If you didn’t have to worry about a downpayment or mortgage and just had to pay for WiFi, what type of home would you choose? And where would you want to live if you could move anywhere?
People are often curious about how others like to live and what style of home appeals to them. The beautiful neighborhoods of Southern California are a great example of the many gorgeous visuals that can inspire people’s home preferences.
Types of Dwelling
- Ranch- Ranch style of home, known as one-story or ramblers, gained popularity in the mid-20th century. Simply, they offer a spacious, open layout with a single level promoting easy accessibility. Ranch homes often feature large windows and sliding glass doors, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Cottage – Cottage-style homes have a charming, cozy feel inspired by small country or coastal cottages. They often have features like steep roofs, windows in the attic space, and inviting front porches. Inside, cottage homes aim for a warm, welcoming atmosphere with intimate, comfortable spaces. The architecture also typically uses natural materials like wood and stone, which adds to the rustic, charming appeal.
- Eichler – Eichler homes, designed by architect Joseph Eichler in the mid-1900s, have a distinctive mid-century modern style. These homes are known for emphasizing the outdoors, with features like big windows, open floor plans, and central atrium-like spaces. Eichler homes also often use post-and-beam construction, flat or low-sloping roofs, and clean lines, creating a sense of openness and simplicity.
Style of Home Choices
- Spanish – Spanish-style homes are inspired by Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial architecture. They are known for features like stucco exteriors, red tile roofs, and arched entryways. Spanish homes also often include ornate details such as wrought iron accents, colorful tiles, and exposed wooden beams. The overall design reflects an Old World, rustic elegance that creates a warm, inviting feel.
- Bungalow – Bungalow-style homes, from the late 1800s and early 1900s, have a cozy, compact design. They are usually one or one-and-a-half stories tall, with a prominent front porch and low-pitched roofs. Bungalows often feature handcrafted details like exposed rafters, decorative brackets, and inviting front porches. This gives them a strong sense of simplicity and craftsmanship.
- Tudor – Tudor-style homes, inspired by medieval English architecture, are known for their distinctive half-timbered exteriors, steeply pitched roofs, and decorative masonry. These homes often feature charming details like diamond-shaped window panes, elaborate chimneys, and turrets. Inside, Tudor homes showcase rich woodwork, coffered ceilings, and grand fireplaces, creating an atmosphere of elegance and tradition.
- Victorian -Victorian-style homes, from the Victorian era during Queen Victoria’s reign, have elaborate, ornate designs. These homes have intricate details, asymmetrical fronts, and colorful exteriors. Victorian architecture includes sub-styles like Queen Anne, Italianate, and Gothic Revival. Victorian homes also often have high ceilings, decorative moldings, stained glass windows, and multiple rooms, giving them a grand, luxurious feel.
- Craftsman – Craftsman-style homes, from the early 1900s, focus on simplicity, natural materials, and fine craftsmanship. These homes typically have low-pitched roofs, overhanging eaves, and exposed wooden structural elements. Craftsman homes showcase handcrafted details like built-in cabinets, decorative woodwork, and cozy fireplaces. The interior layout is open and flowing, emphasizing functional spaces and natural light.
Old Style of Home Design
- Split-level -Split-level homes, popular in the mid-1900s, have multiple staggered levels that separate living areas while keeping an open feel. These homes provide distinct zones for living, sleeping, and entertaining. The split-level design allows for flexible floor plans and often includes features like big windows, attached garages, and sliding glass doors.
- A-Frame -A-Frame homes, popular in the mid-1900s, have a distinctive triangular “A” shape, with steeply sloping roofs and prominent gables. These homes often feature large windows to let in plenty of natural light and offer nice views. The unique A-Frame design combines modern aesthetics with a cozy, comfortable feel.
Turning a house into a home takes skill and creativity. But it can be hard to know how to match your personality to a home’s architectural style. We have some questions that might help you discover how your home style reveals parts of your personality. Are you ready to get started?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular style of home to consider?
Popular home styles include Colonial, Craftsman, Modern, Ranch, and Victorian. Colonial homes are known for their symmetrical facades and classic details, while Craftsman homes feature natural materials and built-in elements.
How do I choose the right home style for my lifestyle?
Choosing the right home style depends on your lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences. Consider factors like the size of your family, your need for space and storage, your aesthetic preferences, and maintenance requirements.
What Style of Home is the Best for Energy Efficiency?
Modern and Contemporary style of home often incorporate energy-efficient features, such as large windows for natural lighting, sustainable materials, and advanced insulation. Ranch-style homes can also be energy-efficient due to their compact shape, which minimizes energy loss.
Which Style of Home Offers the Best Resale Value?
Craftsman, Colonial, and Modern homes generally hold good resale value due to their timeless appeal and popular design features. Craftsman homes are especially valued for their quality construction and unique details, while Modern homes attract buyers looking for updated, open floor plans.
Are there specific style of home that are more maintenance-friendly?
Ranch and Modern style of home are typically easier to maintain due to their simple designs and straightforward layouts. Ranch homes, being single-story, are easier to clean and repair. Modern homes often use durable, low-maintenance materials like concrete, metal, and glass, which can reduce the time and cost of upkeep.