If you’ve traveled across the country, you already know there are dozens of unique house styles across the United States — the homes on the East Coast are entirely different than the architectural styles you’ll find on the West Coast! Some homes have a charming, historical appearance, while others have clean lines to appeal to the modern buyer. Each home style has its own defining characteristics and pros and cons with layout and design.

However, with so many types of houses across the country, it can be difficult to differentiate them. Below, we’ll explain the defining characteristics and pros and cons for each of the house style names to help you determine which layout belongs to you and which you might want to move into one day!

Most Popular House Style Names to Choose from to Create Eye-Catching Curb Appeal

Cape Cod Style House

For many house style names, the clue to the origin is in the name. The Cape Cod house style is one of North America’s most well-known house styles. It was introduced to the United States in the 17th century by the English settlers on the coast of Massachusetts (hence the name!) and was popularized in the 1930s.

This New England house style is defined by its central doorway, dormer windows, steeply pitched roof, and story-and-a-half layout. Many Cape Cod homes have traditional wood siding or a wood-like alternative, like fiber cement siding.

Mediterranean Style House

Mediterranean-style houses are inspired by the architecture of homes found along the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea in countries like Spain, France, Monaco, and Italy. They started to become popular in warmer locations in the United States, like Florida and California, in the 1900s.

These homes often feature low-pitched roofs with red or warm-colored tiles, a stucco exterior, exposed beams of wood, and ornate wood, tile, or iron detailing. An open central courtyard and indoor-outdoor living spaces are defining characteristics of the Mediterranean-style house.

Related: Get tips on modern Mediterranean home design ideas here.

Ranch Style House

Ranch-style homes were introduced to the United States in the 1930s. They were one of the most popular home styles in the 1950s and 1960s as growing families sought spacious and affordable homes after World War II.

Ranch homes are defined by their simple one-story or split-level floor plans, which include an attached garage and/or basement, low-pitched roofs, and large windows on the front of the home. This efficient house style is generally popular in the Southwest since it is easier to keep the home cool.

Modern Farmhouse Style House

Modern farmhouse homes are a contemporary interpretation of the rural farmhouses that dotted the landscape of the United States in the 1700s and 1800s.

While the standard features of farmhouses are the same, like the rectangular shape, spacious porch, and board-and-batten exteriors, modern farmhouses include trendy features for the contemporary homeowner, like a chic black-and-white color scheme, dramatic roof peaks, metal roofing, an open-concept kitchen and family room, and multiple stories to accommodate large families.

Colonial Style House

Colonial-style homes date back to the 17th century and come in several variations, depending on which country the American settlers who built the house came from. Popular variations of this style include British Colonial, Spanish Colonial, Federal Colonial, Dutch Colonial, French Colonial, and Georgian. But regardless of which country this house style hails from, the overall design is the same.

Colonial homes are usually square or rectangular, with a central front door and symmetrical windows on each side. They often have brick or wood facades, dormer windows, steep roofs, and two- or three-story designs. Traditionally, the living room and kitchen are on the first floor, while the bedrooms are on the second floor.

Victorian Style House

Victorian-style houses were built between the 1830s and 1900s during the Victorian era, which lasted during Queen Victoria’s reign. These homes encompass a wide range of designs that were popularized during this time period, including the Gothic Revival style, Queen Anne style, and Italianate house style. They are known for being elaborate and distinctive, highlighting the rising wealth of the middle class at the time they were popularized.

Victorian homes can be identified by their asymmetrical appearance and key features, such as steep gable roofs, wrap-around front porches, turrets, and bay windows. They often feature ornate details, such as rich colors, fabrics, and stained-glass windows.

Craftsman Style House

Craftsman-style homes became popular in the early 1900s during the Arts and Crafts movement and emphasized using natural materials like wood and stone.

Craftsman houses generally feature low-pitched gable roofs, exposed rafters, a porch framed with pillars or square columns, and ornate wood detailing. These homes stick to a natural or earthy color palette with lots of browns, greens, tans, and oranges.

Contemporary House Style

Contemporary homes are the architectural style of the 2000s, an iteration of the modern and mid-century modern homes that were popular between the 1930s and 1970s. Both styles (modern and contemporary homes) are commonly found on the West Coast.

While contemporary and midcentury modern homes focus on clean lines, neutral colors, flat roofs, and a spacious, open-concept floor plan, contemporary architecture emphasizes energy efficiency and eco-friendliness. In these homes, it’s common to find floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize natural light, an asymmetrical but geometrical design, and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living and minimalist design.

French Country Home Style

French country homes were popularized in the United States in the 1800s and mimic the sprawling estates in France’s countryside. They’re eye-catching, often featuring wrap-around driveways, welcoming courtyards, and well-manicured landscaping.

French country homes feel comfortable and cozy while still providing a luxurious flair. Standard features of this architectural design include narrow windows and shutters, steep roofs, and natural wood, stone, and stucco exteriors (and an emphasis on natural materials, like wood and stone, inside the home, too).

Complement Your Home’s Unique Architectural Style with Beautiful Interior Design from THE STAGING COMPANY

Interior design is a crucial way to accentuate your home’s unique architectural features — whether you live in a minimalist Contemporary house in California or a charming Cape Cod-style home in New England. Choosing the right furniture, furnishings, and decor for your home’s particular style can be the “cherry on top” for beautiful, eye-catching architecture.

If you live in Florida or Texas and are looking for a professional decorator to embellish your home — contact our team at THE STAGING COMPANY. We would love to beautify your home! While you wait to hear back from us, you can read more about our interior decorating services.