All About Different Home Styles & Designs – Part I
Here at Barrister Home Construction, we’ve been building custom homes and doing major renovations in Northern New Jersey for decades. We tend to work on large, luxury houses that feature custom work tailored to each client’s needs. But in order to build someone a dream home, the first step is to pick out which of the many home styles the house should be.
Now, we’ve been doing this a long time and speak this language every day — but we understand that not everyone knows the difference between Cape Cod homes and Traditional Ranch styles. So in this series, we’re going to take a deep dive into the world of home styles and provide a top-line look at all the various ways houses are designed these days.
Do Home Styles Matter?
Short answer, yes.
Many times when people think of the word “style,” they think of advertising, clothing, or shoes. But clothing is not the only thing that comes in different designs. Homes come in many designs as well, and architects from all over the world have influenced the style of homes we see today. The truth is, whether you’re building a custom home in New Jersey or searching for a first home for your family, it is vital to know what home designs you prefer. You may be living there for many years or the rest of your life. Some things to consider are your cooking habits, or the size and age of your family. If you find yourself in the kitchen a lot, you may want a home with a large kitchen, for example. If your family is very young, or very old, you may want to avoid stairs and opt for a single-floor plan.
The fact is, there’s a lot to think about. So without further ado, here are some home styles to consider while you decide which design is your favorite. Make sure you take a look at Part II for even more styles!
Mediterranean Homes
A Mediterranean-styled home is perfect for someone who wants a refined space. The development of these homes began in the 1920s in locations with warmer climates. These homes combine Spanish and Italian architecture. Roofs with red tiles are one of the first signs of a Mediterranean home. Mediterranean homes often come with balconies and arched windows. Metalwork is also popular on the exterior of the house. A central courtyard and fountain often add to the elegance of this style of home.
Cape Cod Homes
Another home style to consider is a Cape Cod-style home. These kinds of homes emerged in New England in the 17th century. Cold temperatures were one of the focuses when designing this home. These homes usually have Steep Gabled Roofs and feature a central hallway. Dormers are also a visible sign of a Cape Cod home. The homes also have central Chimneys to keep the house warm in colder months.
Victorian-Style Home
Victorian home styles originated in the 1800s. One of the characteristics many people enjoy about Victorian homes is the molding found inside the house. A characteristic of a Victorian home that can be negative or positive is a small kitchen. These homes usually have distinct features of victorian homes like terraces, porches, and multiple fireplaces.
Tudor-Style Homes
The Tudor-style home originated in England in the 1500s and became popular in the United States during the 20th century. Tudor homes come with Half-timbered siding and roofs that are steeply sloped. Exposed beams, fireplaces, and chimneys are inside Tudor-style homes. The houses usually come with wooden floors and have a lower ceiling.
Colonial Home Styles
Colonial-style homes originated in the United States. They were built in the 1600s when settlers arrived from New England. Symmetry is one of the focuses in Colonial-styled homes. They usually have a distinct square or rectangle shape. The windows also have symmetrical patterns that blend seamlessly with other features of the home. The living room and dining area are in the front of a colonial house. The bedrooms are usually upstairs.
Barrister is here for you when you’re ready to start building or planning. But if you need some more inspiration, please have a look at the second part of our series on custom home designs here.
