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Types of houses architecture

24 Popular Architectural House Styles

By

Lauren Thomann

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.

• 01 of 24

  oversnap / Getty Images

  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.

• 02 of 24

  VisionsofAmerica/Joe Sohm / Getty Images

  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.

• 03 of 24

  Greg Pease / Getty Images

  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.

• 04 of 24

  Joe Schmelzer / Getty Images

  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.

• 05 of 24

  Walter Bibikow / Getty Images

  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.

• 06 of 24

  YinYang / Getty Images

  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.

• 07 of 24

  peterspiro / Getty Images

  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.

• 08 of 24

  ntzolov / Getty Images

  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.

• 09 of 24

  constantgardener / Getty Images

  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.

• 10 of 24

  Mint Images / Getty Images

  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).

• 11 of 24

  Jon Lovette / Getty Images

  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.

• 12 of 24

  EyeWolf / Getty Images

  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.

• 13 of 24

  Mint Images / Getty Images

  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.

• 14 of 24

  kolderal / Getty Images

  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.

• 15 of 24

  Thomas Kelley / Getty Images

  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. 

• 16 of 24

  dancurko / Getty Images

  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.

• 17 of 24

  RiverNorthPhotography / Getty Images

  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. 

• 18 of 24

  KenWiedemann / Getty Images

  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.

• 19 of 24

  pidjoe / Getty Images

  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. 

• 20 of 24

  Queen Anne

  Lime Wave / Getty Images

  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.  

• 21 of 24

  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.

• 22 of 24

  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.

• 23 of 24

  Romanesque Revival

  jiawangkun / Getty Images

  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.

• 24 of 24

  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. 

26 Architectural House Styles That Built America

House styles have evolved for centuries to accommodate changes in taste, lifestyle, and environment. Exploring the house styles that create American neighborhoods allows you to envision your dream home and know exactly what you’re looking for before you’re ready to buy.

Understanding the foundation of your home’s design can also help you plan your decor and landscaping — making a house your home.

Learn more about the history of home design and choose your ideal architectural style before you move.

You can view the full infographic here or read on below to learn about the most popular American house styles.

1. Colonial Style

Colonial-style houses are simple rectangular homes that became popular in the 1600s as colonists settled the East Coast. These homes have many variations due to the fact that new communities all over the world built Colonial-style homes to suit their culture.

These homes are also some of the cheapest types of houses to build.

British Colonial style is the most common and recognizable Colonial home. Its key features include:

• A side-gabled roof
• Two floors
• A centered front door
• Symmetrical windows on either side of the door

The rectangular shape and interest in symmetry are seen in other Colonial house styles, too. Materials and decorative features can vary by region, as some Colonial houses sport brick exteriors and ornate trim, while others showcase shingle siding and simple shutters.

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2. Cape Cod Style

Cape Cod homes are similar to the British or American Colonial homes, though they originated further north in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. These are often seen as the classic American family home since the style’s revival in the 20th Century.

Cape Cod homes are identified by their:

• Shingle exteriors
• Modest size and ornamentation compared to British Colonial homes
• Originally single-story homes
• Large central fireplaces
• Attic lofts (20th-century revival)
• Dormer windows (20th-century revival)

Cape Cod homes are built of local wood and stone to withstand the northeastern weather. This exterior weathering provides an iconic weathered-blue color to these homes.

3.  Dutch Colonial Revival Style

Most Dutch Colonial homes you find today are actually from the Colonial Revival period of the early 20th Century. Original Dutch Colonial homes feature flared roof eaves and creative wood and brickwork. They are much more ornamental than classic Colonial homes, though the Dutch Colonial Revival style tends to be more subdued than the original Dutch Colonial homes.

Dutch Colonial Revival houses feature:

• Broad gambrel roofs that are visually similar to barn-style roofs
• Open-floor plans
• Flared roof eaves
• Split doors

The large barn-style roofs are the most identifiable feature of a Dutch Colonial home and even became known as “Dutch roofs.”

4. Federal Colonial Style

Federal-style homes became popular after the American Revolution and were a refined upgrade to the popular Georgian house style. They have the same recurring shape and symmetry as other Colonial house styles, but their delicate ornamentation sets them apart.

Federal Colonial homes often feature:

• A layout built around a central hall
• An elliptical fanlight and two flanking lights (windows) around the door
• Paladin or tripartite windows

The elliptical fanlights and paladin windows are key distinguishing features from Georgian-style homes.

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5. French Colonial Style

The French Colonial house style can be seen around the world and has significant variety among its sub-styles.

French Colonial houses have the same symmetry as other Colonial homes with these distinct features:

• Dormer windows, including one centered above the door
• External stairs to enter higher floors
• Iron stairs and balconies
• Slightly raised basements to support the floor

French Colonial houses are most similar to Spanish Colonial houses and easily identified by their elaborate iron balconies, stairs, and entrances.

6. Georgian Style

Georgian-style homes were one of the most common styles in the 18th century and showcased formal and classical details that previous homes didn’t. Georgian houses are similar to Federal houses, though they can be distinguished by:

• A crown and pilasters framing the front door
• Decorative quoins or bricks at the corners
• Smooth decorative blocks as moulding

You can also find regional variations with hooded front doors and pent roofs between levels.

7. Contemporary Style

Contemporary homes resemble the modern homes of the mid-20th century with a renewed emphasis on sustainability. Current contemporary styles are rooted in minimalism, which you can see in these key features:

• Asymmetrical exterior
• Clean lines
• Open floor plan layout
• Geometry highlighted in its structure
• Sustainable building materials and features

Contemporary homes aim to find beauty in a simple and appealing design with ties to nature and more warmth than modern home styles offer.

8. Cottage Style

Cottage-style homes are often quaint and cozy — emphasizing charm and comfort over ornamentation. Cottage houses come in a variety of styles and can mimic bungalows, Tudor house styles, and more.

Look for these designs to identify a cottage:

• Asymmetrical exterior
• Typically one to one-and-a-half stories
• Traditional aesthetics that aren’t too rustic
• Open floor plans with wide halls and doorways

A cottage house style is extremely versatile, and its small size makes it great for small families or guest houses.

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9. Craftsman Style

There was a renewed interest in handcrafted art and design following the industrial revolution. This became the “Arts and Crafts” era and paved the way for the Craftsman home, or “arts and crafts” home.

Craftsman homes focus on simplicity to counter the ornate stylings of Victorian homes. They’re also designed to highlight the craftsmanship of its builders and include:

• A low-pitched roof with overhanging eaves
• A covered porch
• Woodwork including exposed beams and built-in features like shelving
• Natural tones to complement the warmth from woodworking

Craftsman homes are favored for their character and are another versatile style that may borrow common elements from other home styles.

10. Farmhouse Style

The American Farmhouse is a simple and timeless style. Farmhouses are designed to be practical first and foremost. They’re common across the US and often showcase regional variations, like wrap-around porches in the South.

Farmhouses have evolved with time and location, but often feature these elements:

• Rectangular floor plan
• Large front porches
• Natural wood and stone materials
• Few and small windows
• Formal front rooms separated from family rooms

Of course, the easiest way to identify a farmhouse is that they’ll often be situated on a large plot of farmland.

11. French Country Style

A French Country home has a rustic yet upscale charm. French Country architecture is designed after French chateaus and became popular with American soldiers returning from World War I.

French Country homes offer a unique house style featuring:

• Steep pitched or hipped roofs
• Tall ceilings and windows
• Traditional materials including clay, stone, and brick offer a rustic appeal
• Exposed wooden beams in ceilings and walls

French Country homes are designed with their environment in mind. They often feature neutral colors with soft, nature-inspired pops of color like sunshine yellows and grass greens.

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12. Greek Revival Style

Around the 1820s, Americans experienced a renewed interest in classic Greek and Roman culture. This cultural shift was a natural fit for architects, who brought the Greek Revival house style to life.

Greek Revival architecture became popular in homes as well as businesses, banks, and churches. Prominent features include:

• Easy to identify shapes, including a rectangular building and triangular roofs
• Gable-front designs
• Large porches and protected entryways
• Greek-inspired columns both square and round

Greek Revival homes often have decorative trim and moulding around the front door and windows. These ornate features and columns are easy ways to identify Greek Revival architecture.

13. Mediterranean Style

Mediterranean home styles are made of stucco, so they’re most common in warm climate states like Arizona and California. These homes grew in popularity in the 1920s and ‘30s after being featured as homes for the rich and famous on the silver screen.

Mediterranean-style homes include Spanish and Italian architectural elements. These key features make them easy to spot:

• Stucco walls painted white or brown
• Classic red tile roofs
• Arched doorways and windows
• Ornamentation including wrought iron, heavy doors, and decorative tiles

Mediterranean homes still carry the feelings of class and luxury they were built with over 100 years ago, with an added element of history and charm.

14. Modern Style 

Modern home design became popular in the early 20th century and has a heavy influence on today’s contemporary designs. The core of modern designs can be seen in their:

• Use of geometric shapes
• Large, floor-to-ceiling windows
• Clean lines and flat roofs
• Open floor plans

These styles attempt to connect with nature through minimalism and fluid design between outdoor and indoor spaces. Modern house styles branch into a few key sub-styles.

15. Mid-century Modern Style

Mid-century Modern designs are nothing new and have influenced interior design, graphic art, and house styles. Mid-century Modern homes are designed to embrace minimalism and nature. They’re also often modeled to appeal to a futuristic or abstract concept.

Mid-century Modern homes can be identified by their:

• Flat planes and clean lines
• Monochromatic brickwork
• Asymmetrical home layouts
• Nature-inspired interior
• Interior level shifts between rooms

Mid-century architecture is still widely popular today, as are Mid-century Modern interior design and furniture trends.

16. Prairie Style

Prairie-style homes were made famous by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright. These homes celebrate and complement the natural beauty of the Midwestern landscape with low and long shapes in the floor plan and building elements.

Prairie-style houses showcase:

• Long and low-to-the-ground builds
• Flat or shallow roofs with overhanging eaves
• Thin bricks or stucco exteriors to match the house shape
• Minimalist yet stylized ornamentation

Prairie houses inspired the flat planes and natural elements popular in Mid-century houses.

17. Pueblo Revival Style

The Pueblo Revival was inspired by the indigenous Pueblo people’s architecture in the Southwestern US. Pueblo homes were made of adobe or stucco and designed to handle the extreme temperatures of the desert.

Architects in California began to explore the Pueblo style in the late 19th century and the Pueblo Revival style spread across New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado.

The Pueblo Revival hit its peak in the 1930s in Santa Fe, and these Pueblo-style elements are still popular in the Southwest:

• Rounded corners and irregular shapes
• Earth tones that reflect the desert colors
• Stepped effects with higher floors becoming smaller
• Flat roofs with parapet trim
• Exposed roof beams extending past the walls

The Pueblo Revival style is also commonly called Adobe or Santa Fe style architecture.

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18. Ranch Style

Ranch house styles are the most searched style in the US today and are common in cities and suburbs across the country. There are various ranch house styles, including California and split-level ranch homes. The main distinguishing features between these styles are living space and home layout.

Ranch style homes feature:

• Single-story floor plans with low-pitched roofs
• Rectangular, “U,” or “L” shaped open floor plans
• Patio or deck space connected to the home
• Often includes a finished basement or attached garage

Ranch homes are the most popular homes in 34 US states — particularly in the Midwest and on the East Coast.

19. Townhouse Style

Townhomes are common in cities and densely populated neighborhoods. Townhouses are tall and narrow homes designed to make the most out of vertical space without too much of a yard or garden area.

Homes are considered townhouses when they:

• Share one or two walls with adjacent homes
• Have their own entrances
• Are built with multiple floors to maximize vertical space
• Often share a similar style to their neighbors’ homes and may operate under an HOA

Townhouses can be built to mimic other architecture styles, like Italianate and Greek Revival, while maintaining the condensed, vertical floor plan.

20. Tudor Revival Style

Modern Tudor homes are inspired by Medieval European Tudor homes and often have a charming cottage aesthetic. They’re popular on the East Coast and in parts of the Midwest.

Tudor homes are an easy style to identify. They feature:

• Steeply pitched gable roofs
• Exposed and decorative half-timbering with stucco exterior
• Mixed-material brick or stone walls
• Casement windows in groups or with diamond shapes

The Tudor Revival reached peak popularity in the 1920s and is still widely popular today.

21. Victorian Style

Victorian homes were built between 1837 and 1901 while Queen Victoria reigned in Britain. “Victorian” actually refers to multiple styles that vary in influence, but each features ornate detailing and asymmetrical floor plans.

The key features of a Victorian-era home include:

• Elaborate woodwork and trim
• Towers, turrets, and dormer windows
• Steep gabled roofs
• Partial or full-width porches

Victorian homes are all about ornamentation — industrialization allowed these homes to be produced en masse and across a variety of architectural styles.

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22. Gothic Revival Style

Gothic Revival architecture grew in the mid-19th century and was one of the early styles of Victorian-era homes. The Gothic Revival style takes influence from Medieval Europe and was designed as a country home. Architects believed the asymmetrical design and ornamentation complemented the nature of rural America.

Gothic Revival homes can be identified by their:

• Pointed arch in windows, doors, and decoration
• Elaborate wood trim vergeboards and bargeboards
• Steeply pitched roofs and front-facing gables
• Towers and turrets resembling medieval castles

Gothic Revival architecture was a popular style for schools and churches as well as rural homes.

23. Italianate Style

Italianate architecture continues the trend of asymmetrical design, romanticism, and Medieval influence — this time borrowing features from Medieval Italy. Italianate style is common up and down the East Coast and peaked in popularity between 1850 and 1880.

Italianate architecture features:

• Belvederes for natural light and airflow
• Overhanging eaves with decorative support brackets
• Tall and narrow or pedimented windows with rounded crowns
• Cast iron detailing and decor

Pattern books were becoming a popular way for craftsmen to build homes in different styles. This flexibility meant Italianate features were accessible for a variety of homes including large estates and urban townhouses.

24. Queen Anne Style

Queen Anne homes were popularized in the later Victorian era, beginning around 1880. This style is the quintessential Victorian home for many, with ornate woodworking and decor inside and out.

Queen Anne homes have key regional differences across the country, but maintain these essentials:

• Textured walls with decorative shingles or half-timbering
• Large round or polygonal tower at the home’s corner
• Steeply pitched and asymmetrical roof
• Decorative spindles on porches and trim
• Decorative single-pane or stained glass windows

Queen Anne architecture is most common in homes, but can also be seen in schools, churches, and office buildings.

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25. Second Empire

Second Empire homes were a modern Victorian-era style that started in France before spreading through the Northeastern and Midwestern United States. Second Empire architecture features similar ornate Victorian trends, though generally offers a simplified Victorian aesthetic.

These elements help identify a Second Empire home:

• Uniquely shaped Mansard Roof
• Decorative window framing and dormers
• Decorative rails or balustrades around terraces and staircases
• Iron roof crest and eaves with support brackets

Second Empire homes are also easy to identify since they’re the only Victorian-era style that often features a symmetrical, rectangular floor plan.

26.  Shingle Style

Shingle-style homes took influence from Colonial architecture rather than Medieval Europe. Ornamentation became simpler towards the end of the Victorian-era and Shingle-style homes are best known for their creative floor plans and signature shingles on exterior walls.

Shingle Victorian homes are identified by these interior and exterior features:

• Shingles cover the entire exterior
• Asymmetrical interior layouts without a central hallway
• Emphasis on horizontal planes
• Custom built to meld with the nature surrounding the house

Shingle-style houses were designed as a work of art and encouraged creativity in their use of shapes and features.

House styles will continue to evolve with influences from history, culture, and our lifestyles. Choose the style that fits your lifestyle, location, and, of course, personal style best. Then check your credit score, get pre-approved, and start house-hunting.

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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:

• Strict simplicity of form and texture.
• Presence of open wooden terraces.
• Rectangular stable shape.

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