Mid-century modern house designs emerged in the 1940s in the United States and quickly became a popular architectural style for homes. This style is characterized by open floor plans, oversized windows, and a minimalist aesthetic. The mid-century modern style emphasizes the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Houses built in this style often feature vast glass walls that allow the indoors to blend with the natural surroundings. Plus, the houses are generally built with low-pitched flared roofs and and post-and-beam construction.Mid-Century Modern House Designs
Mid-Century Modern House Designs
Ranch-style houses are single-story homes embodying the charm and warmth of rural America. These houses generally contain large, open living spaces and a single, long, low roofline. One of the defining characteristics of this style is the way it blends into the surrounding environment. Unlike other house styles, the ranch-style house is not constructed with the intention of standing out. Rather, it almost blends seamlessly into the landscape around it. Another distinguishing feature of these houses is their emphasis on blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.Ranch-Style House Designs
Ranch-Style House Designs
Post-war house designs began to emerge in the aftermath of World War II, with a focus on practicality and functionality. This style of house is notable for its pared-down, open concept layout, typically without a full-fledged staircase. The houses became known for their easy adaptability to different living requirements. Additionally, these houses featured materials and designs that were cost-effective, such as concrete block construction and aluminum window frames. These post-war house designs are noted for their simplicity and affordability.Post-War House Designs
Post-War House Designs
Traditional house designs are the most classic and popular types of houses. These designs usually feature steep rooflines, multi-gabled extensions, and extensive trim details. The traditional office style emphasizes symmetry, with typically double-hung windows, a centered front door, and a porch at the center. This style also emphasizes the formal unities of different materials, often featuring brick and stone on the exterior. Aesthetically, traditional houses convey a sense of comfort and familiarity that has made them popular for generations.Traditional House Designs
Traditional House Designs
Split-level house designs are contemporary homes with two or more levels. These houses are ideal for open-concept living, as they typically feature an open layout and wide doorways. This house style also allows for natural light in abundance, as well as maximum privacy for the interior. The floor plan is usually characterized by split-level, with two stories connected by a low set of stairs. This gives the impression of different levels within the house, offering an interesting experience when walking through.Split-Level House Designs
Split-Level House Designs
Split-entry house designs refer to a two-story home with entry stairs that ascend to a split entry point. This house style offers plenty of square footage without compromising on ample natural light. Split-entry models are often customizable, allowing versatility when designing the interior spaces. The main floor of the house typically features an open-concept floor plan, with a kitchen, living, and dining area. The second level of the house would contain the bedrooms.Split-Entry House Designs
Split-Entry House Designs
Tudor house designs are inspired by Tudor-style architecture, which emerged in England in the late 15th century. The exteriors of these houses are characterized by large half-timbering details, steeply pitched gabled roofs, and multi-paned windows. Tudor-style houses are vibrant and intricate, allowing for a modern take on traditional aesthetics. The large windows and steep rooflines contribute to the grand, castle-like impression of these houses. Moreover, the interior spaces in Tudor-style houses are also known for their intricate details.Tudor House Designs
Tudor House Designs
Colonial house designs often incorporate a symmetrical, two-story facade with evenly spaced windows. Colonial-style houses often have a central door with an arch and balcony above, while the roof is typically a pitched hip roof. Additionally, these homes have a spacious entry with hardwood flooring that often is surrounded by ornate wainscoting with crown molding. The beauty and grandeur of colonial-style houses offer a sense of timeless elegance and luxury. Colonial House Designs
Colonial House Designs
Victorian house designs are steeped in history, usually characterized by a multi-level facade and bright, bold colors. These houses often feature steep rooflines, elaborate window trim, and intricate patterned detailing. Victorian-style houses often come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny cottages to grand estates. The interior of these houses often involve intricate finishes, such as detailed molding, wallpapers, stained glass windows, and fireplaces. Generally, beveled glass and bright, bold colors on the siding truly make these houses stand out.Victorian House Designs
Victorian House Designs
Contemporary house designs are becoming increasingly popular house styles. This house style typically features an open floor plan, with plenty of natural light. Contemporary houses also often involve floor-to-ceiling windows, chic open staircases, and natural materials, such as exposed wood, stone, and glass. Furthermore, these houses typically come with sleek minimalistic materials and furniture, as well as modern technology, such as solar panels and energy-efficient insulation.Contemporary House Designs
Contemporary House Designs
Raised ranch house designs are a single-story home model with a living area that is built up a few feet from the ground. This style of house is reminiscent of the ranch-style house but typically features a larger living area than traditional ranch houses. The upper level of the raised ranch house typically features the living quarters, while the lower level could contain additional bedrooms, an office, or even a leisure space. This house style is ideal for large family homes, as the lower level can be used for various purposes.Raised Ranch House Designs
Raised Ranch House Designs
1960 House Design
1960 house design, otherwise known as Mid-Century Modern, ushered in a notable period of architectural innovation. This marker ushered in a new era of avant-garde
building materials
, defined shapes, and inspired artistic decisions during construction. 1960 house design differs from even its immediate contemporaries by its experimental approach to construction.
Structural Elements
1960 house design often featured floor-to-ceiling windows, a low-pitched
roof
, and an expansive deck. Its walls were usually composed of
exposed brick
or concrete, with minimal decoration. Open floor plans were also a popular choice among Mid-Century Modern designers, allowing for large communal spaces.
Exterior Materials
Exterior building materials seen in 1960s house construction are evident in the
concrete
and
wooden
facades of many designs. The combination of the two materials created a unique aesthetic, with the wood providing a lighter, more cohesive finish to the deep texture of the concrete. These elements also allowed designers to bring an outside element into the finished product, complementing the environment.
Notable Architects
Many named architects are associated with the 1960 house design movement, most notably, Marcello Piacentini and Franco Albini. Other influential architects that created 1960s house design included Giuseppe Pregarz, Vittorio Gregotti, and Carlo Scarpa. Each had their own unique approach to design, and their work influenced the development of house design all over the world.
