Looking at the real estate market in the US can reveal many things, one of which is diversity. Yes, there is a good amount of that in terms of price, but the same can be said about the designs.
As a country with a history spanning several centuries, seeing different cultures is to be expected. With that, you can also enjoy a variety of home styles found in various parts of the country.
Some states offer a more modern look, while others aim to preserve the traditional ones. The best part is that there is a style that fits everyone’s taste, and today, we’ll talk about the most popular ones.
Colonial
The list starts with one of the most popular styles – the colonial one. Often found in member states of the original colonies, this is one of those designs with a presence whenever you see it.
Often coming in a two-story layout, the main thing that catches your eye is the symmetry. This style features a large entryway with large windows on either side. Even though the original style didn’t have it, some Dutch or French-inspired homes may feature a patio.
Ranch
Ranch-style homes are common throughout the US, but the most common states are Ohio, Texas, and a few others. Unlike the previous style, this is a more subdued style, often blending in with the surroundings and not standing out from the crowd.
The most notable feature of this style is that it often comes in the form of a single-story house. There are many reasons for this, and the size of the lot is one of them. With more land, homeowners don’t need to worry about the size of the backyard. You often see these homes with spacious plans and high ceilings in the suburbs.
Victorian
Victorian houses are probably one of the most flamboyant styles of house in the United States. Like the previous type, you’ll find these homes almost everywhere, with Missouri often being a relatively common hotspot for this style.
These kinds of houses are all about exterior decorations. Often coming in a multi-story configuration, the exterior features an asymmetric design with colored brickworks and turrets. With stained glass barely peaking behind a feature frequently referred to as Kansas City wood shutters, this is the type of house you’ll see from miles away.
Gregorian
The Gregorian style is influenced mostly by Roman and Greek architecture, meaning it is most often found in 18th-century homes. Although this style of house is found in many states, the most popular ones are those in the New England region.
These homes have many notable features, and the shape is one of them. You’ll usually see many square or rectangular shapes in a perfectly symmetrical design, like the colonial style. As a result, you’ll find houses with a central entrance and a hipped or gabled roof, often hiding bedrooms or office spaces.
Mediterranean
With influence from Spain and Italy, the Mediterranean homes bring some southern Europe to the states. Due to their layout and design, you’ll find these houses in states with warmer climates, such as California or Florida.
This style is similar to ranch houses in some ways because it often features a single-story layout. The main difference is that these homes are designed to be “wrapped” around a centerpiece, usually a pool. Another notable feature of these houses is the terracotta roofs combined with the textured stucco exterior.
Tudor
Another popular house style from the past is the Tudor. This style's roots are in the 16th century, but it didn’t become popular in the States until the early 1900s. You’ve probably seen these houses in many places, but Louisiana is where you’ll find them the most.
This is a unique design, which, despite some resemblance with other styles, remains recognizable. The most notable feature is the combination of stonework for the walls and half-exposed wood usually surrounding the windows. Speaking of, they’re usually tall and narrow, but houses have plenty, so there’s enough natural light. Also, unlike many other styles, this one features steep roofs under which you’ll find additional rooms or an attic.
Contemporary Style
With the older styles out of the way, let’s discuss the more modern ones. Contemporary houses aren’t limited to a specific region, and with good reason. As a modern housing solution, these houses are an eco-friendly solution to an era trying to combat climate change.
People often refer to this style as minimalistic, and for good reason. These homes feature an irregularly shaped design with large windows to let in as much light as possible. In most cases, they’re multi-story designs with an open ground floor plan and bedrooms on the second floor. The open floor plan also means these houses feature a large living room and kitchen.