When you are driving through different parts of the United States, you will be able to encounter many different architectural house designs. American homes can be as opulent and elegant as a palace or as modest. Whether you’re in the market for a house in Portland, OR, searching for rentals in Atlanta, or scrolling through the real estate app you love, familiarizing yourself with the most popular US house styles will make your search easier. Take a closer look below at the Most Popular House Styles in the USA by checking the real estate data.
Top 10 Most Popular House Styles in the USA
What are the most popular house styles in America? Christopher Custom Homes describes the top 10 most popular house styles in America:
1. Modern Homes
Modern house styles were introduced in the 1920s to embrace minimalism and reject opulent house types. They feature asymmetrical exteriors, flat roofs, and integrated outdoor spaces. Metal elements, neutral color palettes, and minimal molding and trim are common in modern interiors. Modern homes are characterized by:
- Asymmetrical exteriors and flat roofs
- Integrated outdoor spaces
- Minimal molding and neutral color palettes
- Use of metal elements
2. Ranch-Style Homes
Ranch-style homes, popular since 1932, were popular in the 1950s and 1960s and remain so now. Ranch-style homes have a single-story, low-to-the-ground design, open layout, and occasional basement. Ranch-style homes have wide windows and sliding glass doors for indoor-outdoor living. A ranch can be called a ‘rambler,’ depending on your region and local dialect. They remain a favored choice for their practical design, which features:
- Single-story layout
- Low-pitched roof and open floor plan
- Attached garage and wide windows
- Indoor-outdoor living
3. Craftsman Homes
Craftsman-style houses, popularized by Gustav Stickley in the 1900s, maintained their popularity in the 21st century. The shingles, low-pitched roofs, and covered front porches of this American classic offer appeal to any community. Thick woodwork, ceiling beams, and built-in shelves and seats distinguish Craftsman homes. Features of craftsman homes include:
- Low-pitched rooflines and covered front porches
- Thick woodwork and built-in furniture
- Natural materials
4. Mid-Century Modern Homes
Mid-century modern style is part of post-World War II modernism, which was fashionable in the 1970s. Mid-century modern style features clean lines, minimalism, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Open floor plans with a mix of natural and manufactured materials including wood, stone, steel, and plastic are common. This design emphasizes:
- Minimalism and clean lines
- Large windows and open spaces
- Mix of natural and manufactured materials
5. Cape Cod Homes
Beautiful Cape Cod-style residences built in 1675 resemble American cottages. The symmetrical architecture and central chimney of this English house style were brought to America. Cape Cod homes have steep roofs to keep snow away, dormer windows for light, wood siding and shutters for warmth, and hardwood floors for comfort and convenience. These types of homes are common in New England cities like Boston, MA. The style’s key features include:
- Symmetrical design with a central chimney
- Steep roofs and dormer windows
- Wood siding and shutters
6. Cottage Homes
In the 1920s and 30s, American architects developed pleasant cottage-style buildings inspired by medieval English countryside forms. A steep, thatched roof, arched doors, shuttered windows, and a warm storybook atmosphere give this house old-world appeal. Their charming, storybook appearance includes:
- Steep, thatched roofs
- Arched doorways and shuttered windows
- Small, cozy interiors
7. Tudor Homes
Tudor-style homes are easy to recognize due to their unusual features. The famous striped Tudor-style facade is made of brick, stone, or stucco with ornate half-timbering on the second floor. Their steep roof, cross gables, and tall, narrow windows are also characteristic. The Northeast and Midwest are plenty of tudor-style homes. They feature:
- Half-timbering and stucco or brick exteriors
- Steeply pitched roofs and cross gables
- Tall, narrow windows
8. Victorian Homes
Victorian-style houses appeared between 1860 and 1900. This style is a colorful dollhouse with charming and unique elements. Every component of Victorian-style homes is detailed, including wood trim, staircases, stained glass, and woodwork. Tall gabled roofs, front-facing gables, patterned shingles, bay windows, round towers, and front porches. Characteristic features include:
- Decorative trim and intricate woodwork
- Tall, gabled roofs and bay windows
- Colorful exteriors
9. Mediterranean Homes
Mediterranean-style houses thrive in warmer climates; therefore, they were popular in Southern California in the 1920s and 1930s. They have low-pitched red tile roofs, vaulted ceilings, arched doors and windows, and stucco or adobe exteriors, inspired by Mediterranean architecture. A U-shaped floor plan creates a center courtyard for a garden or fountain. These homes are characterized by:
- Stucco exteriors and red tile roofs
- Arched doors and windows
- Courtyards and balconies
10. Farmhouse Style
The early 1700s farmhouse was functional and meant for farmers. Large wraparound front porches, clapboard siding, fireplaces, wood flooring, eat-in kitchens, and huge kitchen sinks are still common in modern farmhouses. According to a survey, over half of agents said farmhouses were popular with homebuyers. Defining features include:
- Wraparound porches
- Clapboard siding and exposed wood beams
- Functional design
Conclusion
The architectural styles in the U.S. are as varied as its landscape, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different tastes and lifestyles. From the minimalist appeal of modern homes to the rustic charm of farmhouses, these popular house styles continue to shape the nation’s housing market. Whether you are interested in a traditional Cape Cod home or a sleek mid-century modern design, understanding the defining elements of each style can help you find the perfect fit for your needs.