Find 52+ Captivating Old Architectural House Plan You Won't Be Disappointed

Old Colonial House Designs

Old colonial-style homes, typically referred to as post-medieval houses, can be found in various architectural styles. Depending on the region, these styles could include one-and-a-half-story Cape-style homes with central chimneys and symmetrical floor plans. Other styles could include gambrel, Dutch Colonial, English Colonial, or Spanish Colonial. While each region had its own distinctive design, most employed the same Art Deco techniques that emerged in the 1920s. For example, many old colonial houses combined native materials such as brick, stone, timber, and stucco along with the characteristic flat planes and rectilinear forms of the Art Deco period. Furthermore, the facades of these homes often featured ornamental details or pointed window trims.

Victorian House Designs

Victorian houses, also commonly referred to as Queen Anne homes, were among the first to embrace the Art Deco look in their construction. During this period, houses had steeply-pitched roofs with decorative gables, elaborate sun-rooms, and turrets. They also featured tall, narrow windows and multiple storefronts. By the early 1900s, many Victorian homes had been transformed to reflect the more modern Art Deco style. This included the addition of striking doorways, large living rooms, and unique and colorful interior and exterior finishes. Furthermore, the asymmetrical floor plans of these homes created interesting visual interest and function.

Craftsman House Designs

Popularized in the early 20th century, Craftsman-style houses drew heavily on the traditional styles of the Arts & Crafts movement. These homes typically featured low-slung roofs, wide porches, and large, rectangular windows. In the Art Deco period, these homes were modified by changing some of these features. For example, Craftsman homes designed during the Art Deco period often had vertical windows and trim to add a touch of modernism. Furthermore, the massive porches of these homes were often broken up into several smaller spaces to create functional spaces for entertaining. Another design technique used was the use of metal for roofing, giving these homes an industrial look.

Tudor House Designs

Tudor-style homes emerged in the 15th century in England and were popular until the beginning of the 20th century. As Gothic architecture flourished in Britain, so too did the Tudor style. These stately homes were known for their steeply-pitched roofs and imaginative use of stone or brick. When the Art Deco aesthetic emerged, these homes were often modified to reflect modern tastes. For example, many of these homes featured light-colored stucco, asymmetrical windows, and a balanced layout. Other design elements included round arches or intricate stonework and the use of multiple metals for accents and rooftops.

Georgian House Designs

The Georgian style began in Britain during the 1700s and became popular in the United States in the early 1800s. The most recognizable element of these homes is the symmetrical, rectangular façade. Other common features include double-hung windows, classical detailing, and an exterior cladding of brick or stone. As the Art Deco movement gained popularity, many Georgian homes were renovated. For instance, the classic symmetry of the façade was often broken up with decorative windows and ornamentation. Furthermore, metal accents and geometric shapes often replaced the traditional cladding for an updated and modern look.

Prairie House Designs

Prairie-style homes originated in the 19th century, when architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright began to combine simple lines and natural materials to create a distinct style. Most of these homes featured low-slung roofs, horizontal lines, and rows of windows that worked to draw the eye outward. During the Art Deco period, these homes were often updated to embrace modern features. For example, metal accents were often added to the rooflines and the cedar siding was replaced with wood or stucco. Additionally, Prairie-style homes often featured asymmetrical floor plans with rooms built off center for an interesting design.

Mediterranean House Designs

Mediterranean-style homes are believed to have originated in Southern Europe in the 17th century. These homes are typically characterized by low, red-tiled roofs, arches, balconies, and large courtyards. As the Art Deco movement began to influence architecture, many Mediterranean homes were transformed. For instance, the low-pitched red roofs were replaced with metal and the clay tiles were often traded in for stucco. Moreover, Mediterranean homes designed during this period often incorporated elements of Classical and Baroque architecture, such as grand columns and ornamental detailing.

Shingle House Designs

Shingle-style homes first became popular in the United States in the late 19th century. As the name suggests, these homes made use of wooden shingles as cladding. Unlike their conventional counterparts, however, Shingle-style homes often lacked symmetry and were characterized by large rooflines and wraparound porches. When Art Deco emerged in the 1920s, many Shingle-style homes underwent renovations to reflect the movement. For instance, metal accents were often added to the roofline and the large porches were broken down into multiple, more livable spaces. Additionally, the interiors of these homes often featured geometric shapes and angular motifs.

Cape Cod House Designs

Cape Cod-style homes are one of America's oldest architectural styles. These homes typically featured a steep-sloped roofline and a symmetrical design. As the Art Deco aesthetic emerged, many of these homes were updated to reflect the more modern design. For instance, the traditional wood siding may have been replaced with stucco or stone, and large doors and casement windows were often added for style. Furthermore, many of these homes had an asymmetrical floor plan and featured an open layout for easy entertaining.

Gambrel Roof House Designs

Gambrel roof houses, also known as Dutch Colonial homes, were popular in America throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. These homes were characterized by their distinctive gambrel roofs and simple, rectangular designs. As the Art Deco style emerged, many Gambrel-style homes became updated. To reflect this new style, many of these homes were renovated to include Tudor-style pepperbox dormers and pointed window trims. Other design features often included flared eaves, ornate porches, and double-hung windows.

Southern Plantation House Designs

Southern plantation-style homes have traditionally been characterized by large, gabled rooflines and classical Greek- and Roman-inspired features. These homes typically made use of natural materials, such as brick and wood, to create a homey atmosphere. As the Art Deco movement emerged, many of these homes underwent renovations to reflect the modern trend. Design elements such as geometric shapes, flat planes, and rectilinear forms were often incorporated. Additionally, open floor plans were employed to create flexible living spaces and large windows were used to maximize natural light.