Emily Flores
Houses are more than just places to live—they reflect culture, history, and creativity. Architecture offers an endless variety, from homes that are built for functionality to those with an emphasis on aesthetics. This list explores 15 outstanding house styles and their features, origins, and examples.
Log Cabins
Pioneered by early settlers, log cabins symbolize rustic simplicity. Made of stacked logs and pitched roofs, they’re common in Colorado and other mountainous regions. Although originally designed as basic shelters, modern log cabins offer luxurious retreats with additional amenities like spa bathrooms, gourmet kitchens, home theaters, and fireplaces.
Cape Cod Houses
Cape Cod homes, which originated in New England during the 17th century, feature modest, practical designs with steep roofs, dormer windows, and central chimneys. Their steep roofs help shed heavy snow in harsh winters. Popular in Massachusetts today, these homes became iconic in the 1930s with mass-produced versions. The Edward Gorey House, which housed the iconic writer in Cape Cod, was built in this style.
American Craftsman
Emerging in the 20th century as part of the Arts and Crafts movement, Craftsman homes emphasize handcrafted details, natural materials, and cozy designs. They are widespread in Pasadena and Seattle, characterized by low-pitched roofs, overhanging eaves, and exposed beams. A typical example is the Gamble House in California, built for the industrialist James Gamble.
Farmhouse
Rooted in rural America, farmhouses are practical homes with simple designs, gabled roofs, and wraparound porches. Popular in Nashville and Vermont, they combine rustic charm with modern amenities. Today, the modern farmhouse style is characterized by shiplap and open-concept layouts. The iconic Biltmore’s Antler Hill Farm in North Carolina, owned by the Vanderbilt family is a classic example of a farmhouse.
Victorian
Emerging during Queen Victoria’s reign, these ornate homes are characterized by steep and tiled roofs, turrets, and vibrant colors. Common in cities like San Francisco, their elaborate details reflect the industrial era’s wealth and innovation. Today, the Carson Mansion in Eureka and the Painted Ladies in San Francisco are well-known houses built using this style.
Prairie House
Originating with a group of architects, including Frank Lloyd Wright in the early 1900s, Prairie-style homes emphasize horizontal lines, open interiors, and harmony with nature. They are common in the Midwest, with designs incorporating low-pitched roofs and earth-toned colors. The Robie House in Chicago, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909, is a quintessential example of this architectural style.
Mediterranean Houses
Inspired by Spanish and Italian villas, Mediterranean-style homes feature stucco walls, red-tile roofs, and arched windows. The style peaked in the 1920s and 1930s and was popular in Florida and Southern California. Their designs maximize cross-ventilation, keeping interiors cool in hot weather. The Villa Vizcaya in Florida, owned by James Deering is a good example of this style.
Tudor Houses
Drawing from medieval England, Tudor homes are known for sturdy designs, steeply pitched roofs, half-timbering, and tall, narrow windows. Popular in Cleveland and Chicago, they exude Old-World charm. Tudor homes often use a mix of brick and stucco to create their signature storybook appearance. The Stan Hywet Hall built in 1915 showcases the grandeur of a typical Tudor house.
Shotgun Houses
Unique to the South, shotgun houses are narrow, single-story homes with rooms arranged in a straight line. Prominent in New Orleans, they’re known for vibrant exteriors and high ceilings. These homes were designed to maximize airflow in hot climates before air conditioning. Their affordability also increased their appeal and popularity from the 1860s to the 1920s.
Colonial Houses
Rooted in the 17th and 18th centuries, Colonial homes reflect European influence, particularly British. Known for symmetry, pitched roofs, and central doors, they often feature shuttered windows and brick or wood exteriors. These homes are timeless examples of early American architecture, found prominently in Massachusetts, with examples like the Paul Revere House and Fairbanks House.
Ranch Houses
Developed in the 20th century, Ranch homes offer sprawling, single-story layouts with open floor plans and large windows. Native to suburban areas like Los Angeles and Dallas, they blend indoor and outdoor living. Interesting fact: Ranch houses gained popularity post-WWII as efficient, family-friendly options during America’s housing boom.
Saltbox
The Saltbox house style originated in 17th-century New England, inspired by practical designs. Its defining feature is an asymmetrical roofline, with a long, sloping rear roof resembling a wooden salt container. Typically featuring two stories in the front and one in the back, these homes are found in historic towns like Salem, MA. Well-known examples include the John Whipple House and the Parson Capen House.
A-Frame
The A-frame house style, popularized in the mid-20th century, traces its roots to ancient structures valued for shedding heavy snow. Its steeply pitched, triangular roof extends to the ground, offering a modernist look. These homes are energy-efficient and blend seamlessly with nature, making them common in mountain and lake regions like Lake Tahoe, CA. Robert Schindler’s Leisure House, built in 1922, is a classic example of this style.
French Provincial
The French Provincial house style originated in rural France during the 1600s, blending elegance with practicality. These homes feature steep, hipped roofs, symmetrical facades, brick or stone exteriors, and arched windows. Popularized in America after WWI, they’re often found in suburbs and affluent neighborhoods, with the John W. and Margaret Conklin House in Wisconsin serving as an example.
Georgian
The Georgian house style, prominent from the early 18th to mid-19th centuries, draws inspiration from Renaissance and classical Roman and Greek architecture. Originating in England, it became popular in colonial America, featuring brick facades, decorative moldings, and gabled roofs. These homes thrived in historic cities like Williamsburg and Charleston, with notable examples today, including the Hunter House in Newport, Rhode Island.