House construction styles

37 Types of Architectural Styles for the Home (2022 House Styles Guide)

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Most people like several architectural styles (aka house styles). I know I do. I’m partial to modern, Cape Cod, Mountain and Shingle home styles.

5 most popular house styles

Here’s a snapshot of the 5 most popular house architectural styles based on monthly search volume:

Ranch
Craftsman
Tudor
Colonial
Cape Cod

If buying an existing home, I’d be open to even more architectural styles. Most of us are since you can find beautiful examples of pretty much every style.

My wife and I are in the beginning stages of building a home and we’re pretty set on a modern design which will incorporate plenty of windows, straight, clean lines and wood.

Each type of architecture has a history to it. Our list includes a brief write-up of the history, but the real value of our list is the accompanying pictures of the many types of home architecture styles.

FYI, architectural styles are one of two ways to classify the type of house it is. The other way is via building type or structure type. For this classification, check out our 33 types of houses by building type here. For the most part, our list below is restricted to the different residential architecture styles.

Immediately below we invite you to cast your vote for your favorite style. Once you vote you can see which styles are most popular.

Discover 16 Types of home siding and get home exterior inspiration from our massive home exterior photo gallery. Check out 100s of floor plans here.

Here’s our full list of home architecture styles (in alphabetical order):

Images Source: Architectural Designs.

1. Adobe Revival

Adobe is also known as mud brick, which is a building material made from organic materials like mud and is among the earliest building materials used around the world. Most of the adobe structures resemble to cob and rammed-earth buildings.

Among the popular countries in the world that use adobe are from Middle East, North and West Africa, West Asia, South and South Western America, Spain and Eastern Europe.

Thousands of years ago, adobe had been used by local folks of America specifically in Southwestern US, Mesoamerica and South America, especially in the Andean region.

And before the introduction of making the bricks done by the Spanish, Pueblo people used to build their adobe houses with handfuls of adobe. These bricks were popular in Spain from 8^th century B.C. onward, or Late Bronze Age and Iron Age.

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Adobe bricks vary in size that would sometimes range from the size of an ordinary baked brick or may reach between one to two yards known as adobines.

See Adobe house plan examples here.

2. Barndominiums

Barndominiums are a barn-like structures that serve as a house. Often they incorporate other features such as a large garage or warehouse area. They’re designed to serve both form and function; often veering more toward function than form.

Check out many barndominium floor plan examples here.

3. Beach

Beach houses or also known as seaside houses are often raised up houses appropriate for oceanfront locations. They are best when you are having a vacation and want to have a place near water or even in highland areas.

Tidewater houses are also a version of this style, which have been adorning America Southeast coasts even before the 1800s, designed for either hot or wet climates.

The wide and eclectic porches that are constructed of wood with the main living area raised in one level are the tidewater house’ typical features. It also has wide eaves and waterfront space.

Check out these beach-style house plans.

4. Bungalow

Bungalows are a house construction style that originated in India but prior to its present term, it was first called with different names hundred years before. It was referred by an Englishman in 1659 as “Bunguloues,” meaning temporary and easy to set up shelter. Other terms like “bangla,” “bungales,” and “banggolos” were found before the English “bungalow” term was updated in 1820.

As per the description by the English in India, houses built are long, low buildings with wide verandas and drooping attics. The roofing before was thatch and was changed into fireproof tile later on, secured with an insulating air space to prevent tropical heat.

It was then in 1870 when the builders of fresh and trendy English seacoast vacation houses already called them as “bungalows” were finishing them with a basic and rough yet glam look.

The year 1880 came and gave rise to bungalows in America, which populated the land specifically in New England. Moreover, the great break for this architectural style was in Southern California, which made it the most renowned in the American house style’s history.

See many great examples of bungalow house plans here.

5. Cape Cod

Before its successor, which was the Colonial Revival of the 1930s to 50s, the Cape Cod style was created after the colonists from England arrived in New England and modified an English House hall and parlor house to counter it from the country’s disruptive stormy weather. It was then after a few generations when several versions arrived with more than a one storey house that were made with wooden clapboards, shutters or shingle exterior.

The term “Cape Cod House” was laid claim to Reverend Timothy Dwight IV in the year 1800 after a Cape’s visit. He was also Yale University’s president from 1795 to 1817.

Check out Cape Code floor plans here.

6. ColonialHistoric Major John Buttrick House in Minute Man National Historical Park, Concord, Massachusetts, USA built in 1715.

Evolving from European influences, the Colonial style began in 1600 and several European immigrants brought these influences, thus, made this Colonial style distinctive over time. The style was made known by its love of geometry and several twists were pulled by United States making it less vulnerable from the changing climate.

It was then in 1700s when the Colonial houses were developed out of the US Colonial period. The settling of the Colonists along the Eastern Seaboard and building their homes there conceived Colonial style.

The first design was with two-storey homes with only one room on each floor and later grew into four-over-four two-storey homes, meaning there are four rooms on each floor of the house. These developments characterize Colonial style these days.

From the 1600s to late 18th Century, colonial architecture in America evolved and spanned many different sub-styles such as the saltbox style, cape cod, Georgian style, Mid-Atlantic as well as styles from countries other than England such as French, Dutch, German and Spanish.

Learn more about colonial houses here (includes many examples of all the different types of colonial houses in America). Check out Colonial-style house plans here.

7. Contemporary

Contemporary Style homes are the popular modern-era houses between 1960s to 1970s.

Common in this style are the large plate glass windows and either metal or concrete. It then decorates with a natural look of wood or stones and some geometrical shapes like rounds and rectangles incorporating them with other styles in its most creative way. Contemporary designs are also asymmetrical in form. Natural lighting is its favorite spotlight allowing it to come through the large windows and sliding doors. This style is not into too much detail and ornamentation; it prefers clean and smooth textures and lines, so thus with the home itself and landscaping. The space is more communicable with large doorways and open plan interiors at its core.

See Contemporary style house plans here.

8. Contemporary Craftsman

The homes built between 1905 and early 1930 were dubbed as Craftsman, which is the American expression of the Arts and Crafts movement from England. This was the reaction to the alleged Industrial Revolution soullessness. The movement seized to place high value on handmade crafts, raw and natural materials, in contrast to what Industrial Revolution held for.

“Articulation of structure” are the values visible to Craftsman architecture, where exposed beams and rafters are present, not to mention the dynamic connection between the interior and exterior through porches and terraces.

The Craftsman faded and may have setback its reign in 1920 yet it made its trendy comeback in mid 1980s, which even nowadays is still pulling over popularity.

Today, many clients want to have an infusion of Craftsman style with other styles, which was apparently resolved to “Contemporary Craftsman.”

See Craftsman style floor plans here.

9. Country

Country houses are large European houses or mansions with broad grounds and they are also called manor houses. A long time ago, the feudal estate owned the surrounding land while the landowner owned the house.

A country house or the manor house was historically the capital residence within a manor, which is the territorial organization’s basic unit in Europe’s feudal system. This also resided the lord of the manor, where it served as the manorial courts and banquet with manorial tenants. Today, the term is loosely applied with country houses that are way smaller than its origin way back in the late medieval era, where nobility used to reside.

Check out country-style floor plans here.

10. Craftsman

Craftsman, is yet another different architectural style formally known as the American Arts and Crafts movement, which is a local American architecture that started in the 19^th century and retained its popularity until 1930. It all rooted from the comprehensive design and art movement in the Industrial Revolution. This was a battle of preserving the high value of handmade products and some other natural materials.

At present, several revivals and restorations continue to evolve, which still embrace simplicity and handicrafts. Of course, natural materials won’t lose their part in this style. There are still shingled siding, stone details, overhanging beams, and rafters that are present in open porches with projecting eaves and deep gable roof.

See examples of Craftmsan-style house plans here.

11. English Cottage

This is typically a small house or a small old-fashioned house in some places and was previously called a “house” before it was made known as a “cottage” in England; a typical house with a ground floor and bedrooms that fit inside a roof space.

In today’s present architectural era, a cottage would mean a modest and cosy abode, which is typically built in either rural or semi-rural areas. In the United Kingdom, the word cottage signifies a traditionally built small dwelling, though it may still be incorporated with modern projects resembling traditional styles, known as mock cottages, while in US the term cottage is frequently used to denote a small holiday home.

12. Farmhouse

A farmhouse is a building or structure which serves as the main residence in agricultural or rural areas. Historically, this was commonly infused with animal space known as a housebarn. There are farmhouses that are connected with more than one barn, which form a courtyard.

Today, farmhouses are enjoying popularity relived, which its traditional version has endured through the test of time. The known characteristic of this style is its porch that stretches on the house’s front area and wraps around either side or to the rear. The roof of the house is typically a steeply pitched one that runs along the house’s length and sometimes decorated with gables and dormers. It also include other exterior features like horizontal siding and shutters.

Check out examples of farmhouse-style layouts here.

13. Federal Colonial

Federal colonial, also known as Federal or Adam, has ruled American architectural landscape from the year 1780 to 1840, which evolved to its colonial period’s principal design language, the Georgian. Primarily, American’s change in taste was provoked by the advanced European ideas about architecture. Historians of today think that Federal style is just a modification of the Georgian style, which is close to each other’s in close comparison.

This style commonly uses plain surfaces with tempered detail that usually come with isolated panels, friezes and tablets. Also, flatter and smoother facades are of use and does not or should say, rarely use pilasters or pillars. Architecture Ideas are the most important factor in the home improvement industry to prevail in a positive manner.

14. Florida

Related: Our in-depth Florida style décor guide

Florida architecture is a wooden frame style house widely used in Florida, United States around 19^th century and is still presently known in several developers as a reference of themes. Common characteristics found in a Florida home are the metal roofs, large porch areas that are usually a house wrap around, raised floors and straight or conventional central hallways from the anterior to the rear portion of the house.

These hallways are sometimes called as shotgun or dog trot hallways and it is being alike with shot gun house designs. Some of the popular examples of the Florida house are the Bensen House in Grant, the Florida, Plumb House in Clearwater, Florida and the Winchester Symphony House in Eau Gallie, Florida.

See examples of the Florida-style here.

15. French Country

French country architecture ranks high amongst the country’s numerous achievements. The founding of the first institution anywhere in Europe, which is the Academy of Architecture in 1671, indicates the one of a kind significance of architecture in France and the Prix de Rome architectural establishment in 1720, which is a national interest’s competition, financed by the government and an honor deeply chased.

If the earliest period of the distinguished achievement in France is the Gothic, and the second on the 18^th century, the French architecture’s extended tradition will always be valued.

French house plans usually have asymmetrical exteriors with a mixture of ornate elements that complete the design.

More: Our French country style guide and French country house floor plans

16. Georgian

The building that has boomed in 18^th century left us with a wealthy influence of classical architecture, which dominated in the reign of George I in 1714 up to 1830 after the death of George in 1830. The successions of these English Kings was where the Georgian style got its name.

Symmetrical, center-entry façade two-storey houses and an infusion of the two-room-deep center-passage floor plan are the common characteristics found in the United States Georgian styles, which are deemed countless in its variations.

Ending in the 17^th century, the colonies with higher classes started to adapt gentility in the European concept, which are shown in their upgraded taste, dress coding, behaviour and speech. This kind of legacy is still embraced and presented through the symmetrical order of Georgian architecture.

Read our entire Georgian Architectural Style Guide here and check out our collection of Georgian floor plans here.

17. Greek Revival

Primarily in Northern Europe and the United States, the Greek Revival reign in the late 18th up to the early 19th centuries, is said to be an architectural movement. It is a proud product of Hellenism, which is a study of the ancient Greek culture, and is also looked upon as the Neoclassical’s last stage in development.

A professor of Architecture to the Royal Academy Arts named Charles Robert Cockerell first used the term in 1842.

The exploration of parallels had been the reason why the Greek revival style was popularized from the earlier cultures and up to the present.

18. Log

A log house, or also known as the log home, is said to be structurally the same to a log cabin, which is a typical house made of unmilled logs. The reason why a log cabin is not use as a term by the contemporary builders is because it would generally mean a smaller and extra rustic log house like the summer cottage or the hunting cabins.

In large regions of Finland, Norway, Sweden, the Baltic states and Russia, the most common building technique is log construction because in these areas straight and tall coniferous tress like pine and spruce are abundant. These are also widely used vernacular constructions in the Alps, the Balkans, Eastern Central Europe and some parts of Asia since there is a prevailing comparable climatic conditions. While for those warmer areas like in Western Europe, timber framing was preferred because of the predominance of deciduous trees.

See more log home designs here.

19. Mediterranean

The Mediterranean style home was influenced by the sunny countries, which are found on the rims of the Mediterranean sea. The major contributors to the Mediterranean style house classic design are the Italian and Greek styles, though this may have taken some concepts from Spain and is sometimes labelled as Spanish Modern. The features that define a Mediterranean house sometimes reflects landscaping and decorations in the interior, which are also a great addition to its overall style.

The clues for this style are often found in the exterior walls and roofs that are often constructed with stucco and the roofs are usually covered with tiles and are sloping. The common tone or hue of walls are white or sunny neutrals such as salmon, peach or yellow while the roofs are red, making for a cheerful and bright exterior.

See examples of Mediterranean-style house plans here.

20. Mid-Century Modern

This is an architectural, product, interior and graphic design, which commonly defines mid 20^th century developments in modern architecture, design and urban development from around 1933 to 1965. Being the style descriptor, the term was employed in as early as the mid 1950s. This was confirmed by Cara Greenberg in her book entitled, “Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s” (Random House) in 1983. Museums and scholars around the globe as an important design movement are now recognizing the style.

Mid-Century architecture was commonly employed in residential buildings with the aim of conveying modernism into America’s post-war suburbs. Check out examples of mid-century houses and floor plans here.

21. Modern

Modern architecture came about after World War II and became the dominant architectural style during this period and it has reigned long enough for several decades.

Modern architecture is perceived to have risen and developed from the Industrial Revolution’s Enlightenment and new technological abilities just like other modern movement in arts, literature and music. This is also said to be a reaction to eclecticism and the lavishness to the Victorian era and later Art Nouveau’s detail-oriented styles.

Early Modern architecture examples that are said to use new construction materials are the Paxton’s Crystal Palace in London, which made use of iron, and the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple in Chicago, which made use of concrete.

See examples of modern house designs here.

22. Mountain

The Greystone Inn and Lakeside Cottage on the Lake are among the prominent historical structures on the mountains. The six-storey Inn has operated since 1985 and was built a few years behind to look a lot like a Swiss mountain chalet that was completed in 1915. The original structure was added with a kitchen, free standing library and pools.

Usually, this plan would feature a rugged outer surface that might embrace wood siding, shingles, or even logs. There are also wide levels and outsized windows for nicer views. Inside, open layouts and lofts are available.

Check out these incredible mountain-style house plans here.

23. Northwest

Northwest or the Northwest Regional style was popular in the Pacific Northwest from 1935 to 1960. It is the International Style’s regional variant and is defined by the wide use of unpainted wood on both of its interior or exteriors.

Other features appear in the design like the use of glass extending to the floor, asymmetrical floor plans, flat or low-pitched roof with shingles and overhanging eaves and very little ornaments. This style is coined by John Yeon and mostly used in residential structures. Some other proponents are John Storrs, Saul Zaik, Van Evera, Pietro Belluschi and Herman Brookman.

See many great Northwest-style floor plans and examples here.

24. Prairie

Prairie or Prairie School in its complete term is an architectural style in the late 19^th and early 20^th century, which is common in the Midwestern United States.

This style is defined with horizontal lines, hipped or flat roof having broad overhanging eaves or roof space, horizontal band windows and it is usually integrated with landscape, craftsmanship, solid construction and ornament discipline.

The common horizontal lines were liken to the native prairie landscape. However, the architects, to describe themselves, do not use the term Prairie School, in which one of the first architect historians, H. Allen Brooks, created this term.

Here are examples of prairie-style house plans.

25. Ranch

Some of the common names of Ranch architecture are American ranch, California ranch, rancher or rambler. Ranch is a local architectural style that originated in the US.

The ranch house is known for its lengthy, dense ground profile and minimalistic character that uses a few of both interior and exterior decors. With concepts of the American Western period, the house fuses modernist concepts in working ranches in creating a casual and easy-going living.

Ranch style was very famous in post-war middle class from the years the 1940s to 1970s and it was first built years before, around the 1920s. The exporting of this style to other nations was made possible yet its popularity faded in the late 20^th century as neo-eclectic house style became popular. Check out these ranch-style floor plan examples.

Related: Mid-Century Style Homes | Ranch vs. 2-Story Houses

26. Shingle

One of the most famous shingle style homes in America is the Kragsyde, built in 1882 and situated near Manchester-By-the-Sea, Massachusetts. Peabody and Stearns were responsible for its design. Many of the homes of this design can be found in places like Martha’s Vineyard, East Hampton, Nantucket, Rhode Island, Cannon Beach and parts of New Jersey.

There are different types of shakes. In North America they generally will use California Redwood, Atlantic White Cedar and Western Red Cedar. Shakes are split while other types of shingles are not; they are sawn. Depending on the country, you will also notice that they come in different sizes.

See 19 shingle style homes here and shingle-style house plans here.

27. Spanish

Spanish architecture, just like others, is not just about structures and these are not just physically built but it also is a means of communication. Community values are mirrored within the Spanish architecture like houses of worship for Christians, Muslims or Jews. This is information to us about the people’s movement, who took their architectural traditions with them in the form structures like temples. This style also shows the political impact, which gave rise to castles and palaces. Check out Spanish-style house plans here.

28. Southern

Southern architecture is best known as the antebellum architecture, which mean pre-war, from the Latin word ante meaning before and bellum war. This is a neocalsical architectural style characterized in the Deep South of Southern United States around 19^th century. This rose from the birth of the American Revolution and to mark of beginning of the American Civil War.

Georgian, Greek Revival and Neo-classical characterized the style in homes and mansions.

The people of British descent, who resided in the Southern states throughout the colonial period and in U.S. regions after the Louisiana Purchase, introduced the features associated with the antebellum architecture in 1803. Here are examples of contemporary Southern-style floor plans.

29. Southwest

Southwestern architecture is unique and simple and is the region’s representation. This style has evolved using domestic natural materials, Southwest’s unique regional settings and Indian and Spanish cultural influence.

Indian cultures trace their roots back a millennium before the arrival of the Spanish explorers. Architecture at Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde, some of the oldest and largest Anasazi villages, show the use of stone masonry and pine timbers. Later Puebloan dwellings use adobe walls with their rounded edges. When the Spanish saw the Indian villages in the 16th century they were reminded of Spanish adobe architecture and called the villages and Indians “Pueblos”.

30. Traditional

The traditional style of housing was somehow considered to be alike with the tudor house plan styled architecture. They have the same front gable and immense chimney. However, it is scaled back in a lower roof pitch and elaborate detailing. This house plan style dominated in the year 1940 and early 1950s.

These types are common throughout the U.S. with floor plan designs that adhere to American lifestyles. Traditional homes are combinations of other styles yet there are basic features traditional styles always have like the simplicity of hipped roof and stucco exteriors. Single level floor plans are common in traditional styles and these usually come with a steeper roof pitch, lofts, covered porches and open foyers.

Check out these traditional-style house plans here.

31. Tudor

Tudor architectural style was the medieval architecture’s final development during the period of Tudor in 1485 to 1603. During this time was also the tentative introduction of England’s Renaissance architecture. Hence, the Tudor period may have structurally flourished around 1500 and 1560 following the Late Gothic Perpendicular style and was outdated by Elizabethan architecture in 1560.

Vernacular style or Tudor is known by its half timbering styles found in the few surviving buildings in 1485 together with Stuart period.

But, what we typically refer to as a Tudor style home is technically a Tudor Revival architecture that developed during the 19th Century in England. The example above is Tudor Revival.

In today’s time, Tudor homes are made from brick and/or stucco with ornate half timbers that are found exposing on the house’ exterior and interior. The roofs are steeply pitched and there is rubblework masonry and long rows of casement windows too.

Check out 30 Tudor Revival home styles here and here are examples of Tudor-style house plans.

32. Tuscan

This is the traditional architecture of Tuscany located in central Italy. Some of the building materials generally used in Tuscan style buildings are stone, wood, wrought iron and tile.

Tuscan architecture is rustic yet stylish and is mainly suitable to its original Mediterranean arrangements. Simple, clean line and designs were inspired from a very long time ago.

Tuscany’s traditional building techniques are utilizing locally available materials like stones that are mostly limestones and shale, which are best in forming walls and foundations. Many of its buildings were used in generations given all the extensions and additions in years which is why antiquity is visible.

Check out these Tuscan-style house plans.

33. Victorian

Victorian houses were created during the reign of Queen Victoria in 1837 to 1901 or the so-called Victorian era. It was also during the Industrial Revolution when several Victorian houses were built and are the current defining feature in most of the town and cities of Britain.

It also followed a wide range of architectural styles in United Kingdom. Beginning with classicism, Regency architecture, Italianate style that gained influence in 1820 and 1850s and Gothic Revival Style that was predominant in 1880s.

Houses under this style were generally made with terraces with common building materials like brick or local stone. See these Victorian floor plans that serve as an example of this home architectural style.

34. Rustic

Check out this super old barn converted to a rustic house by RTM Architects. They just took the entire barn and converted the insie to a large open concept rustic interior. The addition, while noticeable, is also designed in an authentic rustic style.

The above is just one example of rustic architectural style. We put together an entire collection of rustic houses. Check them out:

See more rustic houses here and check out rustic house plans here.

35. Italianate

See the rest of this house here.

Italianate appears similar to the Mediterranean style and there are similar features, but get this… Italianate is actually an American architectural style. It’s an American twist on the Mediterranean but has roots in England.

Read about the interesting features and history of Italianate architecture here.

36. Gothic Architecture

Gothic architecture derives its name from the Goths. While the name seems severe and dark, it’s actually majestic and soaring.

Few houses deploy Gothic architecture but there is no shortage of castles and churches in the Gothic style.

Read all about Gothic architecture here.

37. Queen Anne Architecture

Queen Anne architecture came along toward the end of the Victorian era (1880’s to 1905).

The style is highly ornamental – steep roofs, big bay windows, towers/turrets, gables, intricate carving and more.

Read all about the Queen Anne style of architecture here.

Images Source: Architectural Designs

Related: 22 Interior Design Styles for Your Home (this explains the different interior styles and includes photos and links to our extensive photo galleries for each style.) | 30 Types of Architectural Arches (with Illustrated Designs)

Learn more: Check out our list of 10 most popular home styles.

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10 architectural styles for country houses

home Articles Styles in construction 10 architectural styles for building modern country houses

The first and most important thing to decide before you start choosing a country house project is how you want to see your future home. When choosing a specific type of cottage design, in addition to your own desires, the features of the area, as well as many other factors, are taken into account. Certain architectural styles fit where others would not. Of course, it is almost impossible to understand in detail all the types of private houses, but familiarity with the most popular architectural styles can help you choose the house that is most suitable and comfortable for you.

Classic style

As a rule, classical architecture is associated primarily with something massive, solid, fundamental. And this is understandable, because the main source of classics is ancient culture, from which it adopted its distinctive features: proportionality, symmetry and, in a sense, ingenious simplicity. The clarity of outlines and harmony in every detail - that's what distinguishes the classic style from all the others.

Such cottages are characterized by pitched tiled roofs, columns and balustrades, many forged details and balconies. The facades of houses in the classical style are created using light modern building materials. The exterior of the building after such a finish becomes more attractive, and the structure itself does not look overloaded. In the cladding of buildings, as a rule, natural stone and facade plaster are used.

Classical architecture is more often used in the construction of large, capital houses. And even today, despite the advantage of house designs in modern architectural styles on the market, classical themes remain in demand and popular. After all, such a building will always look noble and aristocratic. But, before decorating the facade of the house in a classic style, you should make sure that the landscape of the adjacent territory is in harmony with it.

Examples of classic style houses

D1304 - project of a house with a sauna

D1307 - project of a house with a spacious living room, a small covered terrace and a garage

D230 - cottage project with pool and garage

Modern

The Art Nouveau style is some rethinking of classical architecture. It appeared at the end of the 19th century, as the embodiment of the idea of creating beautiful, but at the same time functional buildings. Symmetry and dry proportionality in it are replaced by naturalness and quirkiness of “natural” forms, a plant theme appears in the design. In the decoration of houses, completely different materials are used: glass, ceramic tiles and even bronze. Mosaics and stained-glass windows appear on buildings, roofs take on unusual shapes. The appearance of this style in architecture brought something completely new to it. Today, this style has received many branches, which are often used in the construction of country houses. And despite the fact that the peak of the popularity of Art Nouveau fell on a time far from us, even now in almost every house you can notice its distinctive features.

Examples of modern house designs

D924 - project of a cottage with a swimming pool and a winter garden

D722 - project of a plastered two-storey cottage

D129 - compact cottage project

Wright style

Frank Lloyd Wright is a legendary American architect who created "organic architecture" and "prairie houses", as pitched-roof houses are often called. The philosophy of Wright's style lies in the maximum visual fusion of the building with the general landscape, the desire to "let in" the surrounding nature into the house. This effect is achieved largely due to large-scale glazing, the predominance of horizontal surfaces and lines, as well as large open spaces. It is in this architectural style that functionalism begins to naturally harmonize with the aesthetics of proportionality. Simplicity of lines, minimal decor, lightness and naturalness of interior decoration, large free space inside each room. For the decoration of the facades, natural materials are used here: stone, wood. Sloping roofs are most often covered with seamed copper sheet. Elements of Wright's style are found in many modern homes.

Wright style house designs

D4 - project of a two-story square house with an open terrace

D2837 - project of a one-story house with a terrace and a carport

D238 - project of a one-storey house with a panoramic window to a covered terrace

Minimalist

Minimalism is not just a style, but a whole trend in architecture. The whole essence of this style lies in its name. "Minimal art" - the desire to reduce the number of unnecessary details in architecture, the absence of "clutter". By minimalist standards, any art, including architecture, should be as functional as possible. Minimalism takes its basis in modernity, but it goes from unusual, ornate lines to the maximum possible simplicity, observance of the basic rules of composition, the use of natural materials and a single color scheme. Today, minimalism is developing at an amazing rate, gaining more and more fans and followers.

Minimalist house designs

D220 - a project of a laconic attic house with a strict finish

D2527 - aerated concrete house project with a courtyard

D2915 - a small attic house made of aerated concrete

European style

European style is commonly referred to as the modern style of architecture throughout Europe. It, in turn, is divided into Swedish, German, Scandinavian and English. The characteristic features of houses in each of the countries depend on the characteristics of life, weather conditions, habits and traditions. Nevertheless, all modern European architecture is based on the same principles of rationalism and practicality, so each of the styles of these countries has something in common. The project of any European house is based on the correct geometric shapes and the absence of any frills in the layout. Windows in houses also have a geometric shape, most often rectangular, which is also striking. In the decoration of such buildings, natural stone, plaster of various types, and bricks are used. Now the vast majority of country houses in Europe and Russia are being built in the European style.

European style house designs

D2 - European style house project with basement

D204 - house project of a one-story house with an attic floor, a bay window, balconies in the bedroom

D1177 - project of a house with a garage for one car, with a gym and a shower room on the second floor

German style

German architecture has always been known for its beauty and rationality. Due to its solidity and practicality, it has become a symbol of high quality all over the world. Today, many people give their preference to the projects of German houses and cottages. Buildings usually have a classic rectangular or square shape, and a smooth surface makes their appearance more noble and rich. Finishing a house in the German style is often done after the completion of the construction itself, which is a definite plus. Unlike classical German architecture, the style of a modern house in this style relies heavily on the principles inherent in functionalism and minimalism. The projects of such buildings are distinguished by simple decor, the absence of bright colors, catchy patterns, sculptures and stucco moldings. The traditional German cottage is decorated with small bay windows, and the main decorative elements are attics and balconies. The plinth is finished with natural stone, which is very popular in Germany.

German style house designs

D1354 - a house with a semicircular bay window, an adjacent hall, a living room and a dining room

D157 - cottage project with a convenient layout

D151 - project of a cottage with a bay window and a balcony

Scandinavian style

The hallmark of all Scandinavian interiors is simplicity and minimalism. The Scandinavian style combined elements of the architecture of the Finns, Norwegians, Swedes and Danes. Due to harsh winters and short sunny days, the inhabitants of these countries had to abandon dark colors in the interior, but they learned how to skillfully combine white with other pastel colors. In addition to white, brown, beige, golden colors are used in the design of cottages; a variety of types of wood are used for decoration. Large panoramic windows are another sign of the Scandinavian style of cottages. They are not only the main decoration of the house, but also provide good illumination even on cloudy days.

Modern options for facing the facade of a Scandinavian-style house are very diverse. The walls of the buildings are sheathed with clapboard or wooden boards, and on top they are covered with varnishes, tint solutions. When designing the facade, it is not necessary to adhere to strict natural monochrome, but at the same time, the colors should not completely hide the texture of the wood. Designers use black, blue, dark green for coloring.

The facade of the house in the Scandinavian style can be decorated after construction is completed. The most important thing is to avoid pretentiousness in the exterior, use natural materials for decoration.

Scandinavian style house designs

D1208 - project of a brick house with a two-material finish

D2156 - a project of a two-story house made of glued laminated timber with panoramic windows

D1344 - project of a brick house with a balcony

English style

The facade of the house in the English style is distinguished by its elegance and versatility. Cottages designed in this way will ideally fit both in the metropolis and in a country cottage village. Modern English style includes elements of Tudor, Victorian, Georgian styles. In each individual project, an emphasis on one of these eras is possible. The facades are characterized by the presence of small columns, restrained colors, straight walls and the obligatory presence of an attic, the absence of drawings and complex carvings. But of course, a real English cottage is not just a building itself, but also a properly designed area around it.

Examples of English style houses

D332 - laconic cottage project

D2685 - project of a two-storey house with an attic, a terrace, a swimming pool

D2081 - project of a country house with a bay window, with a garage for two cars

Country

Country style originates in the traditional village housing of different peoples, adjusting to their national characteristics. However, as a rule, it consists of many different types of log houses that combine conciseness and functionality. When building such a house, a large amount of wood and other natural materials are always used. The roofs are usually covered with tiles. Country-style houses are distinguished by a natural color palette, involving the use of the most soft and harmonious pastel colors. The facade of the house is also decorated with natural materials, and for decoration they use paints and varnishes of dark colors, decorated with handmade accessories.

Today, Country style is one of the most popular among metropolitan residents who want to build a country house for themselves, in an effort to get away from urban stress.

Country house designs

D172 - project of a spacious cottage

D1083 - a country house with a billiard room and a gym in the basement

D46 - project of a house with a spacious living room and a kitchen-dining room, a terrace with a barbecue

Fachwerk

This type of decoration was popular in Germany in the 15th century, but today, formally, only fachwerk imitation is popular, because it is too difficult and pointlessly expensive to build cottages from beams using the old technology. The main feature of half-timbered houses is that the frame protruding from the outside is both a technical component of the building and the main decoration of the house. With the help of inclined wooden beams, a pattern is formed, most often in the form of any geometric shapes. This is what makes the houses so recognizable. Usually houses in this style are faced in light shades, the facade is decorated with wood, natural stone or plaster. Also, modern half-timbered houses are decorated with panoramic windows, which, in addition to excellent lighting of the rooms, can provide access to the street. Such buildings simultaneously combine all the advantages characteristic of any beam structures and an unusual, colorful appearance.

Examples of half-timbered houses

D1011 - brick house project

D468 - project of a two-storey house with three bedrooms

D982 - a project of a two-story brick house with a non-standard living room

Chalet

The chalet, also called Alpine style, originated in the French Alps in the 19th century. Initially, such houses had one purpose - to be a reliable home, allowing local residents to hide from any bad weather that could overtake in the mountains. Subsequently, this style, due to its functionality combined with the aesthetic appearance, became more and more popular not only in France, but throughout the world. A distinctive feature of cottages designed in this way are small dimensions. Chalet-style houses look elegant and miniature, and the upper floors have more space than the lower ones. Wide roofs, strongly protruding beyond the edges of the walls, began to have a decorative character. Under such roofs, it is customary to build large, cozy balconies. The abundance of horizontal lines gives the appearance of houses organic and allow them to fit organically into the overall landscape. Such cottages will look very picturesque in hilly and mountainous areas.

Chalet-style house designs

D116 - project of a one-storey house with a barbecue on a large terrace

D2297 - project of a house with a garage and a carport

D1803 - project of a frame house with a large balcony

Hi-tech

Most often, it is customary to combine the high-tech style with minimalism close to it in spirit, because they both took their origins in modern and Japanese architecture, but at the same time they are different directions from each other. In combination, these two styles greatly transform any building. In hi-tech, you can see the presence of not only straight lines, but also very unusual shapes. This style is distinguished by a complete lack of symmetry. Despite this, conciseness and restraint reign here in absolutely everything: both in decor and in the very architecture of the structure. Small architectural details are not welcome, and the emphasis is on functionality, practicality, and convenience.

The main color in this style is metallic gray, as well as all the colors that are in harmony with it. In the architecture of the house and in the decoration, a lot of metal is also used, precisely as a technical material: here it replaces plastic, glass, and wood.

High-tech house designs

D757 - project of a domed house with 4 bedrooms and a view living room

D707 - a project of a foam block house with an unusual finish

D2212 - project of a round house with large bedrooms

Modern style

Modern style combined a huge variety of architectural trends that appeared and began their development at about the same time. This includes functionalism, high-tech, constructivism and deconstructivism, avant-garde, biotech. Modern architecture implies both a rejection of any excesses towards functionality and practicality, and an open space for new forms and ideas. Houses built in a modern style are usually very practical, each square meter has its own purpose, a rational approach is visible in everything. Today, almost 80% of new cottages are built in this style, and it can rightfully be considered ideal for building a private country house for the whole family.

Examples of modern house designs

D1092 - project of a two-storey house with stucco cladding

D1131 - project of a house with a large open terrace, a carport for one car, a second light

D1391 - project of a house with a garage for two cars, a terrace, a sauna, two balconies

In conclusion, it is worth emphasizing that today the features and elements of one style are often borrowed by others, which gives rise to many new architectural trends. When choosing a project for a country house, you should rely primarily on your needs and desires, then there will be no problems with determining the desired architectural style.

19 architectural styles of private houses with names and features

There are several dozen architectural styles of houses on the construction market: from avant-garde to modern processing of classics. Each project contains elements of non-standard architectural solutions that allow houses to stand out against the general background. The choice of style depends on the local climate, budget, individual preferences of the future owners of the house and their ideas about comfort.

Contents

Scandinavian style

The style is functional, full of natural light and stylish practicality while maintaining comfort. Scandinavian architecture helps to stay close to nature even in urban environments. The style is dominated by simplicity and conciseness.

The architectural direction arose in countries with a harsh climate similar to Russia - Denmark, Sweden, Norway. The facade is made of wood. The skin is treated with protective compounds to preserve the natural structure of the material. A characteristic feature of the buildings: a large porch, a terrace, gable roofs with a steep slope with an asymmetric or classical shape, large windows or panoramic windows.

Wooden window frames or double-glazed windows with a wood-like finish are desirable. The roof is covered with polymeric materials or metal tiles. The buildings are distinguished by soft natural shades: terracotta, dark green, gray, brown.

Hi-tech

This direction involves the use of modern materials and stylization of the project as an industrial building. Practical and comfortable style was born in 1970. Architectural objects of this direction have metal frames with glass enclosing structures.

Most of the projects involve the removal of utilities to the facade of the house. Distinctive features of the architectural direction: an abundance of metal structures, simple, clear lines, flat roofs with dark roofing, large windows.

Victorian architecture

The style originated between 1830 and 1910 during the reign of Queen Victoria. Key Features: Dollhouse effect, thoughtful finishes, steep tiled mansard roof, asymmetrical shape, porch, bright saturated colors, pillared balconies, majestic towers and turrets, ornate railings.

Victorian houses are usually two-story compact buildings with intricate decor and multi-stage sloping roofs, often decorated with spiers. The stylistic direction originated in Great Britain and spread not only within the country, but also to the English colonies. Houses in this architectural style are distinguished by an asymmetrical facade. For decoration within the framework of the stylistic direction, plaster, siding, brick are used.

Japanese style

The architecture of the Land of the Rising Sun is the result of the centuries-old war of the Japanese with nature. The main features of the style were borrowed from the Chinese.

The basic architectural elements of the Japanese style are not determined by fashion trends, but by vital necessity. Both in antiquity and now, the main principle of architecture is the unity of buildings and the surrounding nature. Functionality is a priority, while aesthetics fade into the background. Characteristic features of Japanese houses: a small amount of decor, practicality and rationalism.

Japan used to build houses out of wood and rice paper. Today, fiber cement boards and ceramic siding are used. A feature of the Japanese style is a terrace with plank flooring. For greater authenticity, the terrace is decorated with container gardening.

American style

The style is an adaptive variation of a pre-existing European architectural trend. From the desire of the first settlers to demonstrate the scale and richness of the house, there was a need to create not modest dwellings, but a whole architectural complex.

The style is distinguished by a minimum of relief details, a predominance of straight lines, symmetry, light calm colors, many windows, horizontal extension, an asymmetric roof. Currently, this stylistic direction is a mixture of architectural styles. General concept: to build a spacious comfortable house where everyone will feel comfortable. Usually this is a frame one-two-story house with a low foundation with a veranda or a spacious porch.

Country style

The main features of the country style are naturalness and simplicity. The direction reflects the folk traditions of their country, is distinguished by deliberate rudeness, proximity to nature.

The rustic-style building looks authentic, natural materials (stone, wood) and natural shades are used in the exterior. Usually a house in this style is built with a veranda or a massive porch. If the building has two floors, a spacious balcony is built over the porch, in harmony with the general style of the facade. Characteristic features of the Russian rural style: log walls, windows with carved platbands.

Wright Style

The style originated in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The ancestor of the direction was the architect Frank Lloyd Wright . Wright's style is also known as Prairie Style .

Wright advocated purity and simplicity of lines, a building whose exterior is integrated into the surrounding landscape. Prairie-style houses blend in seamlessly with the natural setting for a western film. Key features of the style: long horizontal lines, minimalist facade decoration, hipped or flat roofs, glazed galleries.

Chalet

Alpine house style is chosen by those who dream of an atmosphere of security, harmony and tranquility.

The direction spread from the ancient province in the south-east of France. Buildings in this style are adapted to the harsh climate and therefore are best suited for Russia. Today, the chalet is a relevant and sought-after style for functional suburban housing.

Cornerstones of the style: a solid stone foundation and a wooden top, the use of high-quality environmentally friendly materials, a sloping roof with a large angle of inclination, a terrace. Another feature is the multi-level architecture, since the original chalets were mainly built in the mountains and repeated the uneven terrain. For this reason, the chalets fit perfectly into the site with a significant slope. The roof of the shepherd's house uses flexible, ceramic, wooden shingles to preserve authenticity. The modern dwelling of the Alpine shepherds is built in 1-2.5 floors.

German style

This architectural direction is chosen by those who value solidity, simplicity and elegance. The nuances of building facades in the Bavarian or German style: the severity of lines, the lack of redundancy of decorative elements, restrained colors, the use of inexpensive materials.

This style inherits German neatness and order. Despite this, the houses resemble charming fairy-tale houses that have descended from the pages of fairy tales. The German-style building is designed as a square or rectangle with a gable roof.

Walls are painted in white, sand, gray or other discreet colors. The tiled roof is traditionally done in brown or red. The shape of the windows is rectangular or arched, the glazing is divided into several square or rectangular sections, the windows are sometimes complemented by shutters.

English style

Style is a combination of refined taste and restraint. The cornerstones of the architectural direction: symmetrical rectangular plan, red brick walls, low entrance with a portico.

At present, the architecture of an English mansion is dominated by elements characteristic of the architecture of a particular historical era. The key features of the eclectic style are: a roof with a dormer and a steep slope, low-lying windows, walls made of brick or stone.

Fachwerk

The style originated in the 15th century in Germany. The half-timbered house is an example of German quality and practicality. Buildings in this type of architecture suggest the presence of an external frame of vertical, horizontal and diagonal beams.

Style feature: the second floor overhang over the first. The main material of half-timbered houses is wood. Since wooden houses are flammable materials and require antifungal treatment, nowadays half-timbered houses are imitation with polyurethane panels that give the impression of wooden beams.

Gothic style

Gothic houses have their own characteristics: strict geometric shapes, resemblance to a defensive fortress with one to four high towers, pointed roof, elongated lancet windows, stained-glass glazing, modest facade decoration, contrasting combination of roof and wall colors . The building material of Gothic houses is stone or brick. Buildings have at least 3 floors. Gothic-style houses look authentic on the edge of a forest or in a mountainous area.

Baroque

Baroque houses look like miniature palaces. The buildings are distinguished by their monumental appearance, an abundance of stucco work, and an intricately decorated façade, reminiscent of buildings of the late Middle Ages. The baroque style is chosen by fans of classical architecture, connoisseurs of luxury and elegance.

Pilasters, arched windows, embossed cornices, balustrades, a high massive porch, a staircase with railings, decorative cornices under the roof and above the windows are also distinctive characteristics of the architectural trend. The style involves finishing the facade in cream, white, beige, golden, gray tones.

Modern

Extravagant style rethinks the principles of standard architecture. The originality of this design lies in the combination of building materials such as metal and glass, concrete and stone, a combination of asymmetric lines and broken shapes.

The architectural trend is based on a harmonious combination of man-made elements and natural forms, the presence of plant motifs, and the absence of symmetry.
The style attracts with its polygonal shapes, voluminous architecture, wavy recesses.
Architectural modernism combines simplicity of design and a rich choice of color schemes.

The facade of the building looks organic and integral. Projects of houses in the Art Nouveau style are picturesque and meaningful. To create structures, various building materials are used: metal, concrete, natural and artificial stone, tempered glass, as well as polycarbonate, metal tiles can be used for roofing.

Provence

The style of rural houses in the southern French province originated in the 19th century. The architecture of Provence is consonant with those who can see the beauty in everyday life. A characteristic feature of the decor in the Provence style is some negligence and aged materials for the exterior decoration of the facade.

Distinctive features of the style are a high spacious terrace, wrought iron and carved details, wooden shutters and windows, a tiled roof with several slopes, a balcony with columns and balusters, massive doors with metal hinges. Exterior wall decoration is done in light pastel colors. The advantage in the decoration of the facade is given to natural materials: wood and stone, with a small budget they are replaced with high-quality imitation.

Casa Batlló

An example of Art Nouveau architecture from the early 20th century built in 1877. In 1904-1906, the building was completely rebuilt by the brilliant architect Antonio Gaudí. Both the façade and the interiors have been reconstructed.

The building, due to the many design techniques used, stands out for its stylistic heterogeneity and is a real Barcelona landmark. The exterior of the house is distinguished by the decoration of glass mosaics, the predominance of asymmetry, natural motifs, religious symbols, colorful pure colors, balconies with railings in the form of the pelvic bones of the human skeleton. Gaudí radically redesigned the seven-level structure, giving the façade a flowing shape and the roof a silhouette of the curved back of a dragon.

Loft style in architecture

The birthplace of non-standard trends in the interior and exterior design of houses is the USA. Initially, these were factories, warehouses, factories converted into residential premises. Loft objects have an industrial, authentic look.

Conceptual features of the architectural style:

Dirty gray, red-brown color scheme and metallic shades.
Severity of lines and simplicity of geometric shapes with minimal decor.
Fragments of industrial structures for industrial use in the form of metal stairs, factory pipes, ventilation systems.
Unusual combinations of aged red brick and panoramic glazing, raw or roughly plastered concrete and ferrous metal for a residential building.

Loft-style houses are preferred by creative individuals with a non-standard approach to life. Architectural objects that claim to belong to the Loft are distinguished by extraordinary exteriors, referring to the industrial past.

Minimalism

The classic minimalist home is a small house with a simple symmetrical design. This style direction is characterized by the absence of decorative elements and the maximum simplicity of lines, geometric shapes and natural textures. Style concept: cut off all unnecessary and leave rational.

Basic features of minimalist houses: large window openings, horizontal roof, combination of vertical and horizontal lines. The basic colors of such architectural objects are light, neutral. The geometry of the architectural solution is emphasized in black. Dwellings in a minimalist style are built in one or two floors. Materials used in construction: concrete and glass, natural wooden boards and clinker tiles are used for decoration.

Barnhouse

An architectural style inspired by loft, minimalism and bio-tech. These are the so-called barn houses with one or two floors. Conceptual features of houses in this style: