsman
Craftsman-style homes were popular in America from 1900 to 1929. The British Arts & Crafts movement and a celebration of handcrafted materials inspired these homes.
Characteristics of Craftsman-style homes:
- 1-1.5 stories tall
- Covered front porch
- Low-pitched roof with overhanging roof eaves
- Painted wood trim or cedar shake exterior
- Stucco accents
The interior of Crafstman homes focuses on natural materials like hardwood floors, brick, stone, and stucco accents. The floor plan features separate, defined rooms. The typical craftsman kitchen is small, and most living and dining rooms feature a fireplace.
22. Mountain
Older log cabins are common mountain-style homes. More modern styles incorporate wood and stone siding. By using natural and local materials during construction, the homes are a collaboration with nature rather than a threat.
Common characteristics of a mountain home exterior:
- Log, stone, or wood exteriors
- Gable roofs
- Located in the mountains
- Can be modern or rustic
- Front porch
Open floor plans maximize the interior, which is often decorated with lodge-style decor. Low-maintenance landscaping with native plants is common.
23. Contemporary
Contemporary homes feature clean lines and sleek styling. But since the term contemporary represents present-day architecture, the definition is evolving. Even among today’s contemporary homes, there are many variations.
Common characteristics of a contemporary home:
- Streamlined, often asymmetrical exterior
- Flat, shed, or skillions roofs
- Large windows
- Black, white, or neutral exteriors, sometimes with a pop of color
- Mixed materials like concrete, wood, brick, metal, and stone
The interior of contemporary houses focuses on smart home technology, sustainability, and energy efficiency qualities. The styling is minimal, with a focus on neutral color palettes.
24. Row House
Row houses originated in Belgium and the Netherlands in the 1600s and then made their way to the United States in the 1700s. Architects used this style to maximize housing in cities. These homes are popular in New York, Chicago, and Boston.
Identifying characteristics of row houses:
- 2-4 stories tall
- Each home shares side walls and a roof with neighboring houses
- Individual entrance
- All homes in a row share similar architectural features
- No side windows – windows are on the front and back only
Row houses take advantage of height rather than width. Because of this, they feature a narrow floor plan.
25. Greek Revival
Greek Revival architecture was popular in America during the 1820s. The style emulates Greek temples. Architects used the design for homes, libraries, government buildings, and banks.
Some key characteristics of Greek Revival architecture include:
- Tall columns in front of the home topped with pediments
- Plaster exterior to mimic stone
- Transom window over the front door
- Most often, 2-stories tall
- Low-pitched gable roof
The interior of Greek Revival homes features an open floor plan, wide-plank wood floors, neutral-colored plaster walls, and ceiling medallions. These homes boast ornate trim work and embellishments.
26. Antebellum
Antebellum architecture was prevalent in the southern United States from the 1830s to 1860s. Also known as plantation houses, Antebellum combines styles like Greek Revival, Georgian, and Neo-Classical.
Characteristics of Antebellum-style homes include:
- A grand-scale, mansion-like exterior of at least two-stories
- Large pillars along the front and sides of the home
- Large, shaded porch
- Hipped or gable roof, sometimes featuring a cupola
- A central front door and evenly spaced windows
The interior of the Antebellum home is extravagant, featuring a large foyer, grand staircases, ballrooms, and spacious dining rooms. The walls, ceilings, and floors feature intricate plaster design work.
27. Neoclassical
Neoclassical architecture originated during the 18th century in France and Italy. It flourished for centuries and is one of the most popular and easy-to-recognize styles in the Western world. It’s similar to Palladian architecture with a focus on grand scale, symmetry, and classical elements like columns ( check the Federal Architecture).
Characteristics of Neoclassical architecture:
- Massive scale
- Use of large Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian columns
- Symmetry
- Porticos or pediments over the entryway
- Flat or domed roofs
Original neoclassical structures featured a muted color scheme, while red, black, or shades of silver acted as accent pieces. The flooring was stone or marble, and the furniture was simple and symmetric.
28. Queen Anne
Queen Anne is one of the most popular styles of the Victorian Era. It peaked from 1880-1920 in England and the United States. One of the most popular examples of the Queen Anne style in America are the Painted Ladies in San Francisco, California.
Identifying exterior details of Queen Anne architecture include:
- Asymmetrical, bright-colored exterior design
- Steep roof with cross gables or dormers
- Bay windows
- Porches and balconies
- Decorative woodwork
The interior of Queen Anne homes features decorative woodwork, ornate handles and knobs, high ceilings, large windows, and multiple fireplaces. And unlike other styles of this period, rooms open into each other rather than being separated by hallways.
29. Eastlake
Eastlake Architecture is a subset of the Queen Anne style, made famous by British writer and architect Charles Eastlake. While there are examples of this style throughout the country, it was most popular in California during the 1880s.
Characteristics of Eastlake architecture:
- Lath and mechanical jigsaw woodwork
- Scrolls, brackets, and decorative trim
- Large porch posts
- Intricate lattice work and spindles along the front porch
- Bright, contrasting paint to draw out the architectural details
Eastlake is most known for his contributions to furniture design, which is just as ornate. He rejected the simple curved styles of the French, encouraging furniture makers to use angular, carved, and notched designs.
30. Romanesque Revival
Romanesque Revival was made popular by Henry Hobson Richardson in the 1870s. The style drew inspiration from ancient Rome. But, because Romanesque Revival incorporated expensive materials and grand designs, it was most prevalent in government buildings and mansions owned by the affluent.
Exterior characteristics of Romanesque Revival architecture include:
- Rough, square-stoned facade
- Multiple round towers with cone-shaped roofs
- Large structures with multiple stories, resembling a castle
- Intricate roofing systems
- Roman arches over doorways and some windows
The interior of Romanesque Revival mansions was as captivating as the exterior. It featured paneled walls, arched doorways, grand staircases, and massive stone fireplaces.
31. Gothic Revival
Gothic Revival debuted in England in the mid-18th century and made its way to America in 1832. It’s a combination of medieval and Renaissance styles, also known as Neo-Gothic.
Identifying exterior characteristics of Gothic Revival include:
- Brick or stone construction to mimic a castle-like exterior
- Multiple stories with high vertical lines
- Pointed arch doors and windows
- Decorative stained-glass, diamond-paned, or leaded windows
- High-pitched roof
The interior of Gothic Revival features vaulted ceilings, patterned wallpaper, stone carvings of birds and flowers, french doors, carved mantels, and staircases.
32. Mid-Century Modern
Mid-century modern homes peaked in the United States from the 1940s to the 1960s. These homes encompass minimalism. Unlike other styles, there’s no set exterior finish. Instead, mid-century modern homes can have wood, brick, aluminum, or vinyl siding. Some have a mix of materials.
Identifying exterior characteristics of a mid-century modern architecture:
- Straight, clean lines
- Flat or low-pitched roofs
- Geometric details
- Emphasis on landscaping
- Large windows
The interior of mid-century modern homes is kept simple, often featuring a neutral color palette with bright pops of color. The furniture in these homes also has clean, straight lines.
33. Bungalow
The first Bungalows originated in South Asia and made their way to the United States in the 1870s. They are still in demand today. The popular Craftsman style is one variation of the Bungalow. Other styles include Chicago, Tudor, California, and prairie school-style bungalows.
Identifying characteristics of a bungalow house architecture:
- Small structures of 1 to 1.5 stories
- Low-pitched roof with overhanging eaves
- Shaded front porch
- Low-profile
- Flat chimney
Bungalows feature an open floor plan with compact kitchens. They often have built-in cabinets to increase storage space.
34. Adobe Revival
Adobe Revival architecture, also known as Pueblo-style homes, dates back to 5100 B.C. In the United States, Adobe Revival is most often found in the Southwest regions, including New Mexico and Texas.
Identifying characteristics of Adobe Revival:
- Exterior made of adobe brick, stucco, mortar, or concrete
- Flat, rounded roof
- Exteriors are yellow, cream, tan, or pink
- Wide front porches
- Wood accents or beams
The interior of Adobe-style homes features the same natural resources as the exterior. Expect to see exposed wood beams in the ceiling, beehive fireplaces, benches built into the wall, and brick, tile, or wood floors.
35. McMansion
The McMansion was popular in the United States from the 1980s through 2008. These large homes were built faster than other styles, often featuring budget materials.
Identifying characteristics of the McMansion:
- Multiple stories
- Over 3000 square feet
- Attached 2-3 car garages
- Mass-produced in tract communities and suburbia
- Lack of a specific architectural style
The inside of McMansions features high ceilings. In the entryway and living room, the ceiling may be two stories tall. While materials vary by region and house, many feature low-cost flooring and cabinetry.
36. Townhouse
The first townhouses originated in London and Paris in the 1600s. They debuted in Boston, Philadelphia, and New York in the 1700s. They are most common in urban environments with limited space. The townhouse is similar to a row house, but rather than maintaining a uniform appearance, each home can have a distinct style.
Identifying characteristics of a townhouse:
- Shares one or more side walls with neighboring homes
- Multiple stories
- Single-family dwellings
- Can be any style
- Small private or shared outdoor spaces
Since townhouses take advantage of vertical space, layouts are narrow. Finishes vary from home to home.
37. Prairie Style
Frank Lloyd Wright founded Praire-style architecture in 1900. It is one of the first distinct types of American architecture. He believed the Victorian styles of the time were too elaborate. His designs mimicked the flat midwestern landscape with a focus on simplicity.
Identifying characteristics of Praire-style architecture:
- Modern, horizontal lines shape the exterior
- Brick or stucco exteriors
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Central chimney
- Flat or low-pitched roofs
The interior of Prairie-style homes features an asymmetrical open floor plan. The design incorporated the use of handwrought wood and wrought iron pieces. These homes often had built-in furniture and art to keep the inside as minimal as the exterior.
38. Shingle Style
Shingle style is an American form of architecture debuting in the late 1800s. It combines Queen Anne and American Colonial style. While you can find shingle-style homes countrywide, they are most prevalent in New England in places like Cape Cod, Nantucket, and other seaside locations.
Exterior characteristics of shingle-style homes:
- Asymmetrical, often multiple stories
- Wood-clad or wood-shingle siding
- Gambrel roofs
- Large verandas
- A mix of window and door styles
The interior of shingle-style homes maintains a classic look. Traditional homes feature dark-painted woodwork, but many modern owners have painted the wood details white.
39. Palladian
European architect, Andrea Palladio, influenced Palladian architecture in the 16th century. The style spread to North America in the late 17th century, where it became popular for government buildings, college campuses, and mansions. Palladian style draws inspiration from Greek and Roman architecture with a focus on symmetry.
Identifying characteristics of Palladian architecture:
- At least two stories tall
- A central front door and even spaced windows
- Brick, stone, or stucco exterior in a neutral color
- Columns with a pediment over the entry door
- A set of palladian windows
While the exterior of Palladian-style homes is neat and simple, the interior is more ornate. Expect to find domed, coffered, or plaster-designed ceilings with a picturesque scene. In traditional homes, the walls feature paneling, silk damask, stone, or plaster.
40. Brutalist
Brutalist architecture originated in the United Kingdom in the 1950s and spread to the United States not long after. It is a distinct style featuring a rough exterior and uncommon shapes. In America, this style is most prevalent in college campuses.
Identifying characteristics of brutalist architecture:
- A reinforced concrete exterior
- Odd-shaped windows
- Uncommon geometric shapes
- Monochromatic color scheme
- Small windows
The interior of brutalist architecture possesses a minimal style with concrete walls, organic textures, and streamlined furniture.
41. Bauhaus
Walter Gropius founded the Bauhaus style in Germany during the early 20th century. He fled Germany in the 1930s, settling in the United States and bringing his architectural ideas with him. Gropius’ designs focus on function with industrial and minimal aesthetics.
Common features of Bauhaus architecture style:
- Geometric shapes for homes and buildings
- Smooth concrete, steel, and glass exteriors
- Asymmetry
- Zero to little ornamentation
- Focus on natural materials
The interior of Bauhaus structures holds the same focus on natural materials in their simplest forms. Flooring is concrete or hardwood, furniture is minimal, and decor is sparse.
42. Haussmann
Haussmann architecture was founded in 19th-century Paris by Georges-Eugene Haussmann. While he designed public and private structures, he’s most known for his apartment buildings. You can find some Haussmann-style apartments in Manhattan.
Identifying characteristics of Haussmann style:
- Building up to six stories tall
- Stone exterior
- 45-degree pitched roofs
- Wrought-iron balconies
- Large wooden doors
The interior of Haussmann’s architecture features herringbone-style wood floors, wood millwork, fireplaces, and large windows.
43. Split Level
The first split-level home in America was built in the 1930s but didn’t peak in popularity until the 1970s. Historians believe Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie style inspired the split-level home.
Identifying characteristics of a split-level home:
- Staggered appearance
- 3 levels, separated by flights of stairs
- Mixed materials (brick, wood, or vinyl siding)
- Low-sloped roofs
- Double-hung windows and one larger picture window
In a split level, the entry door leads to the main floor, where the kitchen and living room are. A flight of stairs leading to the upper floor houses the bedrooms, while the lowest floor houses a garage, basement, or rec room.
44. Vernacular
Vernacular architecture is local construction using resources from the area without guidance from an architect. Because of this, the look of vernacular homes is dependent on the region.
Characteristics of vernacular architecture include:
- Homes built with inexpensive, local resources
- Building with weather conditions in mind
- Simple designs
- Building with culture and family size in mind
Any type of home can be vernacular if it was built without an architect. American examples include some 1920s Bungalows and 1950s ranch homes.
45. Baroque
Baroque architecture originated in 17th-century Italy. It’s a theatrical style with worldwide use in churches and mansions.
Identifying features of Baroque architecture:
- Oval or circular shape exteriors
- Domes and cupolas
- Double-sloped mansard roofs
- Solomonic columns
- Exterior of stone and stucco
The unique interior of Baroque architecture features intricate staircases, ceiling sculptures, paintings, and mirrors. It is one of the most dramatic architectural styles. US residential home styles vary across the country’s landscape. The home styles are vernacular, as regional factors influence their composition. As smart home technology emerges, home styles are losing their flavor.
A Glimpse into 45 Unique House Styles
