When building your new home, there are many things to consider, including the design, layout, features, and overall style. Building your new home also enables you to personalize all the details to cater to your family’s needs. There are various architectural styles ranging from traditional to modern styles. Here are four styles to consider when building your new home.
Colonial/Traditional Style
This style dates back to the 1870s and is inspired by the practical homes built by the early English, Dutch, Spanish and French settlers in the American colonies. These homes are usually made from wood or brick and feature two or three stories, fireplaces, and a saltbox shape. Other typical features include classical details such as pedimented or columned porticoes, open-floor plans, and divided-light windows with shutters.
The kitchen and living room are usually located on the first floor, while the second floor hosts the bedrooms. A center stair hair typically separates the living room and the dining room, and the kitchen is located at the back overlooking the backyard. Colonial-style homes are easy to add on, especially those made from wood. This style is ideal for a family with young kids since it is family-friendly and offers space for kids to sleep and parents to entertain guests.
Modern Homes
Modern home plans often present slanted or flat rooflines, rectangular exteriors, and straight lines. They can also have large expanses of glass doors and windows that bring out the outdoor flow and help to conserve energy. Some modern houses feature a monochromatic color scheme which is very different from traditional designs that have bright color schemes like red brick.
Some modern home designs lack ornament and flair and feature large open floor plans. They focus on simplicity and minimalism, placing more emphasis on function without the addition of unnecessary frills and details. Some of these homes aim at connecting people with nature by blurring the lines between outdoors and indoors. The large glass walls and windows use the surroundings to enhance certain house features.
This style breaks the rules of traditional designs, which may confuse some, while others are fascinated by them. It addresses the needs of the 21st century fueled by technological advancements and a mass-market industrialist society. The exterior may lack traditional character, but the interiors are warm and inviting due to the design that features materials such as marble and rich woods.
Craftsman House
Craftsman house plans are popular due to their wide porches, natural materials, and open-concept layouts. They have a timeless curb appeal with a relaxed contemporary feel. The interior features a lot of woodwork, including built-in seating and shelving. On the other hand, the exterior features low-pitched roofs, exposed roof rafters, and wide eave overhangs. They use a combination of natural materials, including stone and wood.
Craftsman houses usually have usable attic space with a three-bedroom design with two bathrooms. The idea is to blend both traditional and modern designs for a timeless theme. The interiors also feature minimal hall space, open floor plans, and beamed ceilings.
Contemporary Home Design
Contemporary house plans feature a mixture of trending architecture and an integration of modern ideas. They also feature open floor plans and lots of glass. The exterior lacks unnecessary detail and elaborate ornamentations. Contemporary homes have low-pitched roofs and a dynamic blend of contrasting textures and materials. They also have large windows and spacious outdoor living spaces that help indoor/outdoor flow and energy efficiency.
Contemporary home designs are usually forward-looking and innovative. They take on a more artistic and free-form approach compared to modern homes. Their design draws inspiration from all types of designs from previous styles. They also feature some modern architectural features, which can make it difficult to differentiate between the two. For example, they both feature large and spacious open floor plans.
However, there are differences that distinguish the two designs. Contemporary homes also draw from craftsman-style homes and traditional home designs. They are built for sustainability with energy efficiency and eco-friendly features. This style is very popular and uses materials that have been repurposed from their original use.
You can also choose from other styles, including beach, cabin, cottage, and country. Some of these styles are influenced by geographical location. The style you choose should match your preference and needs.
