9 Architectural styles to choose from when designing your new home

Published On: September 9, 20210 Comments on 9 Architectural styles to choose from when designing your new homeTags: Last Updated: February 4, 20244.5 min read

When it comes to deciding what type of architecture style you want for your new home, the possibilities are endless. There are so many different types of house architecture styles that you could choose from – it can be difficult to make a decision. The best way is to start by narrowing down which architectural style appeals most to you and then find out more about it!

9 Architectural styles to choose from when designing your new home

This blog post will talk briefly about 11 different styles,  and hopefully will help narrow things down when picking your perfect architectural style!

1) Italian Renaissance

This style is typically known for grand palaces and castles. The buildings are symmetrical, tall towers with large arched windows, an exterior made of stone or brick, and a tiled roof.

2) English Tudor

This architectural style includes half timbering (planking that has been cut to form decorative patterns) which is used for the exterior of homes. The roofs are steeply pitched, and this style is known to have large chimneys on each side of a house’s roof line.

3) Mediterranean

This architectural style features flat or low sloping tiled roofs with wide overhanging eaves that offer protection from direct sunlight. It has windows arranged symmetrically and has an exterior made of stucco or stone.

4) French Country

The homes in this architectural style have a low roof line, with big dormer windows that are typically arched at the top. Usually there is a balcony on the outside to situate yourself and enjoy your surroundings! This type of architecture also features shutters that are typically painted in bright colors.

5) Spanish

This type of architecture is known for its clay roof tiles, ornate iron grates on windows and balconies that allow you to enjoy the outdoors while taking in some sun! The exterior walls are often stucco (a mixture of sand/lime/cement) which creates a smooth surface.

6) Mediterranean Revival

This type of architecture is typically a low, flat roof with wide overhanging eaves and arched windows/doors. The exterior walls are generally stucco made from sand, lime, cement and pigments that gives it its smooth look. There should be no sharp angles because the design used for this style typically includes curved lines.

7) Modern

This type of architecture is a bit different from the rest because it focuses on simplicity and cleanliness. It’s known for its use of steel or concrete, large windows that allow natural light to come in, open floor plans with very little walls separating rooms together and flat roofs without eaves/awnings.

8) Mediterranean Revival

This type of architecture is typically a low, flat roof with wide overhanging eaves and arched windows/doors. The exterior walls are generally stucco made from sand, lime, cement and pigments that gives it its smooth look. There should be no sharp angles because the design used for this style typically includes curved lines.

9) Spanish Colonial Revival

This style is known for its clay roof tiles, ornate iron grates on windows and balconies that allow you to enjoy the outdoors while taking in some sun! The exterior walls are often stucco (a mixture of sand/lime/cement) which creates a smooth surface. There should be no sharp angles because the design used for this style typically includes curved lines.

9 Architectural styles to choose from when designing your new home - brick house

How to choose an architectural style for your new home

After reading about all of these different styles, you might be wondering which architectural style is right for your new home!  It all comes down  to personal preference, but here are some things to consider when making your decision.

What does the exterior of the home look like?

Do you want a home that is made from stone or brick, or maybe something else entirely? What about stucco for an exterior wall finish – do you find this appealing? The best way to find out what you’re drawn to is by visiting homes that are built in your favorite style.

Take a look at the furniture inside of each home – does it match?

Does this architectural style have room for appliances, or will these need to be moved outside of the kitchen area entirely if they don’t fit within an existing cabinet space? Let’s not forget the cabinets themselves – do you like the style of these? Can they be painted or stained a different color to match your home’s exterior if needed?

What about windows and doors?

Exterior window shutters can add a pop of color, but don’t necessarily need to go along with an architectural style. What about interior windows – are these large enough to let in plenty of natural light? Do you have the option to add a skylight that helps increase this amount if needed? What about your windows being low-E or double pane for energy efficiency purposes, does this fit with an exterior style you might be interested in looking at further?

Final Notes

In conclusion , it’s important to choose an exterior style that you find appealing, but don’t feel limited by the styles listed here! If none of them are quite what you’re looking for, look into custom home designs. These have a much higher price tag than traditional homes because they require more time and labor from both the designer and builder – but can also be the perfect blend of your dream home and exterior style.


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