Modern two family house designs are all about sleek surfaces, angular shapes, and clean lines. Popular materials used for these designs include concrete, steel, and glass. Not only are these designs perfect for stylish urban living, but they can also make great additions to suburban or rural areas. From Philippe Starck's iconic modern designs to Jean-Michel Gathy's contemporary approach, the options seem endless. From single or double storey designs to split-level abodes, modern two family houses offer plenty of room for two separate families. Choose from designs with linear layouts, minimal detailing and blocky shapes. Or opt for houses with more layered, complex features and alternate levels. However, people don’t have to sacrifice character for a contemporary look. Houses with geometric shapes, curved lines, and vibrant colors still fall within the modern design category. Modern Two Family House Designs
For those looking for classic, ageless designs, traditional two family house designs are the way to go. Some of the most recognizable traditional house layouts and features are rooted in the ‘American Colonial’ style, which is a mix of several European designs. This style usually features hipped roofs, symmetrical facades, and rectangular shapes. Other classic touches include steeply pitched roofs, low front porches, and many separate rooms. Another traditional house design is the ‘Tudor’ style, which is inspired by medieval English architecture. These houses have steep roofs, decorative half-timbering, and tall, narrow windows. On the other hand, some houses embrace a more contemporary interpretation of traditionalism, with modern materials and minimal designs.Traditional Two Family House Designs
Living near the beach means having access to beautiful views and sunlight. This is why many people choose to build coastal two family house designs, which should make the most of the natural environment. Coastal-style houses usually feature traditional designs, but with a slightly more relaxed vibe. Characteristic features of coastal homes include wide front porches, wood siding, and steeply-pitched roofs. Other touches include radius windows, hurricane shutters, and glass walls. To keep the beach vibe alive, the houses are often painted in bright, inviting colors such as turquoise and coral. Some houses even have cascading balconies that offer a direct view of the ocean. Coastal Two Family House Designs
Contemporary house designs are all about clean lines and simplicity. Contemporary two family houses are no different. They create open and airy floor plans that are both practical and stylish. These houses usually feature flat roofs, metal bars, and oversized windows. They often eschew the basic design of traditional homes, replacing them with angular shapes and minimalist furnishings. The minimalist approach to contemporary two family house designs often results in houses that are comfortable and inviting. The rooms are spacious and well-lit, with plenty of natural elements. Many of these houses have other modern touches, such as gridded windows, exposed beams, and solar panels. Other common features include bi-fold doors, individual open-plan layouts, and modern fireplaces. Contemporary Two Family House Designs
Mountain two family house designs are perfect for people who live in rugged or rural areas. These houses embrace the stunning natural environment around them. Common features of this type of design include chalet-style roofs and traditional wood siding. Many also have generous outdoor decks and terraces, perfect for outdoor entertaining. This type of house features tall cathedral ceilings, loft cabins, and plenty of windows or patio doors. These airy components let in lots of natural light and create dramatic views of the surrounding mountains. To further embrace the beauty of the outdoors, many of these homes utilize large stone flower beds, an abundance of skylights, and energy-efficient lighting systems. Mountain Two Family House Designs
The craftsman style of two family house designs is all about handcrafted detailing and natural materials. This type of design is perfect for connoisseurs of ‘at home’ comfort and design tradition. Common features of the craftsman style are horizontal lines, exposed rafters, and recessed front porches. The interiors of these houses often include natural elements, such as hardwood floors, antique wood furniture, and cedar cabinets. Craftsman-style two family house designs also feature large windows and plenty of windowsills for added natural lighting. Many of these designs also use a combination of classic architecture and contemporary touches. Craftsman Two Family House Designs
Cottage two family house designs often have an informal, inviting look. These houses generally feature neutral colors, lush landscaping, and sometimes even thatched roofs. As such, these cottages are perfect for people looking for a country retreat. Cottages typically feature large windows, inviting decks, and sometimes even front porches. They usually are simple in terms of layout, yet they still offer plenty of charming features. Other classic touches of cottage architecture include shingled claddings, bay windows, stucco walls, and stained glass windows. Additionally, these houses usually have plenty of built-in storage spaces and window boxes to make use of the space available. Cottage Two Family House Designs
Ranch-style two family houses are perfect for those looking to achieve a classic Western look. These single-storied designs are usually long and linear, and they feature low-pitched roofs and open layouts. Ranch homes also often have deep eaves, metal siding, and sprawling outdoor terraces. Inside these houses, ranch-style homes usually feature large fireplaces, wide hallways, and gallery-style foyers. To bring out the full Western flair, these houses also typically feature brick accents, wood paneling, and exposed beams. Other common features of ranch two family houses include built-in furniture, skylights, and media rooms.Ranch Two Family House Designs
These days, many people choose to update traditional Victorian two family house designs. This classic design style is rooted in English architecture and usually includes steep rooflines, ornate facade details, and bay windows. The Victorian look also often features turrets, balconies, and wraparound verandas. Inside the modern interpretation of Victorian two family houses, expect to see wooden staircases, stained glass windows, and large fireplaces. Additionally, these houses often contain libraries, dressing rooms, and pantries. As such, this design style offers plenty of additional storage space. To further bridge the modern and the vintage, many of these houses include updated features such as elevator lifts and spacious marble bathrooms.Victorian Two Family House Designs
Tropical two family houses all about soaking up the sun and enjoying the outdoors. As such, these houses combine plenty of outdoor features with large windows and sun-bleached colors. Common touches of these houses include natural wood siding, A-frame roofs, and tall ceilings. The interiors of tropical two family houses often feature wooden or bamboo furniture, skylights, and tile-floors. Additionally, many of these houses have outdoor decks, tropical gardens, and bright, airy spaces. Some even feature rooftop solar panels to take advantage of the abundant sunshine. To reduce electricity costs, these homes also usually come with energy-efficient lighting and fans. Tropical Two Family House Designs
Farmhouse two family house designs are perfect for those looking for a rural, rustic appeal. These houses usually feature steep rooflines, naturally-weathered wood, and ample porches. Other common features of this design style include bay windows, stone chimneys, and wooden shutters. Inside, these houses often feature exposed beamed ceilings, wide plank floors, and quaint built-in desks. Additionally, farmhouse designs usually feature vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, and large kitchens. These houses also often have antique pieces of furniture, such as armoires and wardrobes. Some even have separate porches for sitting and intimate family moments. Farmhouse Two Family House Designs