Residential Architecture Styles

Colonial The colonial style home is one of the most common homes in the US, especially in New England and in the south. Traditional colonials share a number of characteristics: front door in the center, two windows on either side, and five windows above.

Time and trends have caused the colonial style to evolve, many colonial homes convey the same style but the classic shape and number of windows is either added to or modified.

Despite these changes being made, one can look at a modified colonial and immediately have no doubt of the style it is conveying.

Craftsman

Craftsman style homes are undeniably charming. With the rather contemporary yet traditional Victorian style and cozy size these homes are commonly dreamy starter homes for young couples just starting out.

Craftsman style has a few telling features: front-gabled, tapered square columns, intricate woodwork, stained glass windows, and a front porch that spans the entire front of the house.

Some modifications of this style include a side gable roof with a gabled dormer.

Greek Revival

Homes in the Greek Revival style are usually painted white to resemble the white marble of impressive Greek buildings. The details were bold moldings, heavy cornices, gables with pendants, and friezes.

The gable-fronted house, found throughout America, is one of the style’s enduring legacies.

Columns and pilasters are among the most common elements of Greek Revival. Although classical columns are round, by definition, the Greek Revival style also used square or even octagonal columns.

Mid-Century

With the incredible successful of the show Mad Men, we found Mid-Century architecture, furniture, and clothing popularity at an all time high. The classic clean lines, angular roofs, and plenty of large windows make this look timeless when done correctly.

Another fun concept of Mid-Century is the juxtaposition of contrasting and sometimes funky materials.

Not to mention the unique roofing and windows.

Tudor

A misconception about this style is identifying it as "Tudor"—but Tudor Revival may be more accurate. Here in the United States, this style of home first became popular during the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century—then again in the late century. In which they styled their homes after key characteristics of Tudor England:

Tudor homes are characterized by their steeply pitched gable roofs, masonry chimneys, embellished doorways, groupings of windows, and decorative half-timbering with stucco filling the spaces between.

With the fairytale charm and countryside details, Tudor Revival is an undeniably romantic style of home.

Tuscan

Tuscan architecture combines modern and classic elements, as well as the Old World Europe style.

These homes share quite a few characteristics: Plaster walls,stone and wood accents, and tiled roofs.

The beauty of architecture this style comes from the typical custom crafted natural stone. This includes limestone, travertine and marble. Terracotta floor and roof tiles are often used to give the antique feel. Fine Tuscany architecture can also marble fireplaces, wrought iron gates and amazing fountains.

Victorian

Victorian home plans feature elaborate detail inside and out, with asymmetrical floor plans, grand towers and turrets, and distinctive gingerbread trim.

White columns encasing a porch either on one side of the house, the entire front front of the house, or wrapped around are a classic Victorian feature.

Windows in Victorian homes were distinctive in their design. Shapes and sizes varied significantly in a single home. Bay windows added a new element of interest to these residences.