Common house styles

24 Popular Architectural House Styles

Lauren Thomann

Lauren Thomann is passionate about crafting and DIY home improvement, writing on both topics. While refurbishing her 1916 bungalow on her own, she shares lessons learned through her DIY and home improvement articles.

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Updated on 05/16/22

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Emily Estep

Fact checked by Emily Estep

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants.

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The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Cities and suburbs across the United States are home to several different architectural house styles. Many old homes are still full of the character that reflects their particular style. But if you want to incorporate old house charm in a newer dwelling, you'll have to learn about some of the key characteristics that make each style stand apart.

Here are 24 popular house styles and what makes them so special.

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Cape Cod homes are extremely common in suburban communities. They became increasingly popular in the United States during the 1950s. The style was originally introduced by English settlers during the late 17th century and is named after the coast of Massachusetts. These homes tend to be a story and a half and include dormers and a central doorway. The original design was inspired by English half-timbered houses from centuries prior, but the frame was altered to suit the New England climate.
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Victorian architecture refers to an era of design instead of one specific style. Victorian homes were built from the early 1800s through the early 1900s during the reign of Queen Victoria. Since the era is generally associated with a rising middle class and increasing wealth, these homes tend to be larger and more elaborate. Victorian architecture was influenced by several prolific architects and varying cityscapes. Today you'll find these homes dotted across communities in the United States.
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Colonial-style homes date back to the 17th century, and the homes come in many variations. Each style was influenced by early American settlers depending on their country of origin. The homes usually feature symmetry and some type of dormer. You'll commonly see examples of British or Georgian colonial-style homes, because a large portion of the U.S. was under British rule early on. You might also find these styles: federal colonial, Dutch colonial, French colonial, and Spanish colonial. They are especially popular on the East Coast but are common throughout the country.
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The craftsman-style home came about in the early 20th century during the Arts and Crafts movement. These homes put a particular focus on materials and motifs that are inspired by nature. You’ll commonly find naturally toned woodwork, geometric stained glass, and several built-ins. The color palette of a craftsman-style home tends to be earthy in nature and includes shades such as forest green, rusty orange, and natural browns. Some of the common variations of the craftsman style include mission, bungalow, and Stickley. Craftsman homes are found across the country.
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This house style was first crafted by an innovative turn-of-the-century architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Prairie-style homes are inspired by their relationship to nature. And they feature lots of handcrafted details, such as simple woodwork, stained glass, and built-in furniture. This style of home was heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, but it is distinct from Craftsman-style homes. Only a handful of original homes exist, with many being in the Midwest. But the style is still an iconic example of architecture that originated in America.
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Ranch homes are single-story or split-level houses that started popping up across the United States during the first half of the 20th century. In the 1930s, people built these homes that were inspired by Spanish colonials in the Southwest. Later examples of ranch homes can sometimes be confused with midcentury modern homes, because they share some characteristics, such as their streamlined appearance. In general, ranch-style homes have open floor plans and connect to the outside.
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Tudor-style homes are easily recognizable thanks to their timber details against a light-colored stucco. They also tend to have ornate brick detailing. The Tudor style came from historical homes in England. This home style became popular during the early 20th century in wealthy suburban communities across the United States. Many Tudor homes can be found in northern climates, because the solid architecture is ideal for cold weather.
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This popular American home style was influenced by homes in the Mediterranean. It became popular in the warmer parts of the United States during the early 1900s. Mediterranean-style homes often feature warm tones, stucco exteriors, and beautiful ornamental details incorporated into the tile and woodwork. The homes are made to be open and airy with stone, wood beams, and other natural details.
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It’s easy to confuse modern homes with contemporary ones, but the best way to tell the difference is to look at when the home was built. Modern-style homes were generally built between the 1930s and the 1970s in the United States, with midcentury modern being a subcategory of this style. In contrast, contemporary homes weren’t built until decades later. Modern homes are generally minimal in style and have clean, sharp lines. There aren't many ornamental details. These homes are found across the country with a lot being on the West Coast.
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Contemporary architecture essentially refers to the building styles that are trendy in present day. Contemporary homes can vary greatly, but they generally tend to fuse the interior design with the exterior design so that there is a sense of flow. While the style is typically clean and minimal, edges can still be soft and rounded. Contemporary-style homes are found across the country, especially in new builds (though a new build doesn't necessarily have to be contemporary).
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A farmhouse-style house is a modern interpretation of the rural family farm homes that were situated on lots of acreage. Old farmhouses were erected across the United States starting in the 1700s and 1800s. They came in various design styles, including Victorian and colonial. But the most common farmhouse was a simple rectangular structure often with a long porch and a clapboard exterior. Modern farmhouses mimic that simple structure, though they have grown in size.
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Modest cottage-style homes originated in Europe in small towns and villages. And they now dot the United States, especially in quaint residential communities. Cottages are defined by their small size, and they are usually faced with stone or wood, though siding also has become common. They are typically one to one-and-a-half stories high and often have small porches. The interior is cozy and informal.
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Small log cabins have been built for several hundred years with European settlers bringing the style to North America. This primitive style of building originally consisted of modest one-room homes in the wilderness. Nowadays, people build modern cabins as their primary residence in rural and even suburban settings for the aesthetic. The exterior still often is formed with logs, or it is at least clad in wood as a nod to the original style. And the shape is simple, usually with a fairly open interior.
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Rowhouses, also known as townhouses, are homes that are built directly next to one another with an adjoining wall. This type of house is common in major cities across the country, where the lot sizes are long and narrow. Often the same architect will build most, if not all, of the rowhouses on a block, giving them a uniform look. The design style can range depending on the architect's preferences. Rowhouses first popped up in the Netherlands and Belgium during the 16th century, and they spread across U.S. cities during the Industrial Revolution.
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Greek Revival architecture is inspired by buildings from ancient Greece. The style first arrived in Britain during the 1700s, but it didn't really gain steam until the 19th century in the United States. As a new democracy, Americans wanted to pay tribute to the birthplace of democracy through architecture, which is why many government buildings use the style. Home examples now can be found across the country. The style is defined by large columns, a symmetrical shape, and a white facade.
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French country homes draw inspiration from centuries-old homes in the French countryside. These homes featured more natural and lived-in elements than the ornate French architecture that dominated cities. Some key features of French country homes include natural stone facades, a sloping roof, two chimneys, and natural wood or stone flooring. Such homes can be found scattered in residential communities across the United States.
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Antebellum architecture, or Southern architecture, arose prior to the Civil War in the Southern United States. The design was meant to be both impressive and practical. For instance, the homes featured large windows and high ceilings, which both looked dramatic and allowed for better air circulation. And they had large, covered, wrap-around porches to enjoy the outdoors while being sheltered from the hot sun. Winding staircases and columns also were trademark features. This style is still most common in the South, and the modern versions still feature vaulted ceilings and large porches.
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Saltbox houses first popped up in New England during the 1600s, and they’re still most common there to this day. They were simple structures that early settlers were able to build with the supplies they could get their hands on, namely local timber. Saltbox homes feature a slanted, asymmetrical roof and a large chimney. The front of the house is flat, and there are typically two stories in the front sloping down to just one in the back.
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Art Deco style took off in Paris during the early 1920s, and it arrived in the U.S. soon after. Many U.S. skyscrapers and other buildings from coast to coast, including the Empire State Building, are in Art Deco style. Trademarks of this style include ornate and geometric details, bold colors, decorative windows and doors, and parapets and spires.
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Queen Anne

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Queen Anne style is part of Victorian architecture and was popular during the late 1800s. It persisted in the United States into the 1920s, with most buildings in that style being seen in the eastern portion of the country. Queen Anne homes generally feature an asymmetrical facade with a front gable and overhanging eves. There is also typically a porch that stretches across the front of the home, potentially with a second-story balcony.
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Dan Stiver / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

Italianate architecture also was of the Victorian era and was popular in the U.S. during much of the 19th century. It’s inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture from the 16th century. Most Italianate house styles are in the eastern U.S., but examples can be seen out west as well. Key characteristics of the style include a brick or wood clapboard facade, two to four stories, roofs with little to no pitch, and overhanging eves.
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Eastlake

Konrad Summers / Wikimedia / CC BY-SA 2.0

Also part of the Victorian era, Eastlake style is quite similar to Queen Anne style. It too arose in the 19th century, and examples now can be found across the United States. The style takes its inspiration from British architect Charles Eastlake, who promoted furniture and decor that was more angular and notched than the curved designs of other French styles. Thus, Eastlake-style homes generally have posts and railings with intricate, angular shapes. Lattice work also is common. The homes are traditionally painted in earth tones with the trim in a lighter color to make it pop.
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Romanesque Revival

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Romanesque Revival architecture developed during the 19th century in Britain and arrived in the United States in the 1840s. It draws inspiration from medieval European architecture, which featured thick stone walls, huge load-bearing columns, and large arches. Romanesque Revival buildings simplified some of those features but still retained their essence. The style uses prominent arches, round towers, and stone or brick construction. Romanesque Revival architecture is often seen in churches and buildings on college campuses across the United States.
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Jeff the Quiet / Wikimedia / CC BY-SA 2.0

Originating in France and defined by pointed arches, Gothic architecture was popular in Europe from the 12th century all the way to the 16th century. Gothic Revival arose in the 19th century. Many buildings in the U.S., especially cathedrals, feature Gothic Revival style. It’s not common to see a home fully in the style, though residences will have aspects of it. Trademark elements of the style include the pointed arches, stained glass windows, and ornate features such as spires and gargoyles.

45 US House Styles That Shaped the Country

By Katie Barton | Published on Jan 5, 2023

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American house styles are varied and complex, just like the country’s population.

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.

There are now many types of homes to choose from. Identifying your house style can help you learn about its history and original design elements. And if you’re in the market to buy a house, knowing the different types will help narrow your search.

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

The Most Popular Architectural House Styles

We’ve rounded up the most popular types of exterior house styles throughout the United States.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

Where Were Parlors In Original Cape Cod Homes?

A Cape Cod parlor was in the southeast corner and to the right of the front door to take advantage of the sun. The heat from the sun increased as it rose in the east and moved southward across the sky throughout the day.

What Is Soft Architecture?

Soft-architecture refers to interior decor like window treatments, textiles, and light fixtures.

What Are The Negative Aspects Of A Gated Community?

Gated communities provide protection from daily intrusions, which is good and bad. In the US, ignorance is associated with safety. A gated community cuts itself from its regional location. Integration is not the goal of a gated community.

What Were The Benefits Of Rockfaced Hollow Concrete Block?

Between 1905 and 1930, cheap,domestic structures were built with rockfaced hollow concrete block. The material was inexpensive and easy to use. Homes that were constructed with the concrete blocks were also durable and provided protection from harsh weather climates.

What Is The Lifespan Of A Prefab House?

Prefab homes can last between 35 and 50 years. To make longer lasting modular buildings, thicker and stronger materials are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, and seismic events.

What Are The Characteristics Of Art Deco Interior Design?

Art Deco homes feature zigzagged patterns, sunburst themes, and sharp geometrical designs.

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.

Interior styles - a description of all styles with a photo

If you are too lazy to read 50 articles about design trends, but you really want to decide on a style, start by taking our interior preference test, 10,000 people have already passed it. 99% of them say that the test really works. Enjoy your health and live easy!

Comfortable, family, solid - the main thing you need to know about American style. The point is in the layout - Americans prefer houses where only bedrooms and bathrooms are separate, the rest of the spaces in the house - the kitchen, dining room, living room, corridor - are combined into a single whole. All rooms are as big as possible. Gigantism is also reflected in the furniture: huge kitchens, massive sofa groups, high beds, for which a bench can come in handy.

Rooms breathe. Americans clearly zone the space - with the help of furniture, different finishes, arched openings and local lighting, and there are very few objects, if we are not talking about textiles - moreover, they are quite functional.

Empire - the imperial style, inextricably linked with the personality of Napoleon Bonaparte. The ambitious emperor turned out to be both the ideological inspirer, and the main customer, and the main character of many engravings decorating immodest rooms. The result was a style of the late era of classicism, in which aesthetics dominates practicality. Empire style is characterized by scale, arrogance, pomposity and solemnity.

There are a lot of military installations and trophies in the decor of the style: bundles of spears, bunches of arrows, laurel wreaths, torches. Furniture made of expensive natural materials is often decorated with mythical animals: lions, eagles, sphinxes, caryatids. Expensive textiles, brocade, silk are used in wall decoration, gilding of individual interior elements is popular.

Primitive and practical today, the English style has evolved over many centuries, changing beyond recognition several times. Modern English is wealthy, comfortable, intellectual. There are a lot of expensive materials in the rooms: noble wood in furniture and decoration, genuine leather, textiles with traditional patterns: stripes, checks, flowers. Mandatory attributes are a fireplace and a library.

The color scheme is restrained: wood colors, deep green, all shades of burgundy and beige, colors and patterns are combined with each other. In the rooms, much attention is paid to lighting: strict floor lamps and table lamps. Furniture, on the contrary, is round and soft, and is located so that it is comfortable both to conduct small talk and to enjoy loneliness.

Art Deco is the most geometric style in the interior. It appeared between the two world wars and became a symbol of celebration and desired freedom. At that time, science and industry were actively developing - industrial motifs shine through in the style: clear lines, hard corners, perfect symmetry. Geometry is diluted with animal prints, leaves, branches, feathers.

Art Deco is characterized by stepped lighting: sconces and floor lamps turn in different directions, up and down, objects are often chrome-plated and shiny, furniture is made of metal or lacquered wood. Style colors are rich and bold: gold, black, white.

Art Nouveau is a vivid example of European Art Nouveau. The style appeared at the end of the 19th century and became a whole culture: architecture, decor, art and applied art. Distinctive features - a huge number of wavy asymmetric lines that take the form of natural elements, stained glass windows and mosaics, love for cast iron and iron elements. Most of the furniture is wood, the palette is warm and muted: mustard, green, woody and earthy tones.

Sources of creativity - windows, doors, stairs - large, decorative, thoroughly decorated. Every detail looks fabulous and romantic.

The Bauhaus has a special place in history - it is from this style that interior design ceases to be the prerogative of the rich and begins to work for the benefit of society. Main principles: availability and conveyor of objects and materials, ergonomics and convenience of daily use, minimalism and geometric shapes.

Representatives of the style often use glass surfaces, plastic, metal elements, wood, leather and thick fabrics. The furniture is modular, easy to fold and change. A lot of attention goes to lighting: spectacular lamps in large numbers help to visually expand the space.

Baroque is a style created to show the strength and grandeur of the 17th century church. Lush, massive and emotional, Baroque is characterized by drama and tension, grandeur and power. Large, elaborate pieces of furniture, carved ceilings, gold frames and walls, magnificent engravings, fine paintings and sculptures. The main colors are gold, burgundy, noble beige.

About the details: the ceiling is often a continuation of the wall, with a single pattern of stucco or decorated with frescoes, on the floor - lacquered parquet or stone. Favorite figures - scrolls, curls, shells. Rich and lush textiles: draperies, pendants, tassels, expensive materials, lambrequins are required on the curtains. Lighting does not lag behind: huge crystal chandeliers, spectacular floor lamps and lamps. Baroque does not know what "too luxurious" means.

Boho is one of the most eclectic interior styles. No wonder - from the French boho means "gypsy". In short, everything is possible, and the more, the better. Piles of pillows, the most diverse textiles, unpaired pieces of furniture, vintage lamps, live plants, many contrasting and bright colors.

Boho is about creativity, a style in which you can constantly change and change: creative house, the desire to experiment, express your individuality and enjoy emotions distinguishes the owners of such housing. The only condition is that each item must be selected with love.

The essence of brutalism is clear from the name: rough, technological, minimalistic. Pay attention to the beauty of raw materials and materials: concrete walls, exposed brickwork, protruding wires, glass partitions, emphasis on metal structures. Style is not interested in color at all, only in texture, shape, proportions.

Brutalism avoids softness and comfort in the traditional sense, the main principle is functionality and no frills. The furniture is almost always on legs, of a clear rectangular shape and made of natural materials, often the same color as the space around it. It is good if there are large windows - natural light makes the interior complete.

Versailles as a style in the interior is named after the palace, which carefully mixed several classical styles - in particular, classicism and baroque. Today it is a source of inspiration for many architects, designers and artists.

Characteristic features: first-class, expensive materials in decoration, bright colors - lilac, ruby, gold, - elegant furniture on "lion's paws" and curved legs with bright floral prints. There is a lot of decor: frescoes, bas-reliefs, floral ornaments, sculptural compositions, lace, draperies, a large number of mirrors in gilded carved frames. No less furniture: sofas, armchairs, pouffes, dressing table, dressers and much more.

Victorian style combines elements of several design eras: the reign of Queen Victoria was remembered for the fashion for a mix of historical and exotic styles - neo-Gothic and Moorish, neo-rococo and Chinese art, neo-baroque and Indian style. The heyday of industry made the style more accessible - mass production made it possible to reduce the cost of items, use cheaper materials.

There was no empty space in such interiors - everything was filled with furniture and decor: the rooms had an abundance of ornaments, paintings in massive frames, rich drapery, statues, sets - the richer the better. The color scheme depended on the period - in the early Victorian style, interiors were decorated in rich colors of precious stones, in the middle - the colors became more elegant and restrained, in the late - bright, but more juicy colors returned again. The walls were often decorated with wallpaper with bright patterns.

Vintage is not exactly an interior style, but rather an approach to organizing space. Vintage interiors are a product of our time, an artificially created atmosphere of the past - usually the 20th century, preferably no later than 50-60 years ago - with the help of items that are well preserved and can be used for their intended purpose. To create a comfortable look for a modern person, it is better to pay attention to vintage furniture and decor, choosing a simple retro-colored finish.

Depending on the choice of the period and the degree of its penetration into a modern apartment, completely different images can turn out. For example, the first half of the last century is the splendor and luxury of classical styles, and the post-war period is functionality and simplicity.

The Gothic style came to interiors from architecture at least seven centuries later, in the era of historicism at the end of the 19th century, when Europeans became fascinated with neo-Gothic buildings. Gothic is characterized by borrowing the principles of medieval architecture and recreating the spirit of a knight's castle.

The gothic look is not suitable for small apartments – predominantly dark colors press in a small space. If there is not enough light, it is permissible to use white, beige, milky as the main tone. In such interiors, preference is given to natural materials - wood, stone, metals, furniture is decorated with carvings and polos, upholstered in brocade or velvet. To create an atmosphere, use chests, candlesticks, tapestries on medieval themes, mosaics on the windows.

The main feature of the grunge style is the almost complete absence of decoration: brickwork, rough wood, concrete walls, raw beams, stone floor. Furniture, on the contrary, is very elegant, often vintage, although not antique. Aged but modern items are also suitable.

Decorative elements are rare, mostly practical vintage items are used for decoration: massive forged lamps, woolen blankets, family heirlooms, photos faded from time to time. It is important that the grunge style is used mainly for large and spacious rooms with large windows, so the combination of classic furniture and rough walls creates a feeling of lightness and cleanliness.

An architectural style that flows seamlessly into design. They joke about deconstructivism in the interior that it is constructivism turned inside out. Indeed, they have something in common: minimalist interiors without unnecessary details, plain furniture, laconic lighting. But where the similarity ends, distortion begins: all objects are asymmetrical, new forms appear, lines pierce space.

The symbiosis of the interior and architecture of the building is typical - deconstructivism loves space because it can be used irrationally, and the external illogical appearance of the room helps in this best of all, in which everything is an experiment.

Like any geographical style, Indian reflects the mentality, environmental features and thousands of years of history. The style is characterized by bright colors in large quantities: all shades of red, burgundy and pink, yellow, gold, orange, brown, various colors of spices. Indians also love patterns: paisley, mandalas, various natural themes.

An important feature is a huge amount of textiles: curtains, sheets, canopies, pillows and carpets. Many accessories: figurines of gods and goddesses, chests, crockery, mirrors, vases, bronze lamps. There are a lot of craft items made by hand in the premises.

The industrial style stood out at the beginning of the last century and took the most interesting attributes of industrial progress: elements of production, protruding pipes and wires, the illusion of lack of decoration. All rooms are stylized as a factory and it would be nice to find a few details from a real production - use a cleaver as a table, turn pipes and boards into a makeshift rack. Other pieces of furniture and accessories can be more classic.

The texture of the surfaces is rough, rough, worn, good, if a little rusty in places. That's the whole style - rough, unfinished, unfinished. Industrial.

American country grew out of early farmhouses. From there, the features: rural flavor, environmental friendliness, huge rooms, open planning, a mandatory fireplace. Preference is given to natural materials: clay, stone, wood, the latter is involved in the decoration of the floor, walls and ceiling. A lot of hand-made - wicker baskets, pottery, forged products.

The furniture is simple, solid, massive, it's good if it's left over from the time of the grandmother: old chests of drawers, shabby sofas, vintage chests. The rooms have a lot of textiles of different colors and ornaments - blankets, pillows, rugs, napkins, tablecloths and so on - which makes the rooms very cozy and homely.

This style has absorbed the entire thousand-year-old Chinese culture - with their Eastern mystery, philosophy and practicality. The interiors are simple, the space is organized according to feng shui: they have many screens and partitions, traditional motifs (dragons, sakura, flowers and branches), low and miniature, often varnished, furniture. Items are arranged in pairs or symmetrically.

Each item or color has its own meaning, so you should choose carefully. For example, as a decor, you can choose fans, traditional paintings, paper lanterns, incense sticks, porcelain vases, be sure to put mats on the floor. Materials in China are natural, bamboo is especially popular.

Kitsch will suit people with a great sense of humor: a maximalist style that brightly mixes trends, furniture, materials, colors, prints. Fake works of art, trinkets from the market, children's creativity in all its manifestations will come in well. For fun, look for the most popular items among the majority: artificial flowers, figurines from travels, low-quality reproductions.

There are no rules, there is irony. Pseudo-luxury and a riot of colors are desirable, but not required. The materials are inexpensive: synthetics and plastic, artificial velvet and fur, the main thing is to have more of them. Furniture carved, vintage, unusual colors and shapes. More is more, as they say.

Classicism is a palatial style, a more calm and reserved follower of baroque and rococo. A little less lush luxury, a little more symmetrical elegance and nobility. A big feature: classicism uses ancient motifs - columns and arches, fireplaces and tapestries, crystal chandeliers and stucco - all in the ancient Roman and ancient Greek manner.

Dominant colors - white, beige, light pink and green, blue, part of the furniture is covered with gilding. The latter is made of natural wood, simple geometric shapes, with a calm pattern. The decor is restrained, each item looks dignified and majestic.

Classics, which will be discussed, is rather a group of classical styles that appeared in different eras to decorate castles and palaces of rich blue-blooded people. Among them are Empire and Versailles, Classicism and Renaissance, Baroque. Each style is based on natural materials (especially precious woods and stone inserts), elegant furniture with thin legs and stucco on the ceiling.

Classical styles are proportional, the composition is always built around the center (one or more), lamps and accessories are placed symmetrically. Lighting is always luxurious: crystal chandeliers, candlesticks, high floor lamps on both sides of one sofa.

Colonial style - a mixture of cultures of the great empires and their colonies: when the conquerors moved to another exotic country, they built houses with old taste and new conditions and materials.

The colonial style has several directions: English, American, French, African, Indian… Each trend is different, but there are several common features - the interweaving of European classics and oriental aesthetics, natural colors with bright accents, the use of exotic decor items and travel attributes: wicker baskets and rattan furniture, African masks, animal skins, maps, globes, an abundance of exotic plants and chests.

Constructivism - the Soviet style of architecture, which smoothly flowed into interior design. This is an avant-garde style - its essence boils down to the rejection of the old classical forms with excessive decor and deliberate luxury in favor of rational solutions.

Constructivism is very practical, with strict geometric shapes, balanced proportions, comfortable soft furniture and a minimum of accessories. The rooms need an open layout and huge windows to the floor. Everything else should be on point: you need a chair to sit at, a table to dine at. For decoration, you can use bright color accents.

Contemporary means modern. Eclectic interiors that incorporate the best that modern styles can offer - minimalism, Scandinavian design, new classics, neo-country, constructivism. The essence is simple: it is not so important to follow the letter of the design, but to create a cozy and practical interior, where every item brings joy and can appear spontaneously.

There are no strict rules, except that the use of inexpensive practical materials, clear lines, and occasional borrowing of iconic design items. The color scheme is neutral, but there may be exceptions. The only real condition: the furniture is selected in such a way as to save space - a closed wall, modular sofas, transforming furniture.

A loft is first and foremost space. The space of former factories and factories, which were supplied with minimal amenities and were rented out cheaply to bohemian youth. The result was huge rooms without partitions with a maximum level of natural light.

Characteristic features: no partitions, brick and concrete finishes, modern art as decoration, the presence of industrial elements. Furniture can be different - from vintage and found on the street, and then creatively recycled, to simple comfortable things of our time, the main thing is that it must be original and bright so as not to get lost against the backdrop of a huge room. Windows should be as large as possible.

Manga - a style for fans of Japanese comics and anime, the main focus of the decor on your favorite characters. At the same time, the design can be anything, the main thing is that it gravitates towards Japanese minimalism. Materials and furniture also do not matter, you can choose for every taste. Accents with characters can be everywhere - graffiti on the wall, comic posters, prints on textiles, pouf.

In order not to overload the space, manga interiors prefer to use no more than three bright colors. Although there are exceptions - for example, if one of the fans decided to bring to life the housing of their favorite character exactly like in a comic book.

Refusal of unnecessary decor, comfortable functional furniture of simple geometric shapes, monochrome colors, a large amount of free space… you know? It's all minimalism. Get rid of unnecessary partitions and unnecessary things, use natural materials (you can leave a rough texture), give up complex designs.

A bit of asceticism: the walls are mostly white, there are no ornaments at all, accessories can be counted on the fingers (of one hand!), lighting is diffused, storage systems are imperceptibly hidden from the eyes. There remains space, a lot of light from large windows and that same airy lightness, for the sake of which everything was started.

See art nouveau. Today, modern refers to a group of styles with similar characteristics: Art Nouveau in France, Liberty in Italy, Tiffany in America. In its own way, this is a rebellious style, which is based on the rejection of classical palace styles, an attempt to create something fundamentally new. The reason was the widespread fatigue from luxury and unnaturalness, there was a need for a more accessible design.

Features: rejection of symmetry and geometry in favor of flowing vegetation and sea lines, abundance of wood, wrought iron gratings and stained-glass windows, skillfully decorated furniture, windows, openings and doors. Natural palette - the most common are beige, brown, olive, marsh, grass green and gold.

Nostalgia for the sea in the interior is a combination of white with all shades of blue in all possible variations: from light blue to rich, close to green and purple colors. Favorite pattern is a white and blue horizontal stripe, favorite accessories are those related to traveling by sea. These can be shells, starfish, helms and chests. The floor and walls are wooden.

In this style, it is good to use simple, concise objects made from natural materials - wood, twine, rope rope and sailcloth. There should be as much lighting as possible - therefore, floor-to-ceiling windows, glass partitions and many bright and beautiful lamps and floor lamps in a marine style are desirable.

Neoclassicism in the interior is the luxury of royal palace styles in a modern, slightly more accessible reading. This is the idealization and then the modernizing of the past. Such an interior requires a spacious room with large windows and high ceilings, in which the principles of symmetry and proportionality are important.

The walls are covered with light paint, the ceiling is stuccoed, the floor is parquet, perhaps a carpet of a calm light shade. Furniture - with graceful legs and a slight reference to past centuries. Lighting - for beauty: multi-level chandeliers, wall sconces, floor lamps with lampshades. And of course decor! Antique sculptures, classical paintings in gilded frames, porcelain vases.

Pin-up is a retro style that originated during the American Great Depression: cheerful girls with curvaceous forms were designed to cheer up the tired population. Gradually, the principles of a cheerful coquette found application in design: the interiors came out light, bright, mischievous.

To create such an atmosphere, just a little white and a lot of candy colors - pink, yellow, tiffany - add various cozy textiles to them, hang a couple of cheerful posters. The furniture is a bit retro - a large and forged vintage bed, a dressing table, cozy round chairs. The image of the room will be complemented by weightless flying fabrics with simple motifs - polka dots, checks, stripes.

Pop art is what art is for, to be bright and outrageous. This style randomly mixes colors and different shapes of furniture. Bold and open, the best pop art spaces can compete with galleries - the walls are decorated with graffiti, posters, comics, drawings, installations.

For this purpose, the walls are often initially white - the easier it is to decorate them creatively. Accents in the interior are set by lighting - art objects must be properly illuminated in order to attract attention, although sometimes a lamp is an original art object.

Eclectic postmodernism is a style that simultaneously opposes itself to the entire era of modernism and rebels against modern minimalism. Less practicality: crooked shelves, empty frames, asymmetrical furniture, bright, flashy colors. For this approach, you will need spacious open-plan rooms so that there is room to roam.

The more unusual, the better: combine different materials in one object (concrete and wood, for example), put an expensive designer chair next to an IKEA sofa, find quirky posters. Another good solution is a sharp transition from one zone to another: paint half the room in a flashy pink color, leave the other completely white. Hooligan and have fun: postmodernism can let you.

Provence in the interior - the spirit of warm and cozy rural France, sun-scorched surfaces. Among the main features: a soft palette of pastel colors, faded surfaces, many fresh flowers, the presence of a stove or fireplace. Natural finishes - stone floor, plastered walls, wooden accents on the walls and ceiling.

Vintage and artificially aged furniture is in use: chests of drawers, sideboards, wardrobes, cozy sofas and armchairs in huge covers, with lots of pillows. There are a lot of textiles in the rooms - napkins, tablecloths, carpets and blankets - the style of a country house suggests an exaggerated understanding of comfort. It remains to say about the little things dear to the heart: in such houses there are a lot of little things - vases, figurines, caskets, earthenware, candlesticks and wicker baskets.

Renaissance interiors are the first palatial luxury that replaced the cold castles of the Middle Ages. Characteristic features of the style: graceful symmetry, wall paintings and fabrics, domed and multi-level ceilings, stone floors, antique sculptures and ornaments on the floor, walls, ceiling, frequent use of marble, an abundance of columns and pilasters.

Separately, it is worth talking about the furniture. There are relatively few items, each carefully selected according to the role they will play. All furniture on thin legs, regular geometric shape, decorated with fine carvings, inlays and gilding.

Rococo - classic interior style: expensive, elegant, refined. He came to replace the baroque, allowing the rich counts to take a break and unwind from the lush luxury of its predecessor. The style features include the decorative loading of the interiors, but this time much more attention is paid to personal comfort. The color scheme is very gentle: dusty pink, light blue, pale green, with silver and gold.

The furniture of this era is incredibly elegant, with thin graceful legs, often carved, decorated with gilding. Stucco moldings on the ceilings, parquet and patterned carpets on the floor. The rooms are decorated with carved mirrors, huge chandeliers on the ceiling, candlesticks and candelabra on the walls. Many sculptures and figurines are connected with mythology.

The Romanesque style is reminiscent of an old medieval castle or monastery. The main principle is no frills: simplicity of design, large-scale architecture, small windows, powerful columns and dark rooms. A minimum of decor - the main decoration was knightly paraphernalia, as well as stained-glass windows, candlesticks and carpets. An important element in each room was a stove or a fireplace.

Rough finishes - stone walls and floors, simple and bulky wooden furniture, bronze lamps - that's all the materials that were used at that time. Chests were used literally for everything - both as a closet and as a bench, sometimes even as a bed or table.

The Russian style in the interior includes three directions: a traditional village hut, an elegant tower and the so-called "ala rus". The latter is found in modern interiors and uses details of the Russian past - a stove, traditional ornaments, lace tablecloths and napkins, icons, chests, fringed floor lamps, wall and ceiling paintings, elegant architraves and shutters.

The Russian style is notable for its well-known sincerity and environmental friendliness: only natural materials are used, wood trim and furniture predominate in the interior. For more “Russianness”, add a samovar or traditional nesting dolls.

Rustic - the style of wealthy country houses, fully furnished with wood. A tree can be perfectly varnished or, which happens much more often, not processed at all: all the knots and bumps, all the complex texture remain in place, as if the tree had recently been cut down in the forest.

In authentic rustic style, all the furniture and decorations are made of wood, but in modern interiors it is good to borrow only a part of the elements, choosing walls and ceilings with white plaster. Furniture can be assembled from old boards, door pieces, and recycled items. Most importantly, some of the items can be modern, with the use of high technology.

Steampunk is the book fantasy come to life from the past centuries. The style is nostalgic for the Victorian era, while raising the industrial pathos. It turns out futuristic gothic, in which steam engines have taken over the world (but modern technology has not).

How to repeat? Take some Victorian furniture - massive, austere, wood and leather, add more decorations - pipes, valves, gears, chains, pendulums, sensors, and a pinch of traveler's paraphernalia - aircraft diagrams, maps, globes, suitcases, pepper with antique objects of that era. There is nothing left - hang blackout curtains, place spotlights, and that's all - your steampunk!

Modest and beautiful, Scandinavian style is considered the most democratic interior style. Not surprisingly, it was the Scandinavians who were among the first to talk about mass design, thanks to which beautiful and comfortable items became available to ordinary people.

Today, Nordic style has become even more minimalistic - its fans adhere to the principles of awareness and durability of design objects, preferring things that can bring comfort and survive any trend. Distinctive features: open layout, large spaces with massive windows, wooden accents, cool colors (the main color is white), the presence of mostly practical accessories (exceptions are black and white paintings and posters, as well as mirrors, lamps, glass vases).

The Mediterranean interior style combines common features of several countries north of the Mediterranean Sea - Italy, Spain, Greece. They are united by love for nature and natural materials, fresh and bright colors that imitate the sea, the sun, southern plants. Large windows with light curtains, high textured ceilings and white plastered walls help keep the rooms as light as possible.

Wood is often used - beams on the ceiling, rustic massive furniture. On the floor - stone terracotta tiles, stained-glass windows and mosaics are found in the decor. The choice of patterns depends on the country - in Greece, bright blue and light blue monochromatic accents are common, in Italy - calm beige and earth tones, in Spain - exuberant Moroccan motifs.

Finnish design is when a big house with huge panoramic windows in a snowy forest, and not a soul around! From other Scandinavians, the Finns inherited pronounced practicality and minimalism, simplicity in everything and comfort around, but there is much, much more sincere and warm wood in the interior - on the floor, walls, ceiling and, of course, in furniture!

The tree is diluted with cute things - bright paintings, printed pillows, unusual covers and blankets, blankets, blankets. Finnish furniture is a separate art form: simple, concise, very practical.

The main feature of the French style is elegant, playful eclecticism. The French with a known charm mix styles, materials, colors. In one room, vintage and antique items are side by side with ultra-modern solutions.

French people are not afraid of empty space, and at the same time they love coziness, so in some places the same room looks minimalistic, and in other places it looks too full of trifles: books, candles, photographs, accessories. The colors are warm, almost always light, the shades gently transitioning from one to another. The rooms breathe - large windows, high ceilings, elegant furniture on thin legs, open shelves, massive chandeliers.

Functionalism sounds like a utopia - all objects should fulfill their role, be beautiful, cheap and comfortable. Anything that doesn't have a function should be excluded. Aesthetics is secondary, and only important as long as it doesn't interfere with the object's task.

The calm color scheme suits the style – nothing superfluous, and even the colors are orderly and practical. The furniture is geometrically simple, ergonomic, able to change and transform - a sofa bed instead of a bed, sliding tables on wheels, built-in wardrobes. The only thing that is found in abundance is lighting, which, thanks to dimmers and various variations, is able to adapt to the mood and time of day.

Futurism is a style inspired by science fiction. The style is characterized by the desire for the maximum possible technical equipment, original forms, pronounced asymmetry. The decoration often uses metals, plastic, concrete and glass. Upholstered furniture combines leather and metals; wood and plastic are most often used to create the rest.

Lighting is fragmented: throughout the space there are many diode modules embedded in walls, furniture, ceiling and even the floor. The decor is restrained: you can afford blinds on the windows, a black and white picture and a huge amount of elegant and ultra-modern technology.

Fusion is English for "fusion" and is a style in which you don't have to sacrifice your favorite things for the sake of design integrity. Use a neutral light background, add different colors, textures and patterns to it. Don't be afraid of contrasts - modern art beautifully sets off vintage, and a long pile carpet makes a glossy floor even cozier.

In this style objects are chosen emotionally – complex color schemes are assembled in the interior, the rooms do not look completely finished. And it's true - fusion assumes that you will periodically replace one item with another.

Hi-tech in the interior is still young: it came to design from architecture in the 1980s. This style is very practical, the only accessories are technology i.e. gadgets, screens, smart home systems, audio systems and more.

In minimalistic interiors with a monochrome palette, there is little furniture, most often it is easy to change and move it: transforming sofas, folding tables. Often there are metal or glass shelves in which everything you need is hidden. Great emphasis on lighting: glass or metal lamps, illuminated panels, spotlights, floor lamps with a minimalist design come across.

Shabby chic means shabby chic. The wear shows up in classic vintage furniture, antique accessories, a light, airy atmosphere with stucco ceilings and old parquet floors. An elegant, very soulful atmosphere is created with the help of white and light pastel shades, a crystal chandelier, thin airy fabrics.

There are a lot of hand-made and recycled things in the rooms, a lot of flowers - especially roses and peonies, a lot of statues - most often these are angels and classic shabby busts. Light covers are put on the furniture, pillows, rugs, carpets are required.

Contrast or house? More eclectic! Initially, the premises were called eclectic, in which the basic principles of classical trends were mixed. Today, eclecticism is everything that cannot be singled out as a specific style.

Eclectic rooms mix old and new, oriental and western cultures, ethnic countryside and ultra-modern hi-tech solutions. Often, color becomes a unifying factor, dissimilar objects are assembled into a harmonious picture due to the unity of colors. A lot of love goes to accessories - the more there are, the more uniform things seem to be initially incompatible with each other.

Eco-style in the interior - a story about true love for nature. The philosophy of a conscious approach to life: the careful use of resources, the rejection of fur, leather and valuable tree species, the choice of natural, often recycled materials.

Among the latter are wood, vine, bamboo, stone, clay, cotton and linen. It turns out a natural natural palette of soft natural colors. Now add green - the decor is dominated by plants, in quantities from a few copies to the presence of a home garden and a full-fledged phytowall! Furniture is found in two types - deliberately rough, made by hand, as opposed to objects with naturally soft forms, comfortable for daily use.

Japan is centuries-old traditions and a special philosophy that actively influences the way and arrangement of space and life. The Japanese are minimalists - the interiors are almost ascetic, the furniture is extremely functional, there are few accessories: a set for a tea ceremony, bamboo lanterns to create diffused lighting, engravings that bring good luck, bonsai trees.

The interiors are monochrome, they contain natural motifs and hieroglyphs, the materials are exclusively natural. There is little furniture - the Japanese often eat and meditate on the floor, so it is all decorated with mats and tatami (reed mats).

Mid-century modern is distinguished by its underlined functionality, clear lines and the main principle - everything should be as convenient as possible. Colors are of great importance - bright, deep, often natural, often concentrated industrial. Representatives of the style love to mix textures and materials, pay a lot of attention to lighting and furniture. Many objects created under the auspices of mid-century modern have entered the golden classics of design and are still the object of desire of our contemporaries.

A great advantage of the style is that it can be used to create both a retro look and a modern, fresh look.

Architectural style of the house

Part 1. Russian (Soviet) architectural styles

Russian rural architectural style

A Russian rural house was built on one or two floors, with a gable, three-slope or (more rarely, to the south and east) four-slope roof. Until the Second World War, the roof was most often wooden. There was a light fixture in the attic. The traditional Russian rural house had a log house with four or five walls. The house could consist of one hut and a spacious entrance hall, or two huts - a front and a back one, between which there is an extensive lead and a canopy, and all this under one roof. In Ingermangland, the huts were also set up side by side: after the marriage of the eldest son, the hut was dismantled and taken out for new items - an expanding or new settlement. The area around the house in the Russian rural architectural style, as a rule, is not surrounded by a blank fence made of planks (zaplot) as in Siberia. Near the house there is a front garden for growing flowers. Houses in the Russian style were also built of stone and brick. Wooden houses were decorated with carvings with pagan motifs, the main purpose of which was to protect the house and its owners.

Photo gallery
Russian wooden huts

Siberian peasant style

The Siberian architectural style of a log house is generally similar to the Russian rural architectural style. However, Siberian houses are characterized by four-pitched roofs, large houses and obligatory blind fences - rafts from dashing people-varnak. Wooden carving ornaments have motifs different from Russian carving.

Russian country style

This architectural style was formed in Russia in the second half of the 19th century - during the period of mass distribution of summer dacha culture. Dachas were built from the simplest - plank without any insulation, to full-fledged log houses with good stoves. The traditional appearance is a one-and-a-half-story building, sheathed with clapboard or board, (there were also options for plastered wooden houses) with an obligatory mezzanine, a porch and a glazed or open veranda. Many modern country houses in Russia retain this traditional look.

Log house

The log house architectural style, which is characterized by the construction of walls from solid logs that have been planed or rounded, includes houses in the style of a village hut, a hunting lodge and a log manor house. Log houses are especially common in Russia, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.

Ingrian style

The style of medieval building of the modern territory of the Leningrad region, which was once the land of the Swedish princess Ingrid - Ingermanland. It is characterized by powerful stone or brick walls interspersed with one type of masonry in another. The house and outbuildings form a closed square with a stone fence and a gate from the side of the street. Separate buildings have survived to our time.

Vologda style

Architectural Vologda style is an abundance of carved decorations on the main facade of the building. The style was formed in the second half of the 19th century. The Vologda house is a one or two-story house, stretched deep into the courtyard. As an indispensable structural element, a porch or balcony with a porch under it was created in the corner of the main facade.

Russian merchant style

The architectural style of a Russian merchant's house is a large square or rectangular building. Often the first floor was made of stone, while the second floor was a hewn frame, lined with wood and richly decorated. From the inside, merchant houses were mostly plastered with lime.

Neo-Merch style

Architectural style based on the style of old Siberian merchant houses. It is characterized by an obligatory decorated brick pediment hiding a low gable roof.

Russian estate style

Russian manor is an architectural complex of residential, utility, landscape gardening and other buildings inscribed in the surrounding landscape manor park. A noble estate usually consists of a manor house, several outbuildings, a stable, a greenhouse, buildings for servants, etc. In the absence of a river, a pond with an island was arranged on the territory of the manor park, alleys were laid, rotundas, grottoes and ruins were placed. Large estates had a church on their territory.

Russian city estate style

The urban noble estate, characteristic primarily for Moscow and small provincial towns, usually included a manor house in the style of "Nikolaev" classicism, a stable, sheds, servants' quarters, a small garden. Many Russian estates were built according to the original designs of well-known architects, while at the same time, a large part was built according to "exemplary" projects. for which, by royal decree, special exemplary albums were issued, in which one could find not only a drawing of the facade, but also fences.

In contrast to the country estate of the nobles, the city estate did not have a park, but only a small garden.

Soviet post-war rural style

This architectural style is a development of the traditional Russian rural log house style. The traditional four and five-walled porches began to be made not only from round timber, but also from timber, building panels, cinder blocks and everything that could be found in the country of the Soviets. The appearance of a Soviet rural house is an indispensable lining. Particularly wealthy Soviet citizens lined wooden houses with red brick or sand-lime brick (including one quarter). Different regions of the Soviet country brought special patterns to the brickwork of Soviet-style houses. The lining was also painted in its own color in each region. For example, in the picture - the most fashionable color of the Vologda Oblast in the 2000s. In a modern interpretation, such houses are dressed in siding and covered with ondulin.

Pseudogordian architectural style

It is the embodiment of the failed communist idea of linking the city with the countryside. Houses built in Soviet or post-Soviet times are characterized by a desire to bring the look and content of the house closer to that of a city apartment, to get away from the "village" look: the houses were built of silicate kripich, standard "apartment" window blocks were used, "urban" loggias were made, inside the houses reigned concrete and linoleum. The appearance is characterized by simple forms, almost complete absence of facade decoration, as a maximum, ornaments or edging made of bricks of a contrasting color.

Soviet perestroika style

The style of public buildings of the Soviet authorities, designed to symbolize the strength and power of Soviet power. Later, the style was actively adopted by the governing bodies of the new Russian government. Grandiose entrances, portals, high ceilings, bare facades and an absolutely ill-conceived mixture of forms and styles, with most often poor-quality finishes. Actively adopted by individual developers for the construction of "rich" houses in 1990-early 2000s. In the late 2000s, fortunately, many developers had an idea about other architectural styles that are common in the world.

Part 2. World architectural styles

Fachwerk

Fachwerk is a special architectural style that took shape in the Middle Ages in Europe. Structurally, half-timbered houses are a type of houses built using the support-and-beam technology. In the case of half-timbered houses, all the supports and beams are left open, and the space between them is filled with stone, brick, straw, or wattle, which can be plastered. The style came to Russia along with the reforms of Peter I. Initially, St. Petersburg had half-timbered buildings. However, the inability to build warm and durable houses using this technology led to its extinction in Russia.

Neo-furnished

The emergence of new building materials and insulation has led to the revival of the half-timbered architectural style. Post-and-beam houses are much easier to build than traditional frame houses. Now the gaps between the beams are filled with structural insulated panels, traditional insulated frame panels or aerated concrete. Due to the absence of the need for braces, the design of neo-Fachwerk facades has a simpler appearance. There is also a stylization of houses built using other technologies for half-timbered houses. When finishing modern half-timbered houses, artificially aged wood can be used.

Finnish (Scandinavian) rural style

Finnish (Scandinavian) rural architectural style was influenced by Swedish architecture. Swedish log houses differ from traditional Russian ones: the logs in Swedish houses are hexagonal in shape and have a lock that pinches the log during shrinkage, in contrast to the round logs of the Russian log house, where the gaps between the logs increase with time. The traditional Scandinavian house has an elongated rectangular shape and an entrance on the long side of the house. The houses are sheathed with clapboard or board, the traditional colors of punamulta - punamulta (red earth) - ocher and white. Other popular color combinations are yellow with white, gray with white, salad with white. It should be noted that most of the glazing compositions for Scandinavian wood have only natural colors: the color of the sky, water, sand, pine needles, pine bark, etc. See what Swedish garden houses and Swedish country houses look like.

Swedish small cottages

Neo-Finnish architectural style

With the advent of new building technologies, Finnish architects have creatively developed the traditional Finnish architectural style of the house. The neo-Finnish style is necessarily a wooden house made of logs, timber, frame or built using a combined technology. Neo-Finnish houses are rarely higher than two stories: the Finns find squat houses spreading in a plane rather than vertically more comfortable to live in. Interior decoration of houses allows you to preserve the beauty of natural wood. Outside, the houses are painted in soft natural colors of gray-green-yellow. The houses have several balconies, terraces, verandas with a traditional design, neo-Finnish houses have a large glass area. Windows are necessarily embroidered with bindings for 9-12 parts.

Norwegian house style

Norwegian House is a variant of the Scandinavian style house. The Norwegian house is a continuation of the historic Viking "long" house style that takes all the best from American ranch houses. Norwegian houses are elongated sloping houses, most often one-story, red, brown or black with natural roofing material. The hallmark of a Norwegian home is an inverted green roof.

Separately, you can read about the medieval Norwegian architecture.

Chalet architectural style

Chalet or Swiss chalet is a characteristic type of house of the Alpine region, built of wood (or wood on a stone basement), with a heavy, sloping roof with wide cornices supported by cantilevers. Many chalets in the Alps were originally used as seasonal farms for the dairy cows that graze the meadows during the summer months. With the development of the tourism industry in the Alps, many of the chalets have been converted into a much more profitable hotel business.

Bungalow

Bungalow is a one-storey or mansard-type house, with a mandatory large veranda along the gable. The term "bungalow" originated in India, (Hindi बंगला Bangla), which means "Bengali" and is used to refer to the "Bengal style" architectural style of a house.

This term was first discovered in English since 1696, where it was used to describe "bungales" in India for the English sailors of the East India Company. Later, the term came to refer to the house or apartment of an official of the British Raj in India. The style and term migrated from England to America, where it originally had a high status and an exotic connotation. At the end of the 19th century, with the beginning of mass development of the American suburbs, bungalows began to be called new small cottages. In Russia, the term has a traditionally derogatory connotation.

Chateau

The Château (French Chateau) style was a revival of the style of the monumental French Chateau country houses built in the Loire Valley from the late fifteenth century to the early seventeenth century. Unlike a real castle, the chateau is just a palace masquerading as a defensive structure.

The architectural style of the chateau is characterized by an excessive number of complex towers and spiers, gabled pitched roofs. Chateau-style houses tend to have an asymmetrical plan, and a complex roof and façade line with a large number of projections and depressions.

Architectural style castle

The castle (from the Latin Castellum) is a fortified building - the dwelling of the European nobility. The castle differs from the palace by the presence of fortifications and the ability to withstand a siege, and from the fortress by the opportunities for a comfortable residence of a nobleman. Most often, the facades of the castle are finished with stone, have towers, loopholes, gates and drawbridges. Currently, castles are used as comfortable residences or hotels.

European manor house

Medieval manor house is an architectural style term used for country houses owned by large landowners and nobles. The manor house was partially fortified - and this is its main difference from a fully fortified castle. The estate usually had a gatekeeper's house at the entrance, and a tower could also be present, in which they took refuge during the siege. The main feature of the layout was a large hall, which overlooked the secondary premises.

A-frame house style

A-frame house is a frame structure with a steep gable roof, which starts at the foundation or on the walls not far from it. The rafters of such a house look like the letter A. A-shaped houses gained the greatest popularity after the Second World War, from about the mid-1950s to the 1970s. The prototype for European and American A-shaped houses were the traditional thatched houses of Madeira, Portugal. At 1955 A.D. architect Andrey Geller built an A-frame house on the beach in Long Island, New York. After being published in the New York Times in 1957, the idea spread widely around the world. In Russia, such houses are traditionally called "house-hut". Read how to build a house-hut with your own hands.

Colonial

American colonial architecture is related to the US colonial period and includes English, French, Spanish, Dutch and Georgian (pictured) colonial architectural styles. These are architectural styles associated with homes, churches, and public buildings in the United States from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

Neocolonial

Neo-colonial style houses are typically two stories high, gable roofs with a ridge parallel to the street, a symmetrical façade with an emphasis on the front doors, and symmetrically placed windows on either side of the entrance. Houses in this architectural style differ from traditional colonial houses in a more complex entrance group with columns, doors with decorative gables and lanterns at the entrance. Window openings, as a rule, unite two or three windows, and not one as in the traditional colonial style. Terraces or sunny rooms can be attached to the house from the sides.

Farm style

A pragmatic and simple architectural style of wooden buildings for the residence of the farmer's family and his workers, the maintenance of livestock and the storage of food supplies. the architecture of farmhouses differs depending on the regions. Main features: a large sharp gable roof, simple windows, often asymmetric facade.

Garrison

A characteristic feature of this architectural style is the overhang of the second floor over the first. Second floor windows are usually smaller than those on the first floor of a Harrison-style building.

Georgian architectural style

Georgian architecture originated between 1720 and 1840 during the reigns of the Hanoverian monarchs Georges I, II, III and IV in Britain.

The main features of the Georgian architectural style: a simple symmetrical "box" form of a building of 10-2 floors, a door in the center of the main facade, a cornice with decorative moldings, single symmetrical window openings, 9 or 12 private windows, chimneys along the side facades, dormer windows.

Neo-Gothic

Neo-Gothic (Victorian Gothic) gained momentum in the early 19th century, when Neo-Gothic aficionados sought to revive medieval forms, as opposed to the neoclassical style predominating at the time. The Neo-Gothic architectural style is characterized by adapted Gothic elements: lancet arches, high elongated pediments, light-framed towers, internal columns, tall narrow windows with traditional sashes.

Neo-Greek architectural style

Neogek architectural style became popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, predominantly in Northern Europe and the United States. With access to the Greek architectural heritage, architects in Russia, Poland, Lithuania and Finland began to widely use the neo-Greek style.

Italian architectural style

The Italian architectural style became more popular than the Neo-Greek in the late 1860s. Its popularity is due to its better applicability for various building materials and budgets. The Italian-style house is characterized by: almost flat roofs with low slopes, barely visible from the ground, brackets supporting the roof eaves, a tower or bell tower, a belvedere.

Mar del Plata

The Mar del Plata or Spanish chalet style of architecture was very popular during the decades between 1935 and 1950, mainly in the Argentine resort town of Mar del Plata, but then spread to other coastal towns. It is an eclectic style of a small stone house for holidays by the sea. The facade is usually finished with quartzite, the main pediment of the attic is turned to the street, there are dormer windows, the roof is tiled, the roof has large overhangs.

Mediterranean style

The Mediterranean style is a revived eclectic architectural style that began to develop in the United States in the late 19th century and is one of the most popular contemporary styles in Florida and California. The style evolved from neo-Italian and Spanish architecture. Characterized by plastered walls, flat or low tiled roofs, terracotta tiles and stone finishes. The walls can be decorated with ornaments. The balconies and windows are finished with wrought iron.

Modernist style

The architectural style of modernism was actively developed in the middle of the 20th century, from about 1933 to 1965. Art Nouveau architecture was a further development of the principles of organic architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright, Gropius, Le Corbusier and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Art Nouveau style is characterized by simplicity, democratic appearance and natural forms. The Art Nouveau icon of the mid-20th century is the house of Edith Farnsworth near Chicago.

Contemporary style

The modern architectural style has absorbed the stylistic foundations of modernism, which have received a new sound in our time. However, how modern look houses built more than half a century ago! To see this, read the article about modern style in architecture.

Neo-eclectic

The neo-eclectic style of architecture dominates residential construction in North America in the second half of the 20th century and early 21st. The neo-eclectic style combines a wide range of decorative techniques drawn from different historical styles: Mediterranean, ranch, artisan. Neoclecticism is characterized by plaster walls, decorative masonry, shutters, forging, a complex roof line and a complex-composite facade. This architectural style makes the house look larger than it really is.

Adirondack architectural style

The Adirondack style is commonly associated with the Great Camps in New York City's Adirondack Mountains, country retreats for the wealthy. The builders of these camps used natural materials - debarked tree trunks, roots, growths, along with flagstone. Inside, massive fireplaces made of hewn stone are characteristic. Interior decoration with natural wood. The Adirondack style is a creative development of the Swiss chalet style.

Architectural style Craftsman

American style Craftsman (master) became popular in the last years of the 19th century and was at its peak until the mid-1930s. It is embodied in individual projects even today. Common architectural features of Craftsman design: low rooflines, deep overhangs, exposed rafters or decorative cantilevers, porch as an extension of the main roof, tapered square support columns, Frank Lloyd Wright design motifs, use of natural stone and hand-crafted wood, mixing materials.

American square

American Quad style houses were popular from the mid 1890s to the late 1930s. This style of houses includes prairie style elements and craftmen.

The hallmarks of the style are a square design, two and a half stories, usually with four large, square rooms per floor, an attic in the center, a large veranda with a wide staircase. Square shapes provided the maximum volume of the interior space of the room. Built-in wardrobes, arched and tent structures are typical in interior decoration.

Ranch style

Houses in the architectural style of the ranch are characterized by a large length, a profile as close to the ground as possible and minimal external and internal wall decoration. The ranch style is fueled by modernist ideas.
The style of houses was formed in the 1920s and became extremely popular in the 1940s-70s (the period of the post-war building and population boom) for middle-class houses. The popularity of ranch houses declined towards the end of the 20th century, when neo-eclectic houses with ethnic and historical elements of house decor became more popular.

Prairie architectural style

The prairie style spread throughout the US Midwest in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The prairie style is characterized by pronounced and underlined horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs with wide overhangs, windows combined into horizontal stripes, maximum integration of the building into the landscape, and the use of elements of the Craftsman style. The name of the style comes from the long horizontal lines, evoking prairie landscapes.

Antebellum style

Pre-war architecture (from Latin ante, "before", and Bellum, "war"). A characteristic neoclassical architectural style in the US South, especially the Old South, after the birth of the United States in the American Revolution and before the start of the American Civil War. A literary example of an Antebellum style home is Tara Scarlett O'Hara's homestead.

Neo Tudor architectural style

The medieval style of Tudor architecture (1485-1603) had six major distinguishing features: steep-pitched roofs, decorative timbers framing the building, characteristic crosshairs of wooden lathing, high and narrow doors and windows with small glass, large chimneys, often topped with decorative pots.

The Tudor style has experienced several revivals since the end of the 19th century. In its modern form, the neo-Tudor style is characterized by a combination of a brick basement and a pseudo-frame second floor, a combination of white plaster and dark brown wood (which can be PVC or fiber cement), overhanging second floors above the entrance, thatched (natural or artificial straw) roofs .