Cottage house designs have stood the test of time and continue to be an unquestionably beloved style. Showcasing aesthetic elements such as steep roof pitches, dormers and decorative trimwork, a traditional two-story cottage house includes a covered full-width porch, an inviting entry and a spacious second-story loft that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Constructed with durable materials like cedar shakes or cedar shingles, the cottage-style home is often enhanced with French doors and charming window boxes that add timeless country charm.Traditional Two-Story Cottage House Design With Loft
Ideal for temperate climates, the Craftsman-style home can be found in many variations, from the beloved bungalow to the more robust two-story design. Drawing inspiration from the Arts and Crafts movement, a classic two-story Craftsman house features an asymmetrical façade, distinct window and roof details, as well as large outdoor living spaces that invite in the soothing sounds of nature. Built with eco-friendly materials such as bamboo hardwood, stone siding and cedar shingles, a two-story Craftsman county home provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.2-Story Craftsman County Home Design
Synonymous with comfort and nostalgia, the farmhouse is a timeless country-style structure that includes a generous wrap-around porch. Although designs can vary, most two-story farmhouse plans feature a symmetrical façade, raised foundation, gabled roof and single-story wraparound porch. Materials such as beveled siding, wood or stone finishes and vintage lighting fixtures are used to explore the traditional aesthetic of an American prototype. The façade is often adorned with quaint details including shutters, a columned front portico and chic window boxes.Classic 2-Story Farmhouse With Wrap Around Porch
Much like the traditional farmhouse, the two-story colonial house plan channels the spirit of an earlier era. Also known as a Georgian Colonial, this home is renowned for its symmetrical design as well as the encompassing wrap-around porch often featured throughout the second floor. Melancholy grey clapboard siding, large Palladian windows and attractive dentil trimwork are supplemented with elegant, clean-lined colonnades. Constructed with green, eco-friendly materials such as brick masonry and fiber-cement siding, a two-story colonial house also further contributes to energy efficiency.Spacious 2-Story Colonial House Design
Recapping the rustic American archetype, the lakeside retreat embraces the beauty of a serene vacation home tucked away on the shore. As one might expect with a two-story cabin design, the exterior is an amalgamation of timber and stone that’s sure to stand the test of time. Wooden steel siding is often juxtaposed with rough-hewn stone accents as a way to create a unified aesthetic that enhances the natural beauty of the waterfront setting. Indoors, a stunning great room with vaulted ceilings and exposed beam accents provides a breathtaking place for gathering.2-Story Lakefront Cabin With Breathtaking Views
Designed to embrace the modern lifestyle, the two-story modern house plan simplifies lifestyle elements such as luxurious open-plan living, abundant natural light and tech-savvy entertainment amenities. Pewter aluminum siding, balconies with glass paneled railings and crisp white accentsare typical features that enhance the exterior of the modern two-story home. Decorative accents such as streamlined window frames and geometric hardscaping can also further amplify the sleek, contemporary aesthetic. A perfect blend of form and function, the two-story modern house plan is ideal for the modern homeowner.Modern 2-Story House With Sleek Exterior
Recalling the American pioneers, the log cabin has come to represent the spirit of a lifestyle that is simple, yet calming. Contemporary two-story log home designs use a combination of reclaimed wood and fiberglass and galvanized steel to create a façade that boasts engineering detail, but that also maintains an undeniable rustic charm. Adding to the cozy atmosphere of an environment, such as a woodsy retreat or a lakeside escapade, a two-story log home design can be enhanced with charming details like sliding barn doors, extension porches and vintage-style lighting fixtures.Rustic Contemporary 2-Story Log Home Design
A true embodiment of the coastal lifestyle, a two-story beachfront house design is perfect for those looking to create some fun and sun in an idyllic setting. Traditional beachfront designs display clean-lined features, like gabled roofs with low eaves, a wide facade, large windows and an inviting porch area. The exterior is often clad in durable cedar shingles, board and batten siding, or stucco with simulated stone accents that provide an inviting contrast to the sand and sea. Dark-hued shutters and accents also impart a timeless aesthetic and help to shelter the house from the intense summer heat.Cozy 2-Story Beachfront House Design
Capturing the beauty of a bygone era, the two-story Victorian mansion house plan offers an out-of-the-ordinary glimpse into the past. Gray and white shingle siding, brick masonry, decorative entrances and wraparound balconies help to perpetrate the external look of refined nostalgia. Inside, the two-story Victorian mansion house is filled with elaborate architectonic details such as grand staircases with ornate spindles, grand fireplaces with precious crown molding and detailed window treatments with elegant drapery. Elevated on an expansive lot, this architectural gem is perfect for those wishing to embrace true luxuriousness.Luxurious 2-Story Victorian Mansion House Design
A classic representation of the cabin lifestyle, the two-story log cabin house plan incorporates all the rustic charms that define a woodsy retreat. Horizontal board and batten siding is typically used for the façade with rounded stone accents for a unique hint of character. Standing-seam metal roofs and deep-set windows with trimmed casings help to tie in the antiquated nature of the log cabin. To finish off the look, a stone chimney, rustic shingles and porch rails with built-in benches can complete the timeless visual.Rustic 2-Story Log Cabin House Design
Featuring dynamic and energizing flair, the two-story modern home incorporates a bright, clean-lined aesthetic that helps to capture the essence of an ultra-contemporary lifestyle. To reflect that bright and open spirit, the exterior of the house is usually composed of an evenly balanced mix of vibrant aluminum siding with bright colors and natural materials like stone and wood. The existing function and form are further enhanced with modern touches like black-tinted windows, a unique roof model, and flashy steel accents that distinguish the dynamic façade. Upstairs, an elevated terrace often provides the perfect place to take in magnificent views of the surroundings.Bright and Energizing 2-Story Modern Home