7 of the Most Popular Architectural Styles of Homes

What does your dream home look like? Is it a rambling ranch house, a cozy cottage, or a traditional Victorian vision? Keep reading to see if your ideal home is one of these seven most popular architectural styles of homes:

1. Rustic or Log Cabin:

Many of today’s log cabin style homes are custom-built, with sleek and sturdy construction. These rustic properties feature natural wood such as white pine, red cedar, and bald cypress, along with large windows for stunning outdoor views. Log cabins are commonly found on country estates, ranches, and mountainous areas.

2. Colonial Revival

Colonial style homes have a distinctive style with plenty of front yard curb appeal. For these homes, symmetrical porches carry columns that support the two-story dwelling and add character. Inside, you might find spacious rooms, a grand stairwell, and detailed woodworking.

3. Classic Victorian Queen Anne Style

Like the Colonial style homes, Victorian houses borrow features from English architecture, including high-pitched roofs and dormer windows. However, finding ornate French detailing around windows and doors is also common. Other features could include wrap-around porches, an upstairs balcony, bay windows, and even turrets. These homes often feature a rich color palette and patterned shingles.

4. Craftsman Bungalow

Craftsman homes are much more simple and streamlined as compared to the more ornate Colonial and Victorian style houses. Craftsman homes often feature wide porches, windows arranged in groups, and large, usable attics. Other identifiable stylistic features include exposed rafters and low-pitched roofs.

5. Ranch Style

Ranch style homes are typically single-story, with a floor plan that spreads across the property and mirrors the large yard. Rooflines are often low slope and include large overhangs. 

6. Tudor Style

Picture a Medieval English cottage or manor home, and you will find many of the same style details in a Tudor style house. These houses often have highly steeped rooflines and exposed wood framing, giving them plenty of front yard curb appeal. Windows provide plentiful light, and wood detailing throughout the home add to its unique charm.

7. Modern and Sleek

Standing in complete contrast to Tudor style properties, modern-looking homes are designed to stand out in a very different way. These homes are harder to categorize but are often simplistic or minimalistic. Steel and concrete are popular materials, even inside the home. Still, the properties are typically designed for user comfort and functionality.

Many of today’s houses do not have a single architectural style. However, understanding the different architectural styles of homes listed above can help you purchase a traditional home or describe the features you want during a remodel.