Cape Cod houses were originally built by early American settlers in the 1600s, and they continue to be a popular house design in today’s market. The characteristic design of this style of house is easily recognizable by its steep pitched roof and low, symmetrical profile. The Cape Cod house style typically features shingle siding and small windows, as well as a symmetrical door or chimney in the center. The cape-style home often has one or two stories with a central living room just inside the entrance. This room typically opens into a hallway leading to two or three bedrooms, one or two bathrooms, and the kitchen. And, as for the interior of the Cape Cod house, walls, furniture, and flooring are usually simple yet cozy. When it comes to Art Deco style homes, the Cape Cod look gives an updated twist on a timeless classic. An Art Deco-inspired Cape Cod house may feature a variety of exterior design elements such as terra-cotta tiles, lacy trim, and bright-colored accents. Inside, streamlined furniture and bright colors replace the low, comfortable couch and tartan rugs of the traditional Cape Cod look.Cape Cod House Design
Cape Cod House Design
The Colonial house style, found across the United States, is one of the oldest and most popular house designs. These homes are characterized by their narrow, two- or three-story frame construction, and slightly stepped roof line. Colonial homes typically feature side gables, wood clapboard or brick siding, and shutters. Additionally, the interior of Colonial homes may include four or five central rooms arranged off a central hallway. When it comes to incorporating Art Deco into Colonial house designs, it’s all about the details. For exterior updates, unique and striking accents such as geometric patterns or wrought-iron detailing can be used to add a modern, Art Deco-inspired aesthetic to a traditional Colonial house. Inside, a Colonial house design with Art Deco influences may feature bright colors, geometric rugs, and furniture with geometric shapes such as cube seating.Colonial House Design
Colonial House Design
The Victorian house style is characterized by a blend of different periods of design. Most Victorian homes feature asymmetrical facades, complex rooflines, and intricate porch details. Window bays, covered porches, turrets, and towers are also common in Victorian architecture, and the interior of Victorian homes may boast high ceilings, delicate decorative details, and various ornate finishes. Art Deco-style Victorian houses bring a unique twist to classic Victorian design. For an exterior update, art deco details such as colorful tiled walls, beveled leaded glass windows, and geometric-patterned siding can give a traditional Victorian house a modern update. Inside, a Victorian home with an art deco influence may feature bold colors, geometric patterned carpeting, and metallics such as gold and brass.Victorian House Design
Victorian House Design
The Craftsman house style is inspired by the American Arts and Crafts movement. This style of house typically features a low-pitched gabled roof, wide overhanging eaves, front porches, and natural materials. Interiors are usually comfortable and warm, with open floor plans and natural detailing. For a modern Art Deco Craftsman house, open up the floor plan even further with modular, multi-function furniture and light fixtures with geometric detailing. Externally, Art Deco features such as frosted glass windows, metal detailing, and bold color choices can give a Craftsman house a modern look. Similarly, an updated Craftsman house style can feature bright, bold accents such as goes, yellows, and orange to make the house more cheerful and inviting.Craftsman House Design
Craftsman House Design
The style of the Tudor house is very unique, with its half timber finish construction, steeply pitched roof lines, and ornate decorations. Tudor houses often feature ornamental plasterwork, decorative brick patterns, and wooden accents such as a large, arched main entrance. Additionally, the interior of a Tudor house can be just as ornate as the exterior, with a large central hall and intricate features such as stained glass windows and intricate wooden joinery. To give a modern Art Deco twist to these classic Tudor-style houses, try utilizing bold colors and geometric accents. Externally, colored tilework, geometric siding, and brass accents can bring a new look to the Tudor house. Inside, Art Deco furniture can help to add modern style while still preserving the classic look of the Tudor house.Tudor House Design
Tudor House Design
Contemporary house designs are often modern in appearance, characterized by a simple, clean-lined, and often minimalist aesthetic. Materials used in contemporary house design often include glass, steel, and concrete, and contemporary houses often feature open floor plans that take advantage of the surrounding natural lighting. For an Art Deco-inspired contemporary house, introduce features such as a strong geometric pattern on the exterior walls or a distinct color scheme, and ornate light fixtures with geometric shapes. Additionally, the interior of a contemporary Art Deco house may feature a mix of colors and textures, and unique furniture pieces such as a shag rug and art deco-style sofa.Contemporary House Design
Contemporary House Design
Prairie houses were made famous by the iconic 20th-century architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. These homes feature long horizontal lines, with low-pitched roofs and natural materials such as wood, brick, and stone. Interiors typically feature abundant natural light and open floor plans, and low, horizontal furniture is typically used in this style of house. To give an Art Deco-inspired look to a Prairie house, incorporate external signage, bold colors, and unique sculptures around the exterior. Inside, add wallpapers featuring geometric designs, bold furniture pieces, and art deco-style lighting and rugs to give the Prairie house an up-to-date look.Prairie House Design
Prairie House Design
The Shingle style house often combines Queen Anne and colonial romanesque elements to create a picturesque house style. Novelty-style details, such as turrets and multiple gable roofs often appear in this style of house, and materials generally include stone, brick, and more modern materials such as cement and steel. To give an Art Deco spin to a Shingle style house, try adding unique angles or multimedia elements to the exterior. For example, consider adding a metal façade with geometric designs, or a unique shape such as a star or diamond to the roofline. Inside, bright wallpapers and bold colors such as teal and black can give the space an updated, modern look.Shingle Style House Design
Shingle Style House Design
Adobe house designs are common throughout the Southwestern United States. Characteristics for this style of home include thick exterior walls made from adobe mud, and sometimes round, narrow windows for ventilation and light. Adobe homes often feature cozy enclosed courtyards, and brushed walls and furniture. To give an adobe house an Art Deco look, consider adding metal elements such as a corrugated steel balcony or wrought iron details. Additionally, brighter colors such as turquoise and yellow can be used on exterior walls to give the house a modern pop. Inside, consider adding bright wallpapers and items with geometric shapes and patterns.Adobe House Design
Adobe House Design
Spanish Colonial house designs combine the traditional Southwestern indigenous influences with traditional Spanish structures. For example, elements often seen in Spanish Colonial houses include arcaded porches, tiled roofs, terra-cotta tiled flooring, and walls made of stucco or adobe. For an Art Deco twist, consider adding bright colors to the exterior walls, as well as geometric patterns and metal features. Inside, bright colors and wallpapers with deco-style patterns can be used to give the home a modern look. Additionally, warmer colors such as red, yellow, and orange can be used to bring additional texture and warmth to the home.Spanish Colonial House Design
Spanish Colonial House Design
The neoclassical house design was popular in the United States during the 18th and 19th century, and today, neoclassical houses still capture the hearts of many. These homes are often characterized by simple rectilinear shapes, as well as details inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture such as Palladian windows and columns. For an Art Deco twist on a neoclassical house, unique shapes and bold colors can be added to the exterior such as a façade with a geometric pattern, or windows with an intricate ironwork design. Inside, consider adding bright colors and Art Deco furniture and accessories such as a bar, liquor cabinet, and art pieces. Additionally, touches of gold and brass can be added for an additional luxurious feel.Neoclassical House Design
Neoclassical House Design
Understanding American Type House Design
American type house designs are incredibly diverse, ranging from rustic one-storey homes with a simple porch and metal roof to grand multi-storey homes boasting features like turrets, wrap around porches, lap siding, palladian windows, and stone columns. Typical characteristics also include a steeply pitched roof, wide
eaves
and sweeping front porches - though there is also a wide variety of other features.
Home exteriors among American type house designs consist of stone, brick, wood, metal, and vinyl
siding
, though individual homes may have a combination of these materials often with Craftsman style details. Such materials are typically chosen based on the style and design of the house, as well as climate and weather considerations, as certain materials may be more suitable for certain areas.
Regardless of the materials used, a
gable roof
is one of the most common features of American type house designs. A gable roof is essentially one side of a triangle that joins two other sides at the top. The advantage of a gable roof is that it can easily shed snow and rain. This type of roof is also usually quite sturdy and is easy to build. On multi-storey homes, gable roofs are usually further embellished with dormers projecting from the slope. When it comes to colour, the roofs are generally covered with asphalt shingles which can be found in a variety of shades.
Other Common Features
American type house designs also traditionally feature faux facades which are created by a combination of design elements. This includes window trim framing,
cornice boxes
and transoms incorporating details like shutters and pilasters. Other details include brackets, dentil patterns, door details, columns, decorative support beams, wooden trims, intricate balustrades, and stonework.
Other common features of American type house designs also include large windows that are framed with wood. They also typically feature full-height window sashes which provide generous illumination, a low, boxy appearance, and a wide, inviting entrance doorway.
In terms of accessories, the most common detail is exterior lighting, which is often located near the entrance. If there is a porch or balcony, the exterior lighting is usually placed there. Additionally, many American style house designs feature awnings, window boxes, and decorative rain chains, as well as handrails along the sides of porch stairs.
Inside the Home
Inside the home, American type house designs typically feature a streamlined style, far simpler than the exterior of the home. Interiors usually include details like built-in cabinetry,
fireplaces
, classical details like plinths and coves, doorways with transoms, and wainscoting.
Designed to be comfortable and cosy, the living room is a focal point of most American style houses. Traditional features often include a wood-burning fireplace, comfortable sofas, armchairs, and traditional love seats, as well as warm wood tones and wooden floors.
When it comes to the kitchen of an American type house design, a classic style is usually chosen. This typically includes bright colours, white cabinets, lots of work spaces, and stainless steel appliances, as well as a central island and pot rack. This style is designed to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that promotes a sense of community.
Meanwhile, bedrooms are often finished with warm, comfortable furnishings, such as oversized upholstered beds with wooden trims, nightstands, and dressers.
