Common Home Architecture Styles, With Images

Naming things helps us understand and keep track of them, so it's fairly common of real estate agents to ask their clients what "styles" they prefer. If you've ever wondered what your favorite homes are called, read on for some great information.

You have probably heard of a Tudor or Victorian style home, but maybe never knew how to identify one on sight. This guide to iconic home styles shows how houses built in North America were influenced by dwellings in England, Italy, and France.

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Tudor 1465-1600's

Tudor-style homes, originating in England during the late 15th to early 17th centuries, are known for their distinctive medieval charm and craftsmanship. This architectural style is characterized by steeply pitched gable roofs, exposed wooden beams, and ornate brickwork or stucco exteriors. Tudor homes often feature tall, narrow windows with leaded glass, and decorative half-timbering that creates a picturesque, storybook appearance. To identify a Tudor-style home, look for these hallmark elements: steep rooflines, a mix of materials like stone and brick, and an asymmetrical facade with prominent chimneys. These features reflect the Tudor style's blend of rustic elegance and traditional craftsmanship.

Cape Cod 1600's; revived in 1930's

Cape Cod-style homes originated in colonial New England in the early 17th century and are inspired by the simple, practical designs of early settlers. These homes are known for their symmetrical, rectangular shapes and steeply pitched gable roofs, which help shed snow and withstand harsh winters. Characteristic features include dormer windows, centrally placed front doors, and evenly spaced, multi-paned windows that enhance natural light. The exterior is typically clad in wood siding, often painted in muted, coastal colors. To identify a Cape Cod-style home, look for its low, horizontal profile, classic roofline, and understated, functional design that emphasizes durability and simplicity.

Georgian 1700-1830

Georgian-style homes emerged during the reigns of the British monarchs George I through George IV, from the early 18th to early 19th centuries. This architectural style reflects the elegance and symmetry of the period, characterized by its balanced proportions and formal detailing. Identifiable features include a symmetrical facade with evenly spaced windows, often featuring multi-pane glazing; a central, prominent front door flanked by columns or pilasters; and a decorative crown or pediment above the door. The exterior is typically made of brick or stone, with a minimalistic approach to ornamentation. Georgian homes also frequently have a hipped or gabled roof and classical elements such as cornices and molding, which contribute to their timeless, stately appearance.

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Greek Revival 1825-1860

Greek Revival-style homes, popular in the United States from the early to mid-19th century, are inspired by the architecture of ancient Greece and reflect the era's fascination with classical ideals. This style is characterized by its grandeur and symmetry, featuring prominent elements such as tall, rectangular columns reminiscent of Greek temples, and pediments above doors and windows. The facades are often adorned with elaborate entablatures and cornices, and the homes typically have a central, porticoed entrance that commands attention. Greek Revival homes often use materials like wood or brick painted to resemble stone, and the interiors frequently showcase high ceilings and detailed moldings. To identify a Greek Revival-style home, look for its classical columns, symmetrical design, and grand, temple-like presence.

Colonial 1600's - 1900

Colonial-style homes, which draw inspiration from the architecture of early American settlers, span several regional variations, including Dutch, Spanish, and English Colonial styles. Emerging in the 17th and 18th centuries, Colonial homes are known for their symmetry, simplicity, and functional design. Key features include a rectangular or square footprint with a central front door, evenly spaced windows, and a steeply pitched roof. The exterior often features clapboard or brick siding, with a modest, unadorned appearance. Colonial-style homes also typically have a symmetrical facade with evenly spaced windows and a central entryway, complemented by classic details like dormer windows and straightforward, utilitarian design.

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Gothic Revival (Victorian) 1830 - 1900

Gothic Revival-style homes, popular in the mid-19th century, are inspired by medieval Gothic architecture and are known for their dramatic and ornate features. This style emphasizes verticality and intricate detailing, with key elements including steeply pitched roofs, pointed arch windows, and elaborate wooden trim or bargeboards. Gothic Revival homes often showcase decorative motifs such as finials, trefoils, and quatrefoils, as well as tall, narrow windows with multi-pane glazing or stained glass. The facade may be characterized by its asymmetry, with prominent, crenellated towers or spires adding to the dramatic effect. To identify a Gothic Revival-style home, look for its vertical lines, intricate woodwork, and medieval-inspired detailing that give the structure a distinctive, romantic appearance.

Italianate (Victorian) 1840 - 1900

Italianate-style homes, popular in the United States from the mid-19th century, draw inspiration from the romanticized architecture of Italy’s Renaissance and medieval periods. This style is characterized by its elegant and elaborate detailing. Key features include low-pitched or flat roofs with overhanging eaves supported by decorative brackets or corbels, tall, narrow windows often with arched or curved tops, and ornamental moldings. Italianate homes frequently have a symmetrical, boxy facade, and may include a prominent central tower or cupola. The exterior is often clad in stucco or brick, and the design frequently incorporates intricate, classical details like decorative window surrounds and patterned cornices. To identify an Italianate-style home, look for its rich ornamentation, expressive eaves, and tall, narrow proportions that evoke a sophisticated, Italianate elegance.

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Stick-Eastlake (Victorian) 1840 - 1900

Stick-Eastlake style homes, emerging in the late 19th century, are known for their intricate and elaborate woodwork that blends elements of the Stick and Eastlake movements within the broader Victorian era. This style is characterized by its exposed wooden framing that creates a "stick" appearance on the facade, often with vertical and horizontal wooden elements that resemble half-timbering. Additionally, Stick-Eastlake homes feature decorative, geometric patterns and intricate carvings on porch columns, brackets, and trim, reflecting the Eastlake movement's emphasis on craftsmanship and ornamentation. Rooflines are typically steeply pitched with gables, and the homes often include expansive porches and bay windows. To identify a Stick-Eastlake-style home, look for its distinctive wooden detailing, decorative patterns, and prominent, ornate features that highlight the craftsmanship of the period.

Second Empire (Victorian) 1840 - 1900

Second Empire-style homes, popular in the United States during the late 19th century, are distinguished by their distinctive and dramatic architectural elements. This style is characterized by its mansard roof, which features a steep, double-pitched design that often includes dormer windows. The facade typically includes symmetrical arrangements with ornate detailing, such as decorative cornices, brackets, and moldings. Second Empire homes frequently have a prominent central tower or cupola, adding to their grandeur. The exterior is often adorned with elaborate woodwork or brickwork, and the design emphasizes vertical lines and elaborate ornamentation. To identify a Second Empire-style home, look for its characteristic mansard roof, elaborate decorative details, and imposing, formal presence.

Queen Anne (Victorian) 1870 - 1910

Queen Anne-style homes, popular in the United States from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, are known for their eclectic and ornate design, which celebrates complexity and decorative craftsmanship. This style features asymmetrical facades, a mix of textures and materials such as patterned shingles, clapboard, and brick, and a variety of intricate detailing. Key elements include a steep, multi-gabled roof, a prominent front porch with decorative spindle work, and an array of windows including bay, turret, or oriel types. Queen Anne homes often display elaborate, ornate trim, including turned spindles, scalloped shingles, and intricate woodwork. To identify a Queen Anne-style home, look for its whimsical, irregular shape, rich textural contrasts, and elaborate decorative elements that create a visually dynamic and character-filled appearance.

Shingle Style 1870 - 1920

Shingle-style homes, popular from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, are characterized by their seamless, flowing design and use of natural materials. This style emphasizes the integration of the building with its surroundings, featuring a distinctive, continuous expanse of shingles that cover both the walls and roofs, creating a cohesive, textured look. Shingle-style homes often have irregular, asymmetrical shapes with multiple gables, wide eaves, and open floor plans that flow naturally. Key elements include large, expansive porches, extensive use of natural wood, and a blend of traditional and innovative design features. To identify a Shingle-style home, look for its extensive shingle cladding, complex rooflines, and emphasis on blending with the landscape in a manner that feels both casual and elegant.

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Dutch Colonial 1890 - 1930

Dutch Colonial-style homes, inspired by early Dutch settlers in America, are known for their distinctive and charming architectural features. Characterized by a gambrel roof with flared eaves, this style creates a symmetrical and spacious appearance. The homes often have a central, front-facing gable and dormer windows that enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Exteriors are typically clad in brick or wood siding, sometimes painted in muted tones, and may include decorative shutters. A hallmark of Dutch Colonial design is the use of a large, central chimney and a welcoming, practical front entry. To identify a Dutch Colonial-style home, look for its distinctive gambrel roof, symmetrical facade, and prominent, functional design elements that reflect its historic origins.

Neo-Classical 1890 - 1960

Neo-Classical-style homes, popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, are characterized by their revival of classical Greek and Roman architectural principles. This style emphasizes symmetry, grandeur, and elegance, featuring elements such as tall columns or pilasters, a prominent central entry, and a meticulously balanced facade. Neo-Classical homes often have a rectangular or square shape with a pedimented roof or a decorative cornice. The exteriors are frequently finished in stucco, brick, or stone, and may include elaborate entablatures and window surrounds. To identify a Neo-Classical-style home, look for its classical columns, symmetrical design, and formal, stately appearance that reflects its inspiration from ancient architectural traditions.

Craftsman 1900 - 1940; making a comeback today

Craftsman-style homes, emerging in the early 20th century, are celebrated for their emphasis on handcrafted details and natural materials. This style features low-pitched gable roofs with wide overhanging eaves and exposed rafters. The exterior often includes extensive use of wood, such as decorative brackets and intricate joinery, along with built-in features like benches and bookcases. Craftsman homes typically have a strong horizontal orientation, with a prominent front porch supported by thick, tapered columns and a combination of stone or brick piers. The interiors highlight quality craftsmanship with detailed woodwork, such as wainscoting and built-in cabinetry. To identify a Craftsman-style home, look for its distinctive low rooflines, exposed structural elements, and rich, handcrafted details that emphasize both function and artistry.

Cottage Style 1910 - 1950

Cottage-style homes, often associated with a quaint and cozy aesthetic, draw inspiration from traditional English and rural architecture. Emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this style emphasizes charm and simplicity. Key features include a steeply pitched roof, often with dormer windows, and an irregular, asymmetrical facade that creates a picturesque, storybook quality. Cottages typically have a front porch or veranda, embellished with rustic details like wooden railings or stone piers. The exterior is commonly clad in materials such as stucco, stone, or weathered wood, and may feature decorative elements like exposed rafters and leaded glass windows. To identify a cottage-style home, look for its cozy, charming appearance with a focus on rustic materials and an inviting, informal design that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings.

French Colonial 1920's; revived in the 1960's

French Colonial-style homes, rooted in the early French settlements in North America, are known for their elegant, yet functional design that adapts to various climates. This style features a distinctive symmetry with a central, front-facing facade and a broad, hipped roof that often extends over wide verandas or galleries. The exterior is typically clad in stucco or brick, and the homes often include large, arched windows and doors with decorative shutters. Prominent features also include a central, grand entrance with a gabled portico and a deep, shaded porch that reflects the French Colonial emphasis on outdoor living and climate adaptation. To identify a French Colonial-style home, look for its symmetrical, formal appearance, broad roofline, and generous use of shaded outdoor spaces that combine elegance with practicality.

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Mediterranean Style 1920 - 1940

Mediterranean-style homes, inspired by the architecture of southern Europe, particularly Spain, Italy, and Greece, are known for their warm, inviting aesthetic and integration with the natural landscape. This style typically features a low-pitched, red-tiled roof, stucco exterior walls, and arched doorways and windows that enhance the home's classic, timeless appeal. Key elements include wrought-iron details, such as railings and light fixtures, along with exposed wooden beams and spacious, covered courtyards or verandas that blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. Mediterranean homes often have a central courtyard with a garden or fountain, and are designed to maximize natural light and airflow. To identify a Mediterranean-style home, look for its distinctive tile roofing, stucco facade, and elegant arches, which create a relaxed and charming atmosphere reflective of the Mediterranean region’s heritage.

Mid-Century Modern 1940 - 1990

Mid-Century Modern architecture, popular from the 1940s to the 1960s, is celebrated for its clean lines, functional design, and seamless integration with nature. Characterized by flat or gently sloping roofs, large expanses of glass, and open floor plans, this style emphasizes simplicity and the use of natural materials. Key features include large windows that blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, open living spaces with minimalistic décor, and the use of materials such as wood, steel, and concrete. The design often incorporates elements like cantilevered roofs and exposed structural elements to highlight its modernist principles. To identify Mid-Century Modern architecture, look for its emphasis on clean lines, large windows, and an open, airy interior that connects harmoniously with its surrounding environment.

Traditional Ranch dates back to 1920's; became popular during 1950's, 60's, and 70's

Traditional Ranch architecture, which became popular in the United States from the 1920s through the 1970s, is known for its straightforward, functional design and single-story layout. This style is characterized by long, low-profile buildings with a simple, horizontal silhouette. Key features include a low-pitched roof with overhanging eaves, large windows for ample natural light, and an open floor plan that promotes a sense of spaciousness. Exteriors often feature materials like brick, wood siding, or stucco, with simple, unadorned detailing. Traditional Ranch homes also frequently have a prominent central entrance, sometimes flanked by symmetrical windows. To identify a Traditional Ranch-style home, look for its elongated, one-story design, emphasis on horizontal lines, and integration with the surrounding landscape, reflecting a focus on ease of living and simplicity.

Contemporary Style 1950 - today

Contemporary architecture, reflecting current design trends, is characterized by its emphasis on innovation, clean lines, and the use of modern materials. This style often features open floor plans with flexible, multifunctional spaces that prioritize natural light and a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor areas. Key elements include large windows or glass walls, flat or gently sloping roofs, and the use of materials such as concrete, steel, and glass. Contemporary homes frequently incorporate sustainable design practices, such as energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials. Additionally, the design often embraces minimalist aesthetics, with uncluttered spaces and a focus on functionality. To identify contemporary architecture, look for its bold, geometric forms, extensive glazing, and integration with the environment, emphasizing a modern, innovative approach to design.

Many dwellings do not fit these categories neatly, but knowing the parts can help you piece together a whole picture! I can help narrow your search down....start here!

Check out this poster from Pop Chart for even more details (click to expand):

*portions of this are from this post.