7 of the Best Architectural Styles for Custom Home Design

According to Statista, there were roughly 617,000 new homes built in the United States in 2018 alone. While this figure is not as high as the market’s 1.3 million home zenith in 2005, it does indicate that the market has begun to recover (from a 306,000 low point in 2011). Newly constructed homes, particularly custom homes, are currently in demand.

There are obviously many benefits that come with having a custom home built. Not only can you ensure that the home has all of the specs you are looking for (number of bedrooms, bathrooms, pool, special features, etc.). A custom built home also makes it possible to choose a design scheme that aligns with your specific tastes.

While interior design schemes are incredibly important, many components of interior design (such as the color of your walls) can easily be modified in the future. On the other hand, your home’s overarching architectural style is something that is a bit more permanent and difficult to modify. Because of this, it will be crucial that you think about the style you want to use whenever you’re designing a custom home.

The architecture of your custom home is one of the best ways for you to express yourself and also increase the value of the property. While there is no architectural style that can be universally considered “the best”, there are quite a few styles that all new home builders should consider. In this article, we will discuss seven of the most popular styles and how these styles can benefit your custom home.

1. Modern Architecture

As you might guess, modern architectural styles are among the most common for new, custom-built homes. These homes often focus on using very straightforward design schemes, characterized by large amounts of steel, smooth concrete, and glass. Windows—and an aesthetic connection to nature in general—are often a very important component of the overall design. Other major features include an increased focus on geometric shapes, challenges to previous design norms, and an emphasis on eco-friendly design schemes. Frank Lloyd Wright is among the most famous modern architects.

2. Greek Revival

Despite the fact it’s been thousands of years since the Ancient Greeks were in their prime, their architectural styles have certainly been able to withstand the test of time. The Greeks were particularly fund of grand entryways and strong attention to detail. Columns are one of the most common features of Greek revival homes, and these columns can typically be found near the front entrance. Contrary to many contemporary open-floor homes, many Greek revival homes have distinctively formal rooms with very specific purposes. It is not uncommon for one side of the house to be a mirror image of the other.

3. Craftsman Style

The “craftsman” is one of the most quintessentially American homes and was first popularized during the arts and crafts era of the early 1900s. These homes will typically have hipped, low-angle roofs with a single window facing the front yard. One of the central focuses of the craftsman home is the front porch, which usually extends the width of the home (sometimes even turning into a veranda). A craftsman is an excellent option for individuals working with a limited amount of land, trying to maximize their use of space. The craftsman is widely admired for its simple design scheme, universal appeal, and efficient use of resources.

4. Spanish

Spanish-inspired homes have long been popular in the United States, especially in Colorado, Florida, and throughout the Southwest. These homes have very distinctive design schemes that have remained popular over time. A typical Spanish home will have a stucco exterior and a red tiled roof. These homes often have smaller windows, which is especially useful for homes being built in desert climates. Other common features include tiled floors (sometimes with floral designs), the ample use of arches, rod-iron staircases, and various “Adobe” aesthetics.

5. Tudor

The Tudor home can trace its origins to the late Medieval era (when the House of Tudor was politically prominent), but this particular aesthetic did not make its way to the United States until the late 1800s. Tudors have a very distinct exterior, typically containing steep roofs, the generous use of stone, and exterior wood framing. The Globe Theatre, in England, is a prominent example of the early Tudor style. These homes are an excellent option for individuals who like to work with many different materials—it is not uncommon to find stone, wood, brick, and glass all used together. Many of these homes also have stained glass windows, or windows with special framing.

6. Cottage Style

The cottage home is another style of architecture with European roots. However, unlike most Tudor homes, these homes are typically on the smaller end, with a much larger focus on maintaining an ongoing relationship with nature. In order to make efficient use of the limited space available, many cottages will have a staircase near the front door, detached garage, and an open floor plan on the main floor. These homes are ideal for people who prefer a simple living style, focusing much more on the garden than the interior of their home.

7. Contemporary Ranch

The ranch style home is among the most popular in the United States, especially among people who are looking for a no-frills home without stairs. Ranch-styled homes usually have a straightforward floor plan, such as a “U Shape” or an “L Shape.” Because ranches are typically long and narrow, they are great for people who want easy access to their backyard. Ranch-style homes often feature open floor plans, high ceilings in the family room, and a clear division between living and sleeping spaces. These homes are among the most affordable to build and are will also likely maintain their value over time.

Conclusion

Naturally, there are many different things you will need to think about when deciding what architectural style to use for your home. Your personal tastes will be very important, but you will also want to think about things such as property values, sustainability, and various other factors. Fortunately, all of the styles featured in this list have many contemporary examples available. After taking the time to look at your options and compare different homes, you should be able to know which style works best for you. If you need help, BLDG.Collective Architecture Firm in Boulder can help guide you in your architecture process.