Learn what type of home you have or which you’d like to buy in this informative glossary of architectural home styles in the U.S.
The diversity of people, cultures, and architectural styles found in the United States is reflected in the various home types. These homes are as different as their owners, with a wide range of rooflines, porch forms, materials, and trim packages.

In contrast, the National Association of Home Builders claims that “there is no national consensus on exterior design” when it comes to home buying in its most recent What Home Buyers Really Want research, which involved polling over 3,000 current and potential homeowners. It appears that responders are split fairly evenly between a modern design, a traditional home style, and a hybrid.
However, when building a new home, budget is a major consideration. Diana Melichar, R.A., president of Melichar Architects in Lake Forest, Illinois, adds, “It’s expensive to create all the millwork in a Craftsman-style home, for example.” On the other hand, she claims, “houses never truly go out of style. Individuals are drawn to styles that make them feel at home. And that’s probably the kind of upbringing they had.”

Nevertheless, this post can assist you whether you’re looking for a house that catches your eye, creating a new home, or simply want to discover what type your historic home prefers.
Ranch style home

This ranch-style house has big, noticeable windows, a low-pitched roof, and an attached garage.

The famous ranch-style house is recognisable for its roomy single-story layout and straightforward design. Often called a rambler, this house may, or may not, have a complete basement, depending on the area. The majority of ranch homes include an attached garage or carport, and the roof pitch varies but is often low-slope with shingles. The ranch differs from other architectural types with its large windows on the front of the house and its sliding glass doors in the back that open into spacious patios.
Glass that extends to the ceiling and butterfly roofs are common features of mid-century modern residences.

Flat roofs, natural materials, and clean lines characterise mid-century modern architecture. One well-known illustration of a mid-century modern roofline is the butterfly roof. Typically, this type of home has clerestory windows, which are windows that are above eye level or that reach the floor. Architects use an asymmetrical design and an open floor plan that seamlessly transitions to nature in a single storey building. “You need more land for this style,” asserts Melichar, “in order to connect to the earth.” The mid-mod look has been popular for a number of years, she continues. Scandinavian-inspired furniture is typical of this style and goes well with a minimalist lifestyle.
Craftsman style home

A variation of the Craftsman-style home with four rooms on each storey is called an American Four-square.

The low-slope hipped roof, overhanging eaves, and broad front porches supported by columns are characteristics of the Craftsman-style house. It’s known as a bungalow because it’s one story. Also referred to as the Arts and Crafts style, this home design gained popularity during the early 1900s crafts movement. Numerous big fireplaces, built-in bookcases, bookshelves, seats, and walk-up attic area are all components of the interior design. This home’s design was somewhat inspired by the Prairie style of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Victorian era home
Victorian homes have grand staircases, elaborate woodwork, and built-ins that make the interiors equally as beautiful as the exteriors.

Victorian dwellings first appeared throughout Europe in the late 1800s. Brackets, spindles, and beaded trim are examples of the intricate workmanship and ornamentation that define them. Towers, bay windows, and steep roofs are features that contribute to the Victorian era’s opulence. Similar to Craftsman-style homes, Victorian homes come in a variety of styles, such as Queen Anne, and have rich, deep colours reminiscent of the newest Paris runway trends.
Log home
Log homes can be built from native trees or from a pre-made kit, and they come in a variety of sizes and designs.

Since the earliest European immigrants arrived in America, log dwellings have existed in many forms, from the tiny cabin to the mountain lodge. The walls of the house are constructed with logs rather than wood frame or concrete. Builders have the option of obtaining pre-made kits from businesses like Dogwood Mountain Log Homes or gathering logs from the property. Log homes are energy-efficient, typically found in mountainous areas, and are typically coupled with stone instead of brick.

 

 

 

Saltbox style home

The birthplace of John Quincy Adams is a classic example of a Saltbox house.

The saltbox style was next in use by early immigrants, mostly in the New England region, and it was almost as old as the log home. A Saltbox house can be identified by the roof line that reaches the first floor at the back. In the middle of the house is a large brick fireplace that is another feature. Some distinguishing characteristics of this design include the small, paned windows and the lack of porches or decoration.

 

 

 

 

Cape code style home

a classic shake-style Cape Cod home featuring dormer windows and shake siding.

The Cape Cod home design was another early American home type. Often called a one-and-a-half-story house, it has shuttered windows on either side of the front door, dormers, and a steep gabled roof. A Cape Cod house from the 20th century is a solitary, compact square or rectangle. A detached garage, often known as a carriage house, was utilised by homeowners for storage purposes in the attic. Finished attic rooms that function as a half-story, attached garages, and single-story wings are examples of modern designs.
Mediterranean style home

This Mediterranean house has decorative ironwork, stucco siding, and a tile roof.

Mediterranean home designs with Spanish influences are primarily seen in the southern states with moderate climates, such as Texas, California, Florida, Arizona, and New Mexico. All of the rooms opened into a central courtyard, which formed the U-shaped floor plan. In the days before air conditioning, this structure made sure there was enough airflow and produced a smooth transition to the outside. The home’s central section often has vaulted ceilings with exposed beams. The house has arched windows and entrances, stucco siding, and a low-slope tile roof outside.

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