Image: American House
Is there such a thing as an 'American house design?' Absolutely! American house designs are as diverse and inspiring as the people who inhabit them. The architectural style in America reflects the country's rich cultural heritage and is a melting pot of various ethnicities and cultures. In this article, we will explore some of the best American house designs that may inspire you for your dream home.
Colonial Style American Classic House Design
Ideal for: People who want a family-first design and like to entertain guests
A colonial-style home is inspired by the architectural styles used by the early English, French, Spanish, and Dutch settlers in American colonies. These homes usually have a saltbox shape and are made of wood or brick. Classical details like columned or pedimented porticoes, multi-pane double-hung windows, and shutters add charm to these homes. The interior typically features a central stair hall, a living room, a cozy dining room, and a kitchen at the rear.
Image: American Classic House Design
American Modern House Design: A Mix of Glass, Wood, and Natural Stone
Ideal for: People who want a personalized floor plan to the tee
A modern home is all about the homeowner's personal taste executed with great precision and clarity. A modern house plan usually features rectangular-shaped exteriors with flat or slanted roof-lines. Glass panels are creatively used for windows and doors to enhance aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency. The design aesthetic is minimal, clean, and with a no-frills philosophy. Monochromatic tones or natural colors dominate the color scheme.
Image: Mix of Glass, Wood American House
The Gold Standard of American Style House Interior: Tudor Style Homes
Ideal for: Those who like a dramatic style home with architectural flair
Tudor-style American house design has gained traction in recent years. These homes have tall gable roofs, patterned brick or stone chimneys, high and broad windows, and diagonal or vertical beams that add a touch of medieval English charm. Tudor-style homes are usually one and a half to two stories and feature large bedrooms with lots of natural light. Wood accents and traditional styles make these homes a fantastic choice for those seeking a storybook-like ambiance.
Image: Gold Standard American House
American House Design Styles: A Fusion of Trending Contemporary Elements
Ideal for: Families or couples who want larger homes with flexibility in design
A contemporary American house design is a blend of architectural elements that are trending in the present. These homes feature wooden exteriors, modern and minimal open layouts, white-cabinet kitchens, spacious bedrooms, and airy outdoor living spaces. The design incorporates a balance between advanced, modern feels without compromising on traditional elements that make it unique.
Image: Contemporary American House
American House Design: Victorian Style
Ideal for: Those who appreciate intricate architectural features and bright exterior color schemes
Victorian-style homes are characterized by ornate elements such as towers, turrets, verandas, and multiple rooms. These homes come in various shapes and sizes and are primarily made of wood or stone. The design takes inspiration from the late 19th-century Victorian era of home building, featuring roofs with steep inclinations, bay windows, and French-style doors and windows with elaborate embellishments.
Image: Victorian Style American House
American House Design: Ranch Style
Ideal for: Homeowners who prefer a functional and simplified lifestyle
Ranch-style homes are single-story houses with shallow gable roofs and open layouts. These homes often have seamless indoor-outdoor living areas, shingles or stucco sidings, and offer the possibility of a useful basement space for storage or recreation. Ranch homes are perfect for those who desire a home with plenty of amenities and a single-floor layout.
Image: Ranch Style American House
American House Design: Beach-Style Houses
Ideal for: Homeowners who wish to enjoy the outdoor life near the beach or the sea
Beach-style homes, also known as coastal homes, embrace the outdoors. These homes feature airy and open outdoor living spaces like wraparound porches, sun-kissed decks, and roomy verandas. A private master balcony with an outdoor kitchen is a common feature in beach house floor plans. The main floor is raised off the ground to allow water to pass under the house. Design ideas can be derived from beach cottages, but specific engineering and adherence to local building codes are necessary.
Image: Beach-Style American House
American House Design: Old-World Bungalow Style Houses
Ideal for: Homeowners with small suburban lots looking for practical one or one-and-a-half-story homes
An adaptation of Victorian-style homes, bungalow homes feature exquisite craftsmanship with compact yet practical designs. These homes have wide front porches supported by tapered or paired columns, low rooflines, open floor plans, and plenty of windows for abundant natural lighting. Practical built-in spaces optimize storage needs.
Image: Old-World Bungalow American House
American House Design: Queen Anne House Style
Ideal for: Those who need a big space to accommodate a large family
Queen Anne homes are known for their grandiose details and unique architectural style. These homes feature multiple stories, large footprints, huge turrets, and a mix of ancient Greek and Roman styles. Queen Anne homes have gained popularity due to their intricate design and functionality. When conceptualizing the floor plan, consider the number of rooms needed and their functionality.
Image: Queen Anne American House
American House Design: Mediterranean-Themed European Style Houses
Ideal for: Single-family houses with two to three bedrooms
European-style houses, with themes like Spanish, French, or Mediterranean, offer a touch of European elegance. These homes often feature brick or stone exteriors, arched openings, red tile roofs, tall windows with shutters, and traditionally-designed ornamental decor. Open floor plans allow for experimentation with sizes and styles.
Image: European Style American House
There are countless American house designs and styles to choose from, each reflecting different tastes and needs. Whether you prefer a colonial-style home, a modern masterpiece, a Victorian gem, or a beach-style retreat, the design you select will ultimately depend on your family's goals and requirements. Take the time to explore various design themes and floor plans, and consult with experts to bring your dream home to life.
For more ideas on American house designs, visit HomeLane.
Image: Common House Style in America
FAQs
1. What is the most common house style in America?
The ranch house style is perhaps the most common house style in America today. These homes feature a single-floor layout and low roof lines. Variations such as California ranch-style homes and split-level ranch homes provide different living spaces and layouts.
2. What is the American house style generally called?
The American house style is generally known as the colonial house style. It is rooted in the colonial era and has evolved over time to include Colonial Revival homes. These homes often have two or three stories, dedicated fireplaces, and beautiful brick or wood facades.
3. What are some of the most common American home styles and architectures?
Some of the most common American home styles and architectures include colonial style, ranch style, beach houses, Mediterranean style, cabin style, classical style, craftsmen style, and country style, among others.
4. What is the most common house type in America?
According to experts, detached, single-family homes are the most widely-used housing styles in America. These homes feature a private front door, a backyard, and buffer space for privacy.
