• 04/16/2023

What Style Is My Home? Why It’s Important to Know

White Cape Cod house with gray roof.

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Every home built in the United States comes from centuries of evolved designs. Looking from the street, you may wonder, “what style is my home?” It can be fun to identify the aesthetic you chose, but it also is important for home value. 

A recent survey identified the most valuable home styles for buyers, with these homes selling at higher values than other styles. Knowing whether you own a popular style can help you better plan for the future and learn the best way to raise your home’s value.

Here are the nine most valued styles in the U.S.

Beach

The most popular home style currently in the United States is a beach house. Whether ground-level or lifted, these tiny pieces of paradise sell for more than $1 million dollars. 

With quick-access to the beach and windows that reveal ocean waves, these homes seamlessly transition from home to vacation and are popular with investors who wish to rent them. 

Mediterranean

Mediterranean homes take inspiration from villas in Spain and Italy. Best for warmer climates, this style focuses on both indoor and outdoor living. 

Stucco walls and tiled roofs are stables with warm earth tones found throughout. Metal  is also common for windows and balconies. 

Contemporary 

Contemporary homes are similar to modern houses but are from different time periods. The word “contemporary,” implies present-day styles, while modern means home from the recent past. 

The homes often have climate-friendly design elements and materials, as the world is more in-tune to the impact of climate change. They have natural textures and clean lines for a home that’s both organized and relaxing. The palette is neutral with pops of color throughout the home. 

Modern and Mid-Century Modern 

Mid-century modern is a term that emerged during the Bauhaus movement after World War II.The style is sleek and minimal with large windoes to allow plenty of natural light. Both modern and mid-century modern have similar architecture with mid-century less minimalistic. 

Flat, slanted roofs are staples of this design with warm tones common in both the exterior or exterior. 

Ranch

These homes appeared in the 1930s but are very popular choices still today. There are known for being one-story with large windows and backyards, an open floor plan and attached garages. 

Some have a horizontal layout while others are in a “L”  or “U” shape. 

Shingle

Shingle homes are similar to beach houses and are known for their gambrel roofs and wood cladding exteriors. 

You can often see the ocean from these properties or take a quick walk to the shore. 

French Country

French country homes take inspiration from the architecture in and around Provence.  Stucco is a popular exterior material with gambrel roofs and a charming, cottage feel. 

These homes often have multiple sections and can give off a fairytale atmosphere. 

Brownstone

Often found in cities and have a historic aesthetic. The style comes from the 1800s and many today maintain the same character and design. 

Found together in urban neighborhoods, these vertical homes often have three stories. 

Other Popular Styles

Though the previous styles are currently most popular, there are many others that people enjoy and want as their own. 

Cape Cod

Originating in the 1700s, the Cape Cod takes its name from the Massachusetts city. They’re built to withstand harsh New England winters while keeping a charming design. 

Cape Cod houses in the 18th Century were simple, with a central door flanked by windows, with wood siding and roof shingles. This basic design still exists in modern versions of the home, but are often larger with more windows. 

Colonial

Colonial houses are similar to the Cape Cod style but have a rectangular structure. Originally built in the 17th Century, symmetry plays a large role in its design. Formal homes, colonial houses often have grand central staircases with at least two stories. 

Different versions of colonial houses emerged through the years, inspired by different cultures immigrating to the United States. These include French, Georgian, Dutch, English and American–which have a very similar appearance– and Spanish. 

Craftsman

The craftsman style is built from scratch and  meant to be unique. You won’t find two craftsman homes that are the same. Horizontal styles are popular with sturdy, long-lasting builds. 

Exposed beams, low-pitched roods and tapered porch columns. Custom elements are common, such as hand-built fireplaces. 

Greek Revival

Greek revival homes aren’t hard to identify. They have grand columns, mimicking famous greek architecture. 

The style arrived in the 1830s, inspired by Grecian art and culture. They have a neutral color palette and a grand entryway. 

Farmhouse 

Farmhouse homes have a structure that mimics its namesake. Often more than one level, these homes have tall ceilings, large porches, a central fireplace and plenty of exposed beams throughout the home. 

Exposed brick is a common occurrence and fits with the desired rustic aesthetic many homeowners have. Modern farmhouses still cherish these features but also have clean lines and modern decor.

Split-Level

Split level homes are similar to ranch-style and rose to popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. These homes have multiple levels connected through a small sets of stairs.

Many homeowners have strong feelings about these homes and some like the separate interiors sections, while others feel disconnected from the rest of the household. 

Victorian 

This home style is named for Queen Victoria first appeared in the 1800s and remained popular through the next century. 

Ornate, these homes typically have small towers, steep gable roofs and bay windows. These homes often have bright colors with different aesthetics developed over time. 

Italianate 

These homes take inspiration from medieval Italy. Though its popularity peaked in the 1800s, you can still find many of these homes along the east coast. 

Asymmetry is the key to this design, as are belvederes, narrow windows and cast iron decor. 

Shotgun 

A staple of the southwest, shotgun-style homes are narrow with interiors lined up in a straight line. The living room is at the front of the house while the kitchen is at the back. 

There are no hallways, with rooms seamlessly transitioning from one to another. They often have a small front porch with at least one window next to the door. 

Knowing Your Home Style

Your home’s style is an integral part of it and influences your design and selling opportunities. It can give your more appreciation for the home you live in, knowing the purpose and history behind the style. 

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