In today’s article I would like to
discuss some of the different types of Architectural styles we see in homes.
Architectural design is one of my favorite parts of the real estate
industry and knowing the differences can help you hone in and define
your personal style. For example, what is the difference between a
bungalow and ranch style home? What would a Spanish style home offer that you
won't find in a English Tudor home? Today I would like to go over
some of these styles and help you to decipher what design esthetic you prefer.
Ranch homes
Let's start with the most popular
American style home; the ranch home. It has maintained its high
demand status throughout this country for good reason, its ease and
simplicity makes it a great fit for American families. Ranch homes
are one story with long rectangular silhouettes and commonly L or U
shaped floor plans. Because of their width and shape these homes are
usually built on wide open lots and usually have porches, patios and
2 car garages. While their exteriors are not considered highly
decorative like the Victorian or Spanish styles, the appeal is the
functionality and efficiency of these homes. Its one story makes it
a go to choice for families with small children, the elderly or
people with disabilities while its simplicity makes the upkeep
minimal and the affordability high. It's no wonder why we find
different variations of the ranch style home in just about every type
of neighborhood throughout the country. Below are some examples of a ranch style home.
Bungalow homes
Bungalows became a housing craze
throughout the country in the late 1800's due to their simplicity and
affordability. Their different styles include the California Bungalow and the Craftsman Bungalow. The original California Bungalows were small one to one-and-a-half story homes with porches
that stretch across the front of the home with a square shape
silhouette and a low roof. The Craftsman Bungalows are usually a
little larger than the Californian style with a rectangular
silhouette. They traditionally have tapered columns on their long
porches and are characterized by their exposed rafters. Many people
are attracted to the beautiful entrances of the gorgeous Craftsman Bungalows because of their use of false or decorative beams supported
by the distinctive trapezoid shaped columns over the porch leading up
to the front door. Below are some examples of bungalows.
California Bungalow
Craftsman Bungalow
Contemporary homes
Contemporary homes tend to be easiest
to categorize by the average civilian despite the fact they are one
of the broadest types of architectural stye. These homes are
asymmetrical, clean and simple. They usually have flat or very low
roofs and are commonly multiple stories. These homes tend to be
highly distinctive works of art. They have become more and more
popular as the modern movement continues to sweep through
architectural design. Contemporary homes use different materials and
continue to evolve into different shapes and styles and continue to
push the envelope of design concepts to create new, inventive and
stunning homes. Below are some examples of contemporary homes.
Tudor homes
The classic English Tudor home can be distinguished by the half timbered exteriors placed in unique deigns commonly over plaster or patterned brick. Their rounded doorways, prominent chimneys and multiple steep triangular shaped roofs are also a trademark of this esthetic. There is definitely a medieval flare to these homes and suggest their owners appreciate lots of character and charm. Below are some examples of Tudor homes.
Cape Cod homes
Originated in New England in the
1600's, the colonial style Cape Cod home is a elegant and classical
choice that evokes historical value and charm with its admirers. With
its rectangular shape and steep roof, this home is most commonly
recognized by its multi-paned windows framed by shutters on either
side of its centered front door. Generally, the exterior of these
homes are wood covered in clapboard siding and originally
one-and-a-half stories with all living spaces down stairs. This half
story is why it's not uncommon to see dormers which add a little more
detail to the otherwise elegant simplicity of the Cape Cod home. Below are some examples of Cape Cod homes.
Victorian homes
Victorian style homes were originally
built between the 1830's and early 1900's and infamously chocked full
of details meant to show off the luxurious lifestyle of the super
wealthy of its time. These details include patterned shingles, lots
of columns, spindles, and ornamental moldings with lots of
gingerbread trim work. They often have porches with decorative
railings, however one of the most noticeable trait of the Victorian style
homes is their steep pointed roofs with tall pointed towers. When you
think of the Victorian style home you can't help but think about the
infamous “postcard Row” in San Francisco California but these
ornate gems can be found throughout Southern California as well.
Spanish homes
Most have come to know and love the
Spanish style home by its light colored stucco exterior, red barrel
tilled roofs, arched doorways and windows and dark wood with wrought
iron details. They commonly surround beautiful courtyards and have
exposed ceiling beams, archways and terracotta tile
throughout. These homes are a stunning option for those looking for
rustic elements with a unique and cultural rich flare. Below are some example of Spanish homes.
Mediterranean homes
The Mediterranean home is a blend of
styles such as Spanish, Italian and Greek which makes it a little
harder to distinguish between others like the Spanish style home
we spoke of earlier. As a matter of fact, I think this home is the
one I get the most questions about. So what is different about
the Mediterranean home? It's really the overall visual impression
you get. Though the Mediterranean generally have terracotta roof
tiles, light colored stucco walls and arched windows and doorways
which immediately suggest the Spanish style home, the Mediterranean
has a more tropical feel to it. And despite the fact it esthetically
shares much of the Spanish elements, as you can see below there is still something very different and distinctive about Mediterranean homes.
So tell me, what's your favorite type of home? Would you like to check out a particular type of home? Click HERE to send me an email and I'll get right back to you.
