15 Most popular home architectural styles
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Miesian Modern: Pioneered by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (most often referred to as "Mies") the Miesian home style usually features a steel structure supporting the roof. This strong central framework allows for sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows and doors. This blurring of the lines between inside and out is a hallmark of this home style. Learn more: https://www.andersenwindows.com/home-styles/miesian-modern/

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International Modern: The French/Swiss architect Le Corbusier is closely associated with this home style, direven by his belief that function outweighed style. He stripped much of the ornamentation associated with French Provinicial away leaving precise, machine-like forms he called "machines a habiter" which translated to "machines for living."

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Industrial Modern is similar to the early Industrial style but its use of varied materials to add texture elevates it to its own category. By using a variety of elements you might find in a factory, such as corrugated metal, concrete and exposed wood, this look has become increasingly popular in urban settings. Learn more: https://www.andersenwindows.com/home-styles/industrial-modern/

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The Craftsman Bungalow home is one of the most common house styles that emerged from the Arts & Crafts movement of the early 20th century. Shallow pitched roofs, exposed rafter tails and a mixture of materials like brick, shingles and siding are all telltale characteristics. This example is a 1-1/2 story bungalow variation that first appeared in the early 1900s and remains popular today. Learn more https://www.andersenwindows.com/home-styles/craftsman-bungalow/

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American Farmhouse: First emerging in the Midwest in the mid-1800s, the American Farmhouse style ranges from small, simple structures to more elaborate homes bordering on Victorian. This American Farmhouse is a modern interpretation of this classic home style. Learn more https://www.andersenwindows.com/home-styles/american-farmhouse/

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Cape Cod: Although it has English roots, the Cape Cod style home is distinctly American. It evolved in New England from Colonial style houses in the early 1700s, primarily in response to the availability of materials and the area's harsh, stormy climate. This Cape Cod continues this early tradition of being simple and modest.

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The closely related Georgian and Federal styles have lent a great deal to the history of American housing. Georgian style, named for King George III, became popular in New England in the late 1700s. It was at the beginning of a period of increasing wealth for the colonists and their homes became bigger and more comfortable. By the late 1700s, the Georgian style became more refined and evolved into the Federal style. This version is inspired by the early Federal period with a decorative entranceway and elliptical transoms. Learn more: https://www.andersenwindows.com/home-styles/georgian-federal/

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The French Eclectic style is not just one style, but rather a range of styles inspired by French architecture. Brought back to America by World War I soldiers returning home, it evolved into a very Americanized interpretation of the character and charm of the French countryside. https://www.andersenwindows.com/home-styles/french-eclectic/

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Mission Revival: Inspired by Spanish mission churches built in the early 1600s, Mission Revival style architecture first appeared in California around 1885. It quickly spread around the American Southwest with railroad travelers. It was a splash of boldness with its large arched openings and whitewashed stucco walls. Quite the contrast to the home styles that had migrated west for the Gold Rush.

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The Prairie home style is one of the first architectural styles to originate in the United States. Popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School Designs, Prairie homes embrace the belief that a building should appear to grow organically from its site. It uses long horizontal bands of windows and trim to evoke the prairie landscape.

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From 1880 to 1910, the Queen Anne style so completely dominated Victorian residential architecture that it has become synonymous with the word "Victorian" for many people. Queen Anne style homes represent an exuberant collection of eclectic details. Gables, bay windows, towers and various textures all come together in unexpected ways to create harmony.

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Ranch Style: Popular after World War II, Ranch style homes are typically long, narrow, one story structures that spread out across their lots. Made possible by the availability of land and its simplified construction, the style quickly spread. The Ranch home easily accepts elements from other home styles which adds to its popularity.

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The Shingle home style is distinctly American and traces its beginnings to the late 19th century. It's a reflection of the desire to move away from the more ornate Victorian style that had previously become widespread. Exteriors were characterized by a more natural, casual style that steered away from classical details. Interiors were influenced by the Arts & Crafts movement.

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Spanish Colonial Revival is an expression of the architecture brought with the Spanish when they explored the Americas. In 1915 the Panama-California Exposition in San Diego featured several exhibit halls built in this style, which sparked its popularity. Originally found in Florida and California, it quickly spread around the United States.

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Tudor style homes are based loosely on early English building traditions and emerged in the United States around 1890. The most distinctive features include exposed timbers interspersed with stucco. Details were often borrowed from Renaissance, Prairie and Craftsman styles.

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This selection of key architectural styles was put together by Andersen windows and doors, whose millwork touches are tailored to match the designs. Here are the names and distinguishing features for the eight most important residential home styles - to help in matching mouldings, millwork, and cabinetry designs. 

See details at Andersen Windows Home Style website

 

 

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About the author
Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.