Home exteriors tell an interesting story of aesthetics and history. They represent what the population sees as beautiful at the moment.
Home styles can also reflect the area they’re in and be a testament to their surroundings. It’s why you see more Craftsman homes in the Pacific Northwest and more classic Colonials in the Northeast.
American architecture has always been a topic that enthralls and inspires. As the contemporary architecture of new construction takes hold, it’s exciting to see what historical American house styles were once the most popular.
Midcentury Modern
Midcentury modern is one of the most popular house styles. Created in the 1950s and 1960s, these homes incorporated concrete, steel, and glass into their design.
Also marked by clean lines and a restrained color palette. These homes often emphasized a connection to nature, so large windows or an atrium were also often featured.
Tudor
Tudor homes are said to be inspired by late Medieval manor homes but also include Renaissance and Gothic elements. These homes have a brown brick facade with a white stucco feature that’s framed by timber details.
The gabled roofline and rectangular windows are also a hallmark of the architectural style. These historic American homes were popular in the 1920s and 1930s.
Georgian
A signature of the East Coast, Georgian homes grew in popularity in the 18th century. These are stately homes with flat facades, usually in red brick with evenly-spaced rows of windows.
Georgian homes are known for symmetry and balance on the front facade. Known for simplicity, they have little excess decorations.
Victorian
An instantly recognizable architectural style is the Victorian home. Victorians included Gothic Revival, Romanesque Revival, and Second Empire architecture in their iconic design. Victorian homes are known for decorative detailing, grand structures, bay windows, large porches, and sloped roofs.
Mediterranean Style
Throughout South Florida, you’ll often see Mediterranean-style homes. They are a little more colorful and finished with a textured stucco on the exterior. Intricate wrought iron railings often add a decorative touch.
They have large windows and front doors that allow for the tropical sun and breeze. Mediterranean-style homes also feature outdoor spaces such as atriums.
Shingle Style
The shingle-style home originated in New England and is a hallmark of the area. The style became popular due to more affordability compared to the clapboard siding homes.
Shingle-style homes are marked by small wooden pieces overlapping across the face of the home. These often add an antique charm to the home.
Ranch
The ranch-style home features all living and sleeping spaces on one floor. Originating in the Southwestern United States, this style of home is sprawling with expansive living spaces both inside and out.
The Beauty of American House Styles
Every home has an architectural style or a combination of a few different styles. The many variations of American house styles represent the history and beauty of the country.
Your exterior architecture can often inform your interior style. A beautiful old Victorian will have plenty of character on the inside and outside, while a contemporary home will be much sleeker.
Alpha to Omega Properties strives to make your home a dream home no matter what the style is. Contact us today to get a consultation on your next home project!