Architects in the 1800s sought to create a fusion between historic and modern styles in design. Common design elements included curved balconies, large pediments, tall columns, and Greek or Roman inspired motifs. Sloped roofs were popular for allowing natural light into the spaces within the home. Common materials used for construction included wood and stone to achieve strong, stable structures. 1800s House Plans: Styles, Ideas & Design
In the 20th century, many architects developed innovative historic house designs that fused classic detail with modern features. An iconic style of 20th-century home design was the English cottage. This type of architecture was popular for its unique combination of tall, steeply pitched roofs, ornate trims, and symmetrical features. Chimneys often crowned the roofs, while bay windows provided additional space and light. Historic House Plans: Classic and Modern Home Design
The Georgian era is associated with a distinctive form of home design. Typical features of these designs included grand, symmetrical facades, tall rooflines and chimneys, pedimented porticos, and tall, centrally placed windows designed to display the view. These structures were traditionally built with wood and plaster. The most popular floor plans from this era include the three-room flat, the terraced house, the row house, and the townhouse. 9 Popular Floor Plans from the Georgian Era
Victorian homes are an enduring symbol of American architecture. These structures were designed to be imposing and architecturally impressive, with extravagant ornamentation and elaborate trims. Common features of Victorian homes include intricate towers, steeply pitched roofs, arched windows, and multiple covered porches. Traditional materials used for construction are brick, stone, and wood. Victorian Homes: An American Classic
The Italianate style was popular in the mid-1800s as an adaptation of the classical Italian villa. This style of architecture is characterized by low-pitched, sloping roofs, large archways, and tall columns. Symmetrical floor plans were typically favored, as were large, windowed façades that provided plenty of natural light. Popular materials used for construction were brick and stone. Italianate House Plans and Designs
The Gothic Revival style of home design emerged in the mid-1800s as a response to the grand Italianate homes of the time. These structures were designed to be more compact and intimate than their older counterparts. Gothic Revival homes feature steep roofs, pointed arches and windows, decorative stone details, and glazed wooden panels. Victorian Gothic Revival House Plans
The Greek Revival style of home design gained popularity in the early 1800s as an interpretation of ancient Greek architecture. These structures were designed to be elegant and impressive, often with grand symmetrical façades. Popular elements of these buildings included detached porches, tall columns, and wide-trimmed roofs. These designs were traditionally constructed with wood, stone, and brick. Greek Revival House Styles and Home Design
The 1920s brought innovative new house designs that combined Art Deco styling with the more traditional American home designs of the time. These structures were more angular in form, with shallow pitched roofs, plain surfaces, and a limited use of ornamentation. Popular materials used for construction included wood, brick, and stucco. Homes of the 1920s: The Evolution of the American Home
The Craftsman style of home is an iconic and unique take on classic American architecture. These homes were designed with an emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and durability. Common features of these houses included large covered porches, low-pitched roofs, overhanging eaves, and exposed beams. Wood and stone were popular materials used for construction. Craftsman House Plans: True American Style
The bungalow is an enduring house style that has been popular since the late 1800s. These homes were designed to be comfortable and spacious, with large windows allowing plenty of natural light to flood into the interior. Common features of bungalows included low-pitched roofs, plain façades, and deep overhangs. A Guide to Historic Bungalow House Plans
Gothic architecture has been a popular style of architecture for centuries, with its revival in the late 19th and early 20th centuries continuing to inspire contemporary architects. These structures were designed to be grand, imposing, and awe-inspiring. Popular design elements included pointed arches, large spires, and intricate trimmings. The Revival of Gothic House Designs