Determining Your Architecture Style

There are many factors to consider when buying a home. As a first-time home buyer, you may know some specific features you’re looking for in your new home, but the rest of your preferences might not be in focus yet. In addition to the bedroom, garage, kitchen and yard requirements you’ll be starting to consider the style of home you want to purchase.

When it comes to architecture styles, there are many options from home designs based on classic architecture styles to those with mixed design or new innovative designs. So, how do you figure out your personal architecture preferences? Before you begin your search, you can look online and in architecture and home catalogs to see if any particular style strikes your fancy. Then, in preparation to work with an agent to narrow down your search try visiting homes with different architectural styles to see what you think in person.

While you’re just exploring styles, you don’t need to limit yourself by budget and individual requirements. It might be wise to avoid looking at mansions if you’re a first-time home buyer looking for a starter property, but you can keep it loose with the requirements to get a feel for your preferences. Just take a look at available homes in your area that have upcoming open houses and take a look at the underlying architecture.

So, what are the basic architectural styles you can explore?

Colonial — Quite popular in the northeast colonial style homes use symmetry in their design. Lots of windows flanked by largely structured shutters and white or light-colored siding and red brick. 

Mid-Century Modern — For a more open and simplistic design check out mid-century modern architecture. This style features flat lines, wide, single-story design and big glass windows. 

Craftsman/Bungalow — These homes have square layouts, large front porches with straight or angular columns with a wide base. Big shutters frame sizable windows and interiors feature lots of built-in shelving and molding.

Ranch Style — Originally designed based on rural ranches in the US ranch style homes use single-story and split-level, open floorplans and focus on usability. These homes have easy access to outdoors from many areas of the house and will typically have a garage.

Cape Cod Style — Marked by steep roofs, dormer windows and typically cedar shingles. This style is a North American take on the classic British cottage with more massive fireplaces and chimneys and has white trimmed interiors with crown molding. 

Art Deco / Art Nouveau — A modern style in the 1930s these structures will have flat roofs, are built with rounded corners and balconies and display decorative features on the home’s exterior. 

Contemporary — Referring only to the current architecture of the day. Today this means a sleek appearance both on the interior and exterior: large windows and outdoor garden space and a connection between inside and outside. You’ll see a lot of natural materials and neutral tones used in these homes. 

Mediterranean — You’ll find the Mediterranean style used in small bungalows and large mansion homes. Marked by tiled terracotta roofs, exterior elements like balconies, porticos, and archways this design models the hacienda style.

Tudor — A typical home style, the Tudor style comes from England and uses multi-gabled roofs with a steep pitch. You will find lots of brick and wood ornaments in these homes along with built-in features in the interior. 

These are just a few of the home architecture styles you’re likely to see during your home search. Take a look around at the prevailing styles in your area, mark different styles and features you like and review these along with your other home requirements with a trusted real estate agent. Now you’re ready to dig into your search and find the perfect home.