HOME ARCHITECTURE IN THE USA: CURRENT TRENDS

 HOME ARCHITECTURE IN THE USA: CURRENT TRENDS

Like everywhere else in the world, the United States has its own architectural characteristics. Whether you're looking for real estate as an investment or considering moving overseas, Invest in the US offers an overview of current trends in home architecture.

From traditional to more contemporary styles, which one do you like the most?

Classic single-story house

What is known in the United States as a 'bungalow' is a house style that emerged from the Arts and Crafts movement of the early 1900s. This movement opposed industrial production and extravagance, emphasizing handcrafted elements and natural materials. This single-story house features wood, stone, and brick. Bungalows are typically distinguished by columned front porches, low-pitched roofs, and sash windows with divided panes in the upper sash and a large pane in the lower sash.

Cape Cod houses

Cape Cod houses were originally built by English settlers in the 17th century . They experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 1940s. They are recognizable by their steep roofs, central chimneys, siding, and symmetrical windows around the main entrance.

Ranch style: a popular style of house architecture in the USA

From the 1940s to the 1980s, ranch-style homes were the choice of many homeowners building their properties in the southern and western United States. This led to a growing popularity for open, single-story plans, attached front garages, sliding glass doors, and low roofs.

Contemporary style

Recently built, contemporary-style homes incorporate many architectural influences. Contemporary home architecture in the US follows key guiding principles, including sustainability, energy efficiency, open floor plans, and abundant natural light.

Queen Anne style dwellings

Originating from the Victorian era, this style of American house architecture spread across the country after the Civil War. Homeowners favored them for their vibrant colors and asymmetrical shapes. These homes were distinguished by varied rooflines, turrets, spindles, and prominent front porches.

Neocolonial-style houses

Imitating the simple residences of early American settlers, Colonial Revival houses gained popularity after the 1876 World's Columbian Exposition. It was during this period that a sense of national pride permeated homes and influenced American home architecture. These houses are characterized by symmetrical shapes. They are two stories high and constructed of brick. They often feature a large entrance, dormers, and regularly spaced shuttered windows.

Tudor Revival Style Houses

Tudor Revival architecture is easily recognizable: a timber-framed structure and steeply pitched roofs. Loosely modeled on English Tudor dwellings, this style of American house architecture spread widely throughout the Northeast and Midwest in the 1920s.

Townhouses

Townhouses are multi-story dwellings. They are built side by side, sharing walls. Both practical and space-saving, these urban houses became popular in the early 19th century . They are still widespread, especially in large cities.

Prairie Style Architecture

Most often associated with architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright, Prairie Style houses are low-rise, relying on horizontal lines to distance themselves from European influences. These dwellings blend naturally into the landscapes of the American Midwest.

Mid-Century Modern Homes

The avant-garde spirit of the 1940s and 1950s has left its mark! Mid-century modern remains one of the most famous architectural styles today. This type of home architecture in the USA emphasizes open spaces, large bay windows, geometric lines, and the integration of nature.

Neoclassical style houses

What we might call "Neoclassical style homes" think big! From the entrance, the full-height columned porches set the tone. These are the elements that quickly identify this type of architecture. This style was very popular in the United States until the late 1800s. It reflects the classical ideals of beauty found in Greek and Roman architecture.

Mediterranean style house

Mediterranean-style homes originated in Spain, Italy, and Portugal. With their red-tiled roofs, stucco exterior walls, and elaborate arches, they were a popular choice in the 1960s, particularly in warmer parts of the country, including Florida and California.