You hear these terms often: “Country Style” or “Mediterranean Style.” But what you probably don’t know is how they came to be and why houses are categorized this way.
Today, we look at these popular home styles in America and what makes them distinct from each other:
Craftsman Style
Craftsman is described as reminiscent of the early 20th century arts and crafts movement. As a reaction to the Industrial Revolution, this movement guided artists and designs to beautifully and uniquely crafted arts in an era where most commodities were being mass-produced.
This style is built into bungalows and features exteriors that are a combination of stone and wood, emphasizing a connection with nature and the art of construction.
Cottage Style
You may or may not have heard of cottagecore, an online aesthetic movement that emerged in the better part of 2019. This form of escapism celebrates or even romanticizes the farm lifestyle. That includes elements like small cottages or bungalows that allude to the 1920s.
A typical cottage would have a wide front porch and an attic, and the interior would have built-in components like display cases, dining booths, or window seats. Reminiscent of the craftsman style, the cottage has simpler and inexpensive details, with painted woodwork.
Country Style
Country style is believed to be a revamp of the equally popular colonial style, which, as the name suggests, is inspired by European home styles that the colonists brought with them.
Their most recognizable features are the two windows on either side of the front door and five windows on top, with the middle window directly above the door.
These homes are built for owners who want something homey and inviting, with shutters, wide porches, comfortable dining room tables, dormers, and wood detailing.
Traditional Style
The traditional style shares many distinct similarities with country style, both in features and purpose. Unlike country style, however, which focuses more on aesthetic appeal, Traditional homes have details that are more historically accurate.
European Style
The objective of European style houses is to recreate houses typically seen in Italy, France, and England. These homes want to have that old, rustic appeal but, at the same time, evoke durability.
Their distinctive interior features include plaster walls, marble or stone floors, and grand fireplaces, while their exteriors include intricate rooflines, stone, and copper roof elements.
Ranch Style
Ranch houses initially referred to those built-in ranches, but today, the term means any single-story house.
Although Ranch Style evokes the West and Southwest vibe, they can be found all over the US. In the 1950s and 60s, Ranch Style became the modern house.
Modern Style
Modern Style homes are houses with flat or low slope roofs, horizontal windows, and large yet simplistic fireplaces. These houses focus on the horizontal appearance and clean lines of the landscape and automobile culture.
Mediterranean Style
Like the European houses, Mediterranean homes are inspired by styles found Italy, France, and southern Spain, but with more emphasis on patios, courtyards and verandas. These homes have exterior plaster walls and tiled low-slope roofs.
Now that you have a general understanding of the different home concepts, it’s easier to appreciate what they represent. Sometimes it’s not just about the visuals or the form; it’s also about the movement and meaning. Which one is your favorite?
