One of the oldest house designs is the traditional house design. This house style has been around since the 1600s and still proves to be popular today. Typically, this type of house is characterized by symmetrical lines that are simple yet elegant. The design also generally includes a large central window for added light and ventilation. Many traditional houses also come with covered porches, bay windows, Palladian windows, and other features. An example of a traditional house design is the Colonial home.Traditional House Design
Traditional House Design
Ranch houses are a type of home that has become popular in the United States since the 1950s. The distinct feature of this style of house is its single story with a low, wide roof line. Houses are usually constructed in linear fashion and have an open floor plan. This type of house is ideal for anyone who desires a low-maintenance lifestyle without sacrificing space. The style is also great for small lots and suburban living.Ranch House Design
Ranch House Design
Cape Cod house designs are closely associated with Colonial New England and are characterized by symmetrical facades with dormers, clapboard siding, and steep roof lines. Made popular during the 1920s and 30s, the Cape Cod style has endured and remains a popular house style today. These houses are usually built with wood frames and often have wrap-around porches with railings to enjoy the outdoors. Cape Cod House Design
Cape Cod House Design
The Colonial house design is perhaps the oldest house style in America and Europe. This style typically has two or more stories and includes a symmetrical facade with an entry flanked by two windows. Since the 1800s, this type of house has featured beveled siding, inlaid windows and ornate details. This house design typically relies on space-efficient principles, allowing for cozy interiors and a classic aesthetic.Colonial House Design
Colonial House Design
Tudor homes, also known as Tudor Revival houses, came into being during the early 1900s and served as an homage to the Middle Ages. Their exterior features often include brick and stucco walls, gables, chimneys, and steeply pitched roofs. These homes typically evoke a quaint feeling with their cottage-like interiors which usually include wood-paneled walls and dark hardwood floors.Tudor House Design
Tudor House Design
The Victorian house style was a popular house design during the Victorian era of the 1800s. Characterized by steeply pitched roofs with intricate detailing, bay windows, and ornate porches, this style of house tends to be quite large. The interiors of Victorian houses often feature grandiose and Edwardian-style spaces which are decorated with ornate wallpaper, carpeting, and lighting fixtures.Victorian House Design
Victorian House Design
A popular house style during the mid-1800s, the Neoclassical house design is a symmetrical house with a temple-like front facade. This type of house is strongly based off of Greek and Roman architecture and often features a large central entryway and pedimented facades. Interiors usually have high ceilings, grand staircases, and lots of elegant details such as pilasters, columns, and ornamental moldings.Neoclassical House Design
Neoclassical House Design
The Craftsman house style was well known during the late 1800s and into the early 1900s. This style of house is easily recognizable thanks to its low-pitched, gabled roofs and large, covered porches. Craftsman houses also often feature dormer windows with shutters, rustic natural material accents, and wood siding. Inside the homes, one can usually expect to find a large open floor plan, heavy wooden built-ins, and arts and crafts-style details.Craftsman House Design
Craftsman House Design
Country houses are typically associated with the traditional farmhouse style. These houses have a style that is both rustic and homey and feature timeless details such as siding, gable roofs, dormers, and wrap-around porches. Usually constructed with wood as the main material on the façade and interiors, country-style houses usually come with neutral colored walls. These houses are perfect for nature-lovers and those who desire a connection with the great outdoors.Country House Design
Country House Design
Contemporary house designs are known for their modern and clean lines. This type of house usually uses glass, stucco, and steel as its primary materials on the facade. Interiors are usually airy and open, featuring wood and metal accents. Contemporary houses are versatile when it comes to finishes and can feature anything from stone walkways and porches to large windows and skylights. Contemporary House Design
Contemporary House Design
Inspired by Mediterranean and Spanish architecture, Mediterranean house designs are characterized by their outdoor-oriented living spaces and cozy ambiance. From their warm colors to their distinctive arched openings, one can expect to find this style of house quite inviting and unique. Inside, one can look forward to things like vaulted ceilings, tile floors, and shutters that open to the outdoors.Mediterranean House Design
Mediterranean House Design
Classic House Design – From Henrietta to Now
The classic house design traces its roots all the way to 17th century Europe, in the age of Henrietta Maria – Queen of England and Ireland. Before, many Europeans had adopted gothic, classic, and renaissance styles of building, often using red brick and stone, with the stronger material found in fortifications. The classic house design set off a wave of creativity as the use of stone was no longer constrained by the need for defensive architecture.
New Building Techniques
The move towards classic house design was accompanied by the introduction of new building techniques, like half-timber, as well as more precise cutting of masonry. This allowed structure to reach greater heights with better integrity. This allowed for large mansions to be built for the nobility of the times, driven by new wealth and spending.
Classic Houses in the Modern Age
Classic house design has seen a resurgence of late, with many modern architects taking cues from the classic designs of the past. Glass, steel and modern materials have been incorporated, and the best architects find the right balance between modern touches and keeping the classic feel of such houses. In addition, modern construction techniques ensure that these houses are an investment with a long-term value as well.
Interior Decoration
Today, classic house design has a unique interior style, one that fits the aesthetic of the house's exterior. Classic furniture, especially antiques and replicas of classical furniture, will give a characteristic hue to a traditional house's interior. Framed art, ornate rugs and other elements will all contribute to the antique appeal of a classic house, and with the interplay of a competent designer, one can create a space that is both classical and modern.
