In the 1980s, a modern resurgence in house design saw contemporary style homes become popular. These featured a sleek aesthetic, focusing on minimalism and clean, linear lines. This type of Art Deco house design became a popular choice for architects and homeowners alike, particularly in urban and suburban areas. Many prominent architects chose to incorporate Art Deco house designs into their styles, showcasing different forms and ideas of modern house architecture, and the modern decade saw many bright, funkily designed homes being created across the United States. Contemporary house plans in the 1980s incorporated a wide array of features, such as flat or open roofs, floor-to-ceiling windows, sleek finishing touches, and asymmetrical geometry. Some prominent building materials included steel, aluminum, and glass, which were often combined to create minimalist, aesthetically pleasing designs. Furthermore, contemporary house designs from the 1980s often included dark tones, such as black and grey, in their colour palette, although vibrant and bright colours were often incorporated into the home’s accessory elements.Contemporary House Designs from the 1980s
Craftsman homes were a popular house style throughout the 1980s. Characterized by their distinct, angular rooftops and use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, these homes are often a reinterpretation of a specific style from the 1950s. Although similar in aesthetic to a bungalow, Craftsman homes are usually larger in size, with angled roofs and tiers of siding. Craftsman house plans usually feature one-and-a-half stories, and their walls are usually made of wood or stucco. They are also designed to have symmetrical porches, which are often distinguished by thick columns and detailed balustrades. Inside, Craftsman homes boast hardwood floors, cross-beamed ceilings, classic fireplaces, and an airy open floor plan. Additionally, the Art Deco style from the 1980s saw Craftsman homes become particularly ornate, often featuring lavish ornamental accents, such as decorative stonework and woodwork.Craftsman Home Designs from the 1980s
Traditional houses from the 1980s typically featured a blend of classic and modern design elements, allowing for a unique, timeless style. Homeowners in the 1980s had more creative freedom of design when it came to traditional house plans, which were often inspired by different movements from the past. These modern traditional houses were cozy and warm, usually featuring asymmetrical fronts and pitched rooflines, and of course, Art Deco designs. Traditional house plans from the 1980s often featured gabled roofs, wraparound porches, and detailed cornice boards, complemented by bright primary colours and intricate accents, such as stonework and woodwork. The interiors also featured beautiful fixtures, such as cabinets and fireplaces, as well as elegant wall treatments, such as detailed wallpaper and panels. Furthermore, traditional house designs often included high-end fixtures, such as ornately designed kitchen counters, flair sinks, and classic staircases.Traditional House Plans from the 1980s
In the 1980s, a beautiful resurgence in Victorian house plans saw the classic style become a popular choice for architects and homeowners alike. This style in Art Deco house designs yearned for excessive ornamentation, with complex details like ironwork, gables, and turrets all becoming a part of the Victorian aesthetic. They were often detailed with trims and masonry, with specialty windows and high ceilings adding to the grandiose feel. The inside of a Victorian house usually included a sprawling floor plan, wood paneling, wallpaper, and a cosy atmosphere. Furthermore, furniture chosen to adorn Victorian homes often included plush fabrics, elaborate detailing, and plush carpets – all reminders of the wealth that once was. There was often a level of fine craftsmanship that went into the design of the house, and it was usually decorated with antiques and art collections, making for a luxurious atmosphere.Victorian Home Designs from the 1980s
In the 1980s, the popular Cape Cod style of home experienced a resurgence due to its timeless charm and comforting atmosphere. This style of Art Deco house was originally developed in the 1600s by early settlers from England, with its most recognizable feature being a steep roof pitch that allowed for easy drainage. The style grew in popularity throughout the 20th century, and was regarded as a symbol of New England’s culture and history. The revival of Cape Cod house designs in the 1980s saw many homeowners and architects embrace the style’s classic hallmarks, such as a low-pitched gabled roof, symmetrical windows, and dormer windows. On the inside, the style was known for its simple floor plans and cottage-style décor, typically featuring a fireplace for a romantic touch. Accessory elements, like shutters, timber posts, and shingled siding, added a timeless charm to the look of the home.Cape Cod House Plans from the 1980s
Tudor houses experienced a surge in popularity during the 1980s. These Art Deco style homes, developed during the English Renaissance, are characterized by their steeply pitched roofs and Tudor-arched doorways, as well as the distinctive ‘black and white’ look which included a mix of dark timber and limestone, giving the homes a fairytale-like charm. They also included tall chimney stacks and numerous windows, allowing for plenty of natural light to enter the home. Tudor house designs in the 1980s often focused on half-timbered and stone buildings, with simple interiors, high ceilings, exposed wooden beams, and large fireplaces. These traditional elements combined to create a homey, atmospheric feel, while modern touches, such as contemporary furniture and art collections, often added a sense of luxury and comfort. Furthermore, Tudor house plans at the time often adopted more modern materials, such as steel and aluminium, for aesthetic, practical, and structural purposes.Tudor House Plans from the 1980s
The classic Ranch style of home was developed during the mid-1930s and was popular throughout the 80s. These homes were typically crafted with aesthetic qualities taken from both traditional and contemporary design movements, making them timelessly luxurious. Unlike other house plans, these homes were horizontal, single-story structures which featured low-pitched roofs, shuttered windows, and eave-pitched patio entries. During the 1980s, the Ranch style of home began to incorporate modern elements, as Art Deco features such as smooth lines and finishes began to emerge. Moreover, ranch house designs from the time embraced open interior layouts which had ample natural light and gave the feeling of spaciousness, while barbecues and outdoor terraces often added a warm, luxurious atmosphere. Additionally, ranch homes typically featured exposed wooden beams, creating an interesting contrast between the modern and traditional design elements.Ranch Home Plans from the 1980s
The 1980s saw a significant surge in modern house designs, glimpses of which can still be seen today. Modern houses from this era embodied the sleekness and minimalism of Art Deco style, with flat or open roofs, floor-to-ceiling windows, and angular geometries. This type of home also often used more modern, industrial-style materials, such as steel, aluminum, and glass, for both independent aesthetic and structural purposes. Although modern homes could range from being simple or sparse, many featured bright and vibrant colours, often with a focus on the home’s accessory elements. Furthermore, modern house plans from the 1980s regularly employed several Art Deco design features, such as detailed mouldings, sculptured accents, and hexagonal shapes. Interior elements also embraced modernism, such as open plan living spaces, single-wall kitchens, and smart home automation.Modern Home Designs from the 1980s
The 1980s saw the emergence of the split-level home design, a unique style which is still popular amongst homeowners today. These homes, which featured two or more storeys in a single structure, were made up of separate but interconnected levels. This gave homeowners the freedom to experiment with multiple design elements, such as unique window placements and extruded roof lines. The split-level house designs from the 1980s usually embraced a mix of both modern and traditional elements, often including elements from Art Deco style. This could range from the home’s external finish to its interior details, such as furnishings and fixtures. Furthermore, these homes usually featured upper and lower-level decks, balconies, and ample landscaping, all of which enhanced the design as well as the lifestyle of the homeowner. Split-Level Home Designs from the 1980s
The rustic charm of the log cabin was resurrected during the 1980s and its popularity has endured to this day. This Art Deco style was first popularized in the early 19th century, however it was in the 1980s that many modern touches were added, such as expansive decks and external panel siding. Log home designs from the 1980s usually featured an abundance of wood, with posts and beams throughout the living spaces, in addition to a unique, traditional aesthetic that evoked a sense of luxury and comfort. Modern log home plans usually featured many natural elements, ranging from stone fireplaces to intricate, handcrafted decorative accents. Inside, the classic feel was often enhanced by the use of wood furnishings and accent pieces, as well as warm and inviting lighting. Furthermore, log house designs often utilized Art Deco-style décor, such as bright and vibrant colours, in addition togeometric patterns and distinctively pierced metalwork.Log Home Designs from the 1980s