American
Four Square
One of the most popular American homes that came out
of the suburban development of the late 1800's to
1930s. Built close together with a distinguished square
look and surrounding outer perimeter. Dubbed the true
"American Home".
Beaux
Arts
A large and symmetrical facade, incorporating pilasters
or columns reaching more than one story, is typical
of this style which was most popular around the turn
of this century. Mansard or flat roofs are common,
and various types of stone finishes enhance the exterior
walls.
Bungalow
The style was most popular during the early 1900s
and is characteristically simple with gables, large
overhangs and dormer windows. Although the stereotypical
bungalow is small, the actual style and stylistic
elements are often adapted to the surroundings.
Cape
Cod
Built in New England from the late 17th century until
about 1850. Materials and other resources were scarce,
thus the houses were often more modest than elsewhere.
They were early America's version of the starter home.
Chateaus
These large homes, associated with the late 1800s,
have steep roofs with gables. The exterior decoration
emphasizes the vertical orientation of the structure,
combining chimneys, spires, balconies, and a variety
of dormer windows.
Colonial
Revival
The facade on these homes commands the most attention
due to its symmetry and focus on the entrance. The
front door, often emphasized by decorative crowns
or pediments, is flanked by multi-paned windows. This
style originated in the late 1800s and continues to
be popular today.
Dutch
Colonial
This style originated in the early 1600s and remained
popular for over 200 years. The gabled roof tends
to be quite steep and the overhangs relatively prominent.
A typical Dutch Colonial house has Dutch doors (doors
with a top and bottom section which can be opened
independently of one another) and exterior shutters
on the windows.
Eastern
Stick
Exterior stick work is the most obvious characteristic
of this style which originated in the late 1800s.
The interior frame is echoed by boards nailed to the
exterior walls. The overall appearance of the home
is asymmetrical and angular, punctuated with steep
roofs, gables, and verandahs.
Federal
Symmetry is the dominant element in these homes which
were most popular during the late 1700s and early
1800s. The facade usually has a six-panel door under
fanlight. Columns or pilasters are common, as is a
highly decorative cornice.
Folk
Victorian
The basic simplicity of this style is contrasted by
the decorative handling of the trim on the porches
and gables and brackets under the eaves. These homes
were most popular around the turn of this century.
French
Colonial
Popular throughout the 18th century, these homes have
French doors and casement windows with exterior shutters.
In the truest form of the style, the exterior walls
have half-timber framing covered in stucco.
Georgian
Both the floor plan and the facade of these homes
are symmetrical. The front door is flanked by columns
or pilasters, usually with a triangular pediment above.
The style is most closely associated with the 1700s.
Gothic
Revival
The decorative elements of these homes resemble a
castle with the shape of the doors and windows echoing
the pointed Gothic arch. The appearance of the exterior
is unified by the extensive use of ornamental moldings.
This style was common throughout most of the 19th
century.
Greek
Revival
The front porch on the homes has non-fluted columns
and is topped by a triangular pediment and continuous
frieze. Elongated windows and a transom window over
the front door are common stylistic elements of this
type which originated in the early 1800s.
International
Most popular during the first half of the 20th
century, these homes have very little exterior decoration
and a flat roof. The walls are sheathed in stucco
or plaster and the windows are even with the wall
surface.
Italian
Renaissance
This style was originated around the turn of the 19th
century. The most common decorative elements are a
ceramic tiled roof, windows and doors accented by
rounded arches, and covered porches with columns.
Italian
ate
These ornamented multi-storied homes are generally
associated with the second half of the 19th century.
Large brackets support the overhanging eaves and decorative
lintels are often over windows and doors. The facade
is symmetrical, and towers are not uncommon in the
larger examples.
Mission
Popular around the turn of this century, Mission style
houses have broad expanses of stucco walls and a red
tile roof. Rounded archways are supported by square
pillars, and there are exposed rafters under the overhanging
eaves.
Neoclassical
Largely popular during the first half of the 20th
century, the symmetrical facade is generally a two
story porch with a pediment and large Ionic or Corinthian
columns.
New
England Colonial
Simplicity and clean lines are the characteristic
elements in this style which originated in the 1600s.
These houses are usually two stories with a steep
roof and little or no exterior ornamentation.
Prairie
The horizontal emphasis is the most distinct characteristic
of these houses popularized during the early 1900s
and closely associated with Frank Lloyd Wright. The
low roofs, deep overhangs, and casement windows serve
to make these houses appear close to the ground.
Pueblo
Revival
Popular since the early 1900s, this style seems the
quintessential example of the Southwestern home. The
battered stucco walls are topped by a flat roof with
projecting beams. The windows are set deeply into
the walls and terraces are a common feature.
Queen
Anne
The variety of decorative elements is the most common
trait in these homes popular during the turn of the
20th century. The variety extends to the types of
windows, color, and exterior wall textures and materials.
Second
Empire
These multi-story homes have mansard roofs and a variety
of colors on the exterior. Dormer windows, exterior
ornamentation, and rounded doors are common in this
style popular during the late 1800s.
Shingle
This style originated around the turn of this century
and is characterized by a covering of shingles on
the exterior walls. Gable roofs and dormer windows
are common.
Southern
Colonial
Brick sheathing is common in this style which originated
in the 1600s. The roof is generally quite steep and
gabled. Classical decorative elements, such as cornices,
often grace the exterior.
Spanish
Colonial
Associated with the Southwest, this style maintained
its popularity from the 1600s through the end of the
1800s. The houses are typically one story with a flat
roof and stucco walls. Verandahs and patios are common
features.
Tudor
Multi-paned windows and steep gabled roofs are the
most recognizable elements in these houses popularized
in the first half of the 20th century. Half-timbering
and tall chimneys are often used as exterior decoration.