Territorial Style homes are remniscent of old-world southwest and Mexican architecture and have become increasingly popular in the American Southwest and beyond. Characterized by thick brick or adobe walls, flat roofs, and small windows, these homes are designed to keep cool in the scorching heat of the desert. This style is also known for its handcrafted woodwork, handcrafted door frames, and intricate tile designs. These homes are usually made of adobe or stone, but the walls can also be constructed from a variety of materials, including stucco, brick, and even log siding in some cases. Popular in the early 20th century, the territorial style was applied to a variety of dwellings, including casitas, housing, and even small ranching and farming operations. Some design elements, like the very narrow windows, were meant to shield inhabitants from the harsh sun.Territorial-Style House Designs
Santa Fe-style house designs hearken back to the days of Spanish colonialism. Characterized by thick adobe or stucco walls, these homes are generally square or rectangular in shape and low-lying. Common features of this style of house designs include vigas, or exposed wooden beams, and decorative elements such as handcrafted wooden doors, cacti, and colorful folk art. These homes often feature tiled roofs, often with terracotta or green colored tiles, as well as large window openings to bring in plenty of natural light. Inside, these homes are usually open and airy, with polished wood floors, fireplaces, and plenty of space for entertaining. Inside you can expect to see details such as hand-painted tiles, large wrought iron chandeliers, and colorful textiles.Santa Fe-Style House Designs
Southwest house designs are an ideal choice for anyone looking for an inviting and comfortable home in the desert or on the coast. These popular house designs typically feature thick stucco or adobe walls and a reddish clay tile roof lined with natural plants. On the interior, you’ll often see exposed wooden beams, handcrafted doorframes, and ceramic or clay tile flooring throughout. Popular architectural elements include high ceilings, including tongue-in-groove, and large archways concerning doors and windows. This type of house design often has large open-air spaces, like a courtyard or porch, which are great for entertaining. Southwest house designs are also great for both indoor and outdoor living, with access to abundant natural light and ventilation. Many homes also feature luxurious amenities, like hot tubs, outdoor grills, fire pits, and swimming pools.Southwest House Designs
Craftsman-style Territorial house designs draw upon traditional Mexican and Native American design elements and materials to create unique and attractive homes. These homes often feature thick adobe or stucco walls with flat roofs, and small window openings for protection from the hot sun. Inside, they are known for their handcrafted woodwork, exposed wooden beams, and intricate tile designs. The exteriors of these homes may feature stone, concrete, whitewashed plaster, pinon-lap, and combinations of these materials. Inside, these homes usually have high ceilings and arched doorways. They may also have features like bay windows, pueblo-style courtyards, and native plantings for decoration and cooling.Craftsman-Style Territorial House Designs
Classic Territorial house designs embrace the timeless style of the American Southwest. These house designs typically feature thick adobe or stucco walls which may be constructed to create arches, eyebrow windows, or other decorative touches. The roofs of these homes are usually flat, and many feature metal-like tiles or large wood shingles to keep the interior of the home cool. Inside, these homes typically have exposed wooden beams, carved wooden doors, and intricate tile designs. Common features include stone or wood fireplaces, southwestern-inspired colors, and handcrafted furniture. Other features include skylights, courtyards, and archways for a unique sense of style.Classic Territorial House Designs
Tuscan-style Territorial house designs draw from the centuries-old style of the Tuscan region in Italy. These house designs typically feature thick stucco or plaster walls with long archways for windows and doors. The rooftops of these homes tend to be flat, and often have clay tile for added insulation and to keep out the sun. Inside, you can expect to find a number of unique features, such as hand-carved wooden doors, brick tile flooring, and hand-painted murals. The outdoor areas of these homes are often paved with terracotta or clay tiles. The interiors are usually open and airy, with plenty of natural light and some vaulted ceilings. The Tuscan design often includes hand-crafted furniture, copper-clad sinks and fixtures, and colors to reflect the surrounding landscape.Tuscan-Style Territorial House Designs
Hacienda Territorial style house designs draw from centuries of Latin American colonial architecture. These houses often feature thick walls for insulation, and flat roofs to keep out the sun. Interior features can include exposed wood and stonework, arched doorways, and beautiful wood and tile flooring. Kitchen features may include copper sinks, tile countertops, and plenty of cabinet space. Hacienda house designs often have outdoor spaces, such as courtyards and patios, for entertaining and relaxation during the balmy evenings. Many of these homes have balconies and roof-top gardens, adding to the charm and relaxation of this style of home. These homes often have Mission-style architecture as well, which adds to the traditional style.Hacienda Territorial Style House Designs
Desert house designs with Territorial Flair draw inspiration from the arid Southwestern environment. These houses often feature thick walls made from adobe, stucco, and stone, and heavy wood beams, handcrafted doors, and handcrafted doorframes inside. The windows of these homes are usually small and narrow, shielding the inhabitants from the sweltering sun. The exterior of these homes usually feature clay-tile or terracotta-tile roofs, while the interiors usually feature smooth stuccoing or polished concrete floors. Common features of these Desert house designs can include large covered patios and balconies, as well as smaller courtyards for intimate gatherings. Inside, these homes often have plenty of natural light and ventilation.Desert House Designs with Territorial Flair
Modern Territorial House Designs are an intriguing way to make updates to classic Territorial Design. These houses tend to feature thick adobe or stucco walls, often paired with simple, contemporary lines and colors. Inside, these houses often feature details such as large window openings, natural wood furnishings and accents, textured concrete floors, and clean lines throughout. Common features of the modern Territorial style include outdoor areas such as balconies and terraces, and large open-air spaces that are perfect for entertaining. Additionally, modern Territorial house designs often feature large kitchens, plenty of natural light and ventilation, and modern features such as home automation and energy-efficient appliances.Modern Territorial House Designs
Contemporary Territorial House Designs are ideal for those looking to make distinct updates to the classic Territorial style. These houses often feature thicker, modern walls made from stucco, or even metal, paired with eye-catching colors and modern patterns full of bold lines. Interiors feature plenty of open space, as well as contemporary details including modern fireplaces, large window openings, and tasteful wood fixtures. These homes should be designed to have plenty of open outdoor areas, and may even feature a pool, hot tub, and outdoor kitchen for entertaining. Additionally, contemporary Territorial house designs often feature plenty of natural light and ventilation, for an airy, comfortable interior. Finally, these homes may also feature modern amenities such as home automation and energy-efficient appliances.Contemporary Territorial House Designs
Tuscan-style Mediterranean house designs draw upon centuries of Old-World design elements that still remain popular today. These house designs usually feature thick stucco or adobe walls, flat roofs, and small windows to keep out the scorching sun. Inside, you can find handcrafted woodwork, exposed wooden beams, and intricate tile designs. The exteriors of these homes may feature stone, wood, or concrete and the interiors often have high ceilings and arched doorways. Other features can include bay windows, pueblo-style courtyards, and colorful decorative accents. Inside, you can expect to see hand-painted tiles, large wrought iron chandeliers, and colorful textiles.Tuscan-Style Mediterranean House Designs