Choosing a home to buy is a big decision, and you have likely already done a lot of research in this process. One aspect to consider is the architectural style you wish to live in. From the clean lines and open designs of contemporary homes to the soft shapes and rustic curves of adobe houses to the ornamental splendor of Gothic architecture, each style offers a unique set of characteristics. To help you narrow down your options, we provide a quick overview of some of the most common home styles on the market.
1. Contemporary Medieval
The contemporary medieval style features the integration of indoor and outdoor experiences with large glass windows, outdoor terraces, simple and precise geometric shapes, and spacious areas.
2. Scandinavian
Many aspects of contemporary medieval design are directly influenced by Scandinavian architecture. Both styles are characterized by simple lines, organic shapes, sleek design, and a connection to nature.
3. Contemporary
Contemporary homes are characterized by clean lines, open designs, and minimalistic touches. This style features a variety of natural materials, geometric shapes, and soothing colors.
4. Spanish Revival
This architectural style traces its origins to the Spanish colonization of the Americas. It is characterized by beautiful arched doors and windows, dark-colored roofs, and intricate iron details on balconies and windows.
5. Ranch
Ranch homes feature unique American characteristics with roots in the southwest. They utilize single-level designs and boast spacious living areas that serve as a central gathering point for the home, with a number of bedrooms spread across the floor plan and low ceilings.
6. Bungalow
Bungalow homes are known for their compact design and small spaces with beautiful architectural details and plenty of charm. Many early 20th-century homes exhibit this style, with large working-class neighborhoods emerging.
7. Gothic
Gothic homes originated in England and were considered a beautiful departure from the typical bungalow that emerged in America in the late 19th century. This design is known for its wooden structure, sloped roofs, and diverse materials.
8. Victorian
Victorian homes trace their origins to the British era of the late 19th century, renowned for their captivating decorative details and vibrant colors. They are typically tall and contain two to four stories.
9. Craftsman
Craftsman homes are a response to the ornate Victorian homes that became popular in the late 19th century. In the early 20th century, the trend shifted to allow for simplified and modest design. This architecture employs handcrafted details, natural materials, and a strong focus on function at the expense of fashion.
10. Beach House
The hallmark of a beach house is its proximity to the sea, but there are many other elements that define this style. It is characterized by practical and clean designs, a natural color palette, an airy feel, and coastal views.
11. Adobe
While beach houses easily fit along the coast, adobe homes are designed to blend in with their surrounding desert landscapes. Thus, you’ll typically find these homes in the dry southwest, including Arizona, New Mexico, southern Utah, and parts of California. The term adobe refers to the exterior material made of clay, sand, straw, and water, which is then coated with stucco or mud.
12. Gothic
When you think of Gothic architecture, ancient churches that adorn Europe often come to mind. This style dates back to the Middle Ages – around the 12th century – and enjoyed a beautiful revival in the 18th and 19th centuries. When converted into a home, many of those architectural details – such as pointed arches, lavish embellishments, sloping roofs, and intricate stonework – are carried over.
13. Mediterranean
By nature, Mediterranean architecture originated in the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, including Spain, Italy, Greece, and Morocco. Today, this style can be found around the world, from coastal areas to mountainous terrains, often far from its original birthplace.
It features
Mediterranean-style homes feature airy spaces that flow seamlessly from indoors to outdoors, utilizing renowned building materials like stone, stucco, and concrete to create elegant arches and columns, which are the hallmark of this architectural style.
Source: https://www.realsimple.com/architectural-house-styles-7505729
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