Home Styles Defined

Home Styles Defined

Home Styles DefinedMany home owners are taking advantage of extremely low mortgage rates and buying homes at incredible prices. Whether they are purchasing second homes or looking to move from renting to owning, these low mortgage rates are making a home purchase the financially savvy way to go.

Sometimes it’s just the process of finding your dream home that can be the challenge. You know what you want in style, room size or amenities, but when a listing describes a home’s style as Cape Cod or Bungalow, many homeowners are left scratching their heads.

This short list of home styles can help you with the process of finding a home that is perfect for you and your family.

Cape Cod

Cod cape houses are usually one-story houses – sometimes 1 A – which have steep roof lines, multi-panel windows, wooden siding and often have a dormer window for additional space. It has a symmetrical exterior, with a door that is often found directly in the middle. This style originated in the 17th century by British invaders who settled on the east coast.

Colonial

One of the most popular home styles, the colonial is a larger offshoot of the Cape Cod. These homes typically have 2 or 3 stories, large fireplaces and brick or wood facades. Like the Cape Cod the windows are arranged around the center door, with narrow side windows on either side. These rectangular, symmetrical homes have floor plans with the kitchen and family room on the first floor and the bedrooms on the second.

Victorian

There are several home styles that are included in Victorian home styles. These romantic and very detailed houses signify an era that lasted around 1860-1900. The typical Victorian home design features steep roofs, dominant gable roofs, large windows, decorative accents such as shingles or …

Home Styles Defined Read More
Home Styles - How Well Do You Know Home Architecture?

Home Styles – How Well Do You Know Home Architecture?

Home Styles - How Well Do You Know Home Architecture?For building designers and architects, it is not surprising that many people mistakenly characterize the style of the home. Some if not most of you will give the term “catch-all”, traditionally. If asked, what characteristics make up traditional architecture, the answers given can vary greatly from others who have their own ideas about what is “Traditional”. Webster’s Dictionary defines words derived by, or according to tradition. The fact is, traditional is really not a style at all. However, there are many design professionals who use this term for good reason to promote and market their goods and services. This is understandable given the fact that many in the general public are familiar with the term.

Due to regional differences and our diverse populations, Residences in the US are presented in many architectural styles and sizes. Most residences can be categorized in one or more design styles. Home styles can be distinguished when they are aligned with known facts about design features. People in architecture usually call this “period style” because of the distinguished presentation and parallel existence with history.

Of the many design styles that are spread throughout the United States, only a few are original to the country. Perhaps the best known was popularized and developed by a group of Chicago Architects known as the Prairie School. From the professional group that created Prairie architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright is perhaps the most famous. Other original styles include American Craftsman, American Foursquare, Colonial, and many more. In terms of other architectural styles, the list is too long to mention. Thus, some of the styles favored by many people are French, Mediterranean, Tudor, Greek and Gothic Revival architecture.

If you are currently looking for home designs with a certain style, look for a Residential Designer who is familiar with the specific …

Home Styles – How Well Do You Know Home Architecture? Read More