The turn of the century is an great time to design and build “modern” homes. Architects from the late 1800s combined Arts and Crafts, Victorian and French influence with some of the innovative advancements in materials and technologies. The result was a classic-style house that is still admired and popular today. While many of those homes were built over 100 years ago, they remain just as attractive and functional today as the day they were constructed. The Arts and Crafts house plans from the late 1800s and early 1900s were born from a desire to get back to simpler living and allow natural materials and simple lines to create a uniquely beautiful house.Turn-of-the-Century House Designs for Modern Living
The Art Deco era was a time of great diversity when it came to architecture and home building plans. Although the period was characterized by the appearance of many different types of homes, one common thread linking them was their diversity. Thus, it's not surprising that cottages and house designs from this time can be used in all regions and climates, from colder climates to the tropics. Whether you choose an earlier Arts and Crafts house plan, or something more modern from this period, you're sure to find something that looks great and meets your needs.Unique Cottages for All Regions
This period in time also included the emergence of the beloved bungalow style house plans. These homes were designed to be very comfortable, with large and cozy front porches and easy access to the outdoors. The interiors often featured open floor plans to make the best possible use of space and natural materials to create a classic, timeless look. Bungalows of this era were often designed to blend in with their natural surroundings, and some of them were even designed in distinctly different regions and countries.Bungalow House Plans from the Early 1900s
The Sears catalog from 1903 provided a complete factory-made kit home. The kit included all of the materials needed to build a house, including planks, panels, and rough-cut lumber. By using this kit, plan designers could create unique combinations of plans and materials to create a classic and unique look for the home. The most popular designs from this era used the Sears Kit as a base, and then added artistic flourishes and unique touches for a distinct and singular home.13 Classic House Plans Using the 1903 Sears Kit
In 1909, Sears U.S.A. introduced the Sears Modern Homes catalog. This featured a wide variety of house plans, including both standard and custom options. With these, customers could build a unique and modern home with the added touch of a classic design. The catalog provided fully detailed instructions for building each home, including a detailed step-by-step guide to constructing the various parts of the home. As with the earliest Sears kits, these plans included everything needed to complete the home.Vintage Home Plans from the Sears Modern Homes
The 1907 Sears Modern Home Design Plan was among the most popular designs in the early 1900s. This plan included a two-story main house, a two-story annex, and an optional wine cellar. It also featured an attached two-car garage and a gardener's shed. Inside, the plan called for a classic floor plan, with four bedrooms, a dining room and a large kitchen. In addition, the plan also included a terrace off of the back side of the house.1907 Sears Modern-Home Design Plan
This two-story home plan included three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It also included a dining room, living room and kitchen. The plan called for the entire house to be constructed in Douglas Cedar, which adds both strength and a unique style to the home. The two-story design was very popular during this period and made a great addition to any suburban neighborhood.Sears Home Plan Property from 1908
This house is one of the best-preserved examples of an Art Deco-style kit home. This two-story plan featured a large living room, dining room, four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Constructed from durable Douglas Cedar and finished with rare antique hardware, this home is a must-see for anyone looking for a truly unique piece of Art Deco design.Perfectly Preserved 1908 Sears Kit Home
The period from 1910 to 1915 featured a wide variety of house plans, including a revival of Arts and Crafts style plans and a wide array of modern house plans. These plans showcased a variety of exterior styles, from beamed brick and wood exteriors to rustic stone and stucco designs. The interiors often included open floor plans, main-level family rooms and plenty of natural light. Many of these plans also featured cathedral ceilings, large windows and spacious porches.Home Floor Plans from 1910
For anyone interested in Art Deco design, the 1903 Sears catalog offers several great ideas for decorations and building techniques. From elaborate crown moldings to intricate tiling designs, these tips and tricks can help anyone create a truly unique Art Deco home. For those looking to create a more classic look, the catalog offers numerous ideas for traditional decoration and building techniques that are still popular today.Home Building & Decorating Ideas from 1903