Reveal 72+ Stunning Southern 3 Story House Design Most Outstanding In 2023

Traditional Southern House Designs

Southern homes usually have the same look: a wide, open front porch with white columns, a peak roofline, and bright accents. However, traditional Southern house designs have evolved over the years, from grand Victorian-style homes to cozy cabins. Many of the people living in this region of the United States are drawn to houses with traditional features and Southern charm. A traditional Southern design includes simple styling and materials that provide a sense of comfort and nostalgia. Architecture such as single-story ranches, shotguns, and cottages are popular in the region.

Traditional Southern house designs often incorporate wraparound porches and balconies, a steep, complex roof, and front columns. to basketweave brick patterns, intricate balconies, and wide porches with low ceilings. To add visual interest, these houses typically have intricate woodwork, like crown molding, and trimmings. Architectural elements and decorative features like decorative shutters can also be used to enhance the overall look of a southern-style home. Traditional Southern architecture also includes vaulted ceilings, dormers, and other decorative touches.

Southern Country Style House Designs

The Southern country style of house design is inspired by the laid-back lifestyle of the South and evokes a sense of rural charm. These homes typically feature board-and-batten siding, wood accents, and a low roofline for a minimalist and down-to-earth aesthetic. This house style typically includes large glass windows and doors that open up to the outdoors, as well as classic-style arched porch columns. Other features of the Southern country style of house design include large wrap-around porches, easy-access breezeways, and rustic details like hanging crickets, window shutters, and picket fences.

Stone exterior walls, hardwood floors, and big fireplaces are also common in the Southern country style of house design. The interior usually has an inviting and cozy atmosphere, with lots of natural light, neutral colors, and antique furnishings. The bedroom often boasts a fireplace and an open floor plan, so that the natural beauty of the outdoors is never far away.

Southern Farmhouse Style House Designs

Southern farmhouse style house designs have been around since the 19th century, when many of the American South’s most well-to-do families built residences on their vast tracts of farmland. These homes often had large kitchen and living areas, in addition to bedrooms, which provided plenty of space for the whole family. This style of house has a simple, straightforward look, with a tall gabled roof and large porch. Inside, the focus is on a large central room, which serves as the kitchen, living, and dining area.

In recent years, Southern farmhouse style house designs have seen a resurgence in popularity, thanks to their often-rustic charm and practical layout. Common features of farmhouse-style homes include wide front porches, bright white walls, and beautiful wood paneling. The interior often includes vaulted ceilings, a large center island, and several open seating areas.

Southern Cracker Style House Designs

The Southern cracker style of house design is a unique style that developed in the 19th century as a result of changing economics in the region. This style of home typically has a rectangular shape, a low roofline, and wrap-around porch. It was designed to be affordable, practical, and durable, and it was often built with local lumber. This style of house was often the home of sharecroppers, small farmers, and other rural families in the South.

The Southern cracker style of house design includes features such as a low gable roof, exterior walls made of wood, and a wide and deep front porch. The interior typically features a large living area, a kitchen, and bedrooms arranged around a central hall. Simple furniture and a few decorative accents are usually enough to give these homes a classic and cozy atmosphere.

Victorian Style Southern House Designs

Victorian-style homes can be seen all around the South, and they’re popular for their ornate and eye-catching details. This style of house is usually two or three stories high and features intricate details like spindled balustrades, grand gables, and ornate rooflines. Porches are usually located at the front of the house, and they often include columns, spindles, and wrought iron decorations. Interiors boast high ceilings, ornate fireplaces, and classic design elements like carved moldings and large windows.

Victorian-style Southern house designs often feature colorful and eye-catching details like stained glass windows, decorative light fixtures, and intricate woodwork. The interior focuses on classic furnishings, ornate details, and plenty of contrasting colors. Common materials used for Victorian-style homes include wood, marble, terra-cotta tile, and brick.

Southern Plantation Style House Designs

Plantation-style homes evoke a sense of sophistication and traditional Southern charm. These homes are typically two stories high, with wide porches and wraparound balconies. The roof can have either a steeply pitched front or a curved profile. Exterior walls are usually made of stucco or brick, and often feature grand columns, tall windows, and detailed trim. The interior usually boasts an open floor plan, with a large foyer or two-story entry, formal living and dining areas, and several spacious bedrooms.

Plantation-style Southern house designs often focus on luxury and elegance, with details like high ceilings, intricate woodwork, and marble floors. The interior often includes classic furnishings and decorative touches such as chandeliers, statues, and mirrors. Fireplaces and spacious bathrooms are also common in southern plantation-style homes.

Southern Craftsman Style House Designs

The Southern craftsman style of house design is inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement of the early 20th century. These homes focus on simplicity and functionality, and feature a low-pitched roof, large front porch, and plenty of natural light. The exterior walls are usually made of natural materials such as stone, stucco, or brick. This style of house is usually two stories high and focuses on maximum use of space, with minimal décor and lots of natural light.

Interiors of Southern craftsman-style homes feature wood floors and exposed beams, with a focus on simple lines and neutral colors. Windows feature large casings and beveled glass for added interest. Furnishings usually include handmade furniture and antique accents, with a focus on natural materials like wood and leather. Natural stone fireplaces and wall-mounted bookcases can also be seen in this style of house.

Southern Colonial Style House Designs

The Southern colonial style of house design draws heavily from the English colonial architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries. This style of house usually has a rectangular or H-shaped layout, symmetrical detailing, and a low gabled roofline. Exterior walls are usually covered in stucco, stone, or brick, and feature large, symmetrical windows. Front porches usually include wooden columns and a central entrance.

Interiors of Southern colonial-style houses typically feature decorative fireplaces, multiple levels, and open floor plans. Plank floors, paneling, and ample storage are also common features. Furnishings can include dark woods, intricate rugs, and large sofas for a classic, inviting atmosphere. Other features of this style of house design include high ceilings, billiard tables, and crystal chandeliers.

Southern Ranch Style House Design

The Southern ranch style of house design was introduced in the 1950s and quickly became popular due to its open floor plan and relaxed, rural atmosphere. This style of house is usually one story high and features a low-pitched roof, an open floor plan, and plenty of stoop area. Exterior walls are usually made of natural materials such as stone or brick, and feature large glass windows for maximum natural light. Large front porches with a few steps are also common in this style of house.

Interiors of Southern ranch-style houses typically feature flexible and open floor plans, with no formal dining area. The idea is to have a multifunctional space that can accommodate a variety of activities. Wood floors, large windows, and stone fireplaces are common features. Furnishings often include casual sofas and chairs, natural materials like wood and leather, and rustic elements like horseshoes and rusty saws.

Modern Southern House Designs

Modern Southern house designs combine the classic features of Southern architecture with a modern twist. This style of house often looks to the past, but incorporates contemporary materials and conveniences. For example, many modern Southern houses feature large glass windows, open floor plans, and clean lines. The exteriors usually feature natural materials like wood and metal, with plenty of stone accents for texture and interest.

Interiors of modern Southern house designs are spacious and inviting, with plenty of natural light and tasteful, warm accents. Fireplaces, exposed beams, and vaulted ceilings are often popular features, and furnishings usually include a mix of modern and antique pieces to create a classic Southern look. Other features of this style of home include unique features like outdoor kitchens and collapsible walls.

Contemporary Southern House Designs

Contemporary Southern house designs combine modern architectural elements with the classic elements of Southern style. These homes typically feature large glass windows, wide open floor plans, and modern materials like steel, concrete, and metal. The exteriors often feature plenty of wood elements, such as large porches and board-and-batten siding. The rooflines may be mildly sloped, and large balconies are popular features.

Interiors of contemporary Southern house designs are usually bright and airy, with plenty of natural light and modern fixtures. Exposed ceilings, open floor plans, and large windows are often features of these homes. Areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms tend to be large and spacious. Furnishings often include modern pieces with plenty of geometric shapes and clean lines. Color schemes are typically neutral, with a few colorful accent pieces to add a bit of contrast.