If you’re planning to build a new home, you might be wondering what style is most popular. The truth is that the answer depends on where you live and what type of house you want. But if we were going to give it a general answer—and forgive us for being so specific—we would say that Americans are crazy about classical styles like Georgian Colonial, Greek Revival and Federal Style homes. In fact, these three types account for more than 50% of all new single-family homes built in the last decade! So let’s take a look at each one in more detail:
The Georgian Colonial
The Georgian Colonial style house is one of the most popular house styles in America. The Georgian Colonial style was first developed in England during the 1730s and 1740s, and it came to America with colonists who wanted to recreate their homes overseas.
The architecture of a Georgian Colonial House features a symmetrical façade with a central doorway, gabled rooflines (angled rooflines), regularly spaced windows and decorative trim around doors and windows.
The Greek Revival
The Greek Revival style is characterized by a low-pitched roof with a central gable, symmetrical façade, and rectangular windows. The style was popular in the 19th century and was based on the architecture of Ancient Greece.
The popularity of Greek Revival homes has declined since its heyday in the 1800s but it remains one of America’s most popular house styles today–particularly in areas such as New England where there are many examples from this era still standing.
The Federal Style
The Federal style is characterized by symmetry, rectangular shape and steep roofs. The front of the house features a large porch with columns and often a fanlight above the door.
The Queen Anne
The Queen Anne style is a Victorian style in the United States. Characterized by its asymmetrical massing and roofline, it’s named after Queen Anne of Great Britain and was popular from 1880 to 1910.
The Bungalow
The bungalow is characterized by low-pitched roofs, a front porch and an open floor plan. The style was popular during the early 1900s, when it was seen as a more affordable alternative to larger homes. Bungalows often have Craftsman elements such as exposed rafters or beams, wide eaves with brackets (or other decorative woodwork), corbels and decorative brickwork.
The Craftsman/Bungalow Hybrid
The Craftsman/Bungalow hybrid is a style that combines two very different concepts. The Craftsman style, which originated in California during the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century, focuses on simple design elements such as woodwork, natural materials and geometric patterns. The Bungalow style was popularized by Queen Anne Victorians but became its own genre after World War I when Americans wanted smaller homes with more functional floor plans than those found in larger Victorian homes.
The combination of these two styles created a unique look that remains popular today–and it’s often called “Craftsman Bungalows” because they share so many features!
There are lots of ways to build a home.
- There are lots of ways to build a home.
- Each style has its own pros and cons.
- Each style has its own history/origin.
- Each style has its own aesthetic appeal.
The most popular house styles in America are a reflection of our country’s history and culture. They shape us as a nation, and we hope this article gives you some insight into how each style developed as well as some ideas about how you might incorporate them into your own home building project!
