First emerging in the Midwest in the mid-1800s, the American Farmhouse style ranges from small, simple structures to more elaborate homes bordering on Victorian.
Although it has English roots, the Cape Cod style home is distinctly American. It evolved in New England from Colonial style houses in the early 1700s, primarily in response to the availability of materials and the area's harsh, stormy climate.
The Craftsman Bungalow home is one of the most common house styles that emerged from the Arts & Crafts movement of the early 20th century. Shallow pitched roofs, exposed rafter tails and a mixture of materials like brick, shingles and siding are all telltale characteristics.
The closely related Georgian and Federal styles have lent a great deal to the history of American housing. Georgian style, named for King George III, became popular in New England in the late 1700s. It was at the beginning of a period of increasing wealth for the colonists and their homes became bigger and more comfortable. By the late 1700s, the Georgian style became more refined and evolved into the Federal style. Our home is inspired by the early Federal period with a decorative entranceway and elliptical transoms.
The French Eclectic style is not just one style, but rather a range of styles inspired by French architecture. Brought back to America by World War I soldiers returning home, it evolved into a very Americanized interpretation of the character and charm of the French countryside.
Our most current Modern is similar to the early Industrial style but its use of varied materials to add texture elevates it to its own category. By using a variety of elements you might find in a factory, such as corrugated metal, concrete and exposed wood, this look has become increasingly popular in urban settings.
Inspired by Spanish mission churches built in the early 1600s, Mission Revival style architecture first appeared in California around 1885. It quickly spread around the American Southwest with railroad travelers. It was a splash of boldness with its large arched openings and whitewashed stucco walls. Quite the contrast to the home styles that had migrated west for the Gold Rush.
The Prairie home style is one of the first architectural styles to originate in the United States. Popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School Designs, Prairie homes embrace the belief that a building should appear to grow organically from its site. It uses long horizontal bands of windows and trim to evoke the prairie landscape.
From 1880 to 1910, the Queen Anne style so completely dominated Victorian residential architecture that it has become synonymous with the word "Victorian" for many people. Queen Anne style homes represent an exuberant collection of eclectic details. Gables, bay windows, towers and various textures all come together in unexpected ways to create harmony.
Popular after World War II, Ranch style homes are typically long, narrow, one story structures that spread out across their lots. Made possible by the availability of land and its simplified construction, the style quickly spread. The Ranch home easily accepts elements from other home styles which adds to its popularity.
Tudor style homes are based loosely on early English building traditions and emerged in the United States around 1890. The most distinctive features include exposed timbers interspersed with stucco. Details were often borrowed from Renaissance, Prairie and Craftsman styles.
The Shingle home style is distinctly American and traces its beginnings to the late 19th century. It's a reflection of the desire to move away from the more ornate Victorian style that had previously become widespread. Exteriors were characterized by a more natural, casual style that steered away from classical details. Interiors were influenced by the Arts & Crafts movement.
