Home Builder: Choosing an Exterior Style

Choosing an exterior style for your home can be difficult. There are many options to discuss with your home builder, including:

Colonial

Popularized in the 1600s, there has been plenty of time for this style to give way to variations. However, symmetry, shuttered windows, dormers, columns and chimneys are common features. 

Contemporary

Contemporary styles refer to today’s building styles, which can vary in design and appearance. They tend to emphasize energy efficiency, sustainability, natural light and the use of recycled non-toxic materials.

Cottage

Originating with European peasant farmers in the Middle Ages, this type of home typically refers to homes made of stone or wood siding. They generally feature a curved entryway, gravel or brick front walkway and brighter exterior colors. Beautiful flowers are another common addition. 

Farmhouse

Not necessarily referring to a style, Farmhouses are all about location and function (hence the large porches). Originally built on rural land with an emphasis on an agrarian lifestyle, these homes were modeled after popular architectural styles of the time they were built, like Victorian and Colonial.

Greek Revival

Between 1825 and 1860, Americans, newly intrigued by Greek democracy, started building homes with pedimented gable ends, portico or full-width porches with classical columns and windows with pediments. Of course, white is not uncommon. This style is commonly found on large estates and historic plantations. 

Mediterranean

Influenced by the Mediterranean, this style was popular in the United States from 1918 to 1940. Modeled after the hacienda-style of Spanish homes, these homes feature red-tile roofs, arches, porticos, balconies and ornamental details like a heavy wooden door or multicolored tiles.

Mid-Century Modern

This style of architecture flourished from 1945 to the 1980s. It is characterized by right angles, large glass windows and open space. The introduction of new materials like steel and plywood played a major role in its simplistic design and integration of nature.

Ranch

Brought on by the invention of the car and the prospect of being able to build houses farther apart and on larger plots of land, Ranch-style homes usually feature a sprawling, single story, a front-facing garage, low-pitched roofs, and wide, asymmetrical facades. These homes were popular from the 1930s to 1960s.

Spanish Colonial Revival

Popularized around 1915 to 1940, these homes feature low-pitched red-tile roofs, arched windows and doors, a shared parapet, asymmetrical facades and stucco exteriors, not much unlike the Ranch-style, one of its architectural byproducts. 

Tudor

One of the most recognizable home styles, the Tudor originated in England. Known for its steeply pitched roofs and decorative half-timber framing, these homes were mainly built in established neighborhoods during the first half of the 20th century. You can find these homes commonly in the Midwest and along the East coast in rainy and snowy climates. - New Home Source

Need to speak with a new house builder? Please do not hesitate to contact us at Landon Homes, (904)567-3430!