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The five most prevalent styles in today’s
market:
Country:
Nationwide this is by far the most popular
style. Characteristics include a large, usually
covered front porch or a wraparound porch, and a
steeply pitched gabled roofline that runs
lengthwise. The roofline is often punctuated by
dormer windows and gabled wings, creating
casual, informal living. The farmhouse style
home is typically a rectangular or L-shaped
home, often with two-stories. Horizontal siding
is the typical material for county and farmhouse
designs, although masonry or stucco is possible.
Traditional:
This describes a multitude of classic designs
including Colonial, Georgian, Federal, Cape Cod,
Saltbox and Ranch designs each distinctly
regional. Simplicity is a common characteristic
of all traditional designs usually with
small-paned or mullioned windows that are
usually spaced symmetrically.
Victorian:
This particular traditional-style home has
strong historical origins with very intricate
rooflines and the use of turrets, dormers,
towers, bays and eyebrow windows. Ornate porches
are a prevalent feature along with shingles or
narrow-lap wood siding. This style is more
appropriate for two-story homes, although
one-story designs with Victorian features are
available.
Mediterranean:
Some view this style as traditional, others say
it is contemporary, regardless, it’s popular in
the Sunbelt states, particularly in California,
the southwest and Florida. The exterior is
traditionally stucco and includes tile roofs,
broad overhangs, lower pitched roof lines and
open-air verandas, courtyards and covered
porches or lanais.
Contemporary:
This broad category embodies many different
styles and shapes of homes. Typically
contemporary homes have bold geometric shapes,
large expanses of glass, and windows that are
not framed by shutters or other decorative trim,
and rooflines that can be anywhere from flat to
low-pitched to dramatically steep. Siding can be
vertical or horizontal wood siding, stucco or
masonry. There are really no rules with
contemporary styles.
Other styles:
although the above are the most prevalent
choices there are a multitude of other styles
many homeowners opt to adopt. These include
Craftsman, European, Italianette, French or
French Country, Tudor, etc. Also certain
locations or uses can often produce a particular
“style”; narrow lots, beach, mountain or
vacation houses are examples. |
