This section of our website will touch mostly on the exterior visual components of residential design. It explains the architectural features and design elements to help you identify architectural home styles. Each explanation is supported with the visual aid of photos. We hope this resource provide you with a fresh and informative look at home styles in America. It is only a guide; however, we feel that it can help you better understand architectural home styles and how they relate or differ.

Understanding the "style" in architecture

When you talk about architecture in reference to homes, one of the first terms to emerge is "style". Sadly, in the field of Residential Design, the term "style" is often taken out of context and misused drasticly. Webster's dictionary defines style as a characteristic manner of expression, design, etc. The definition is a little vague in its explanation which lends itself to different interpretations in describing house plans and the associated home style.

To further understand "style" we must recognize that being combined with"architecture", style is a product of its environment. Style can and has been in part, dictated by regional resources and is accompany by romantic illusions of past architectural works. Home style indepth, is an art form that combine philosophy, expression, topography, climate, social, and ethnic influences. This, in and of itself, brings diversity within the scope of each home styles core principle. In many cases, these diverse principles are combined either on purpose or by sheer accident. This create some often unique and puzzling examples of architecture, but not a genuine "style" of architecture.

To truely be loyal to a particular home architecture style, you must consider the depth of interpretation of the design principles. This involves creating modern house floor plans that will merge with historic elevation designs. The replication should also consider interior architectural features, trim details, paint colors, and a balance of scale & size. The more a house style is researched, the better the understanding and recreation of the art form. As a result, you will end up with a faithful and historical work. This is