National

The most prominent style in the English colonies throughout the 18th century, Georgian colonial-style homes can be distinguished by their symmetrical composition and their formal, classical details. Typically, this type of home is a two-story residence made of brick or stone. These homes also have a side-gabled roof and a symmetrical arrangement of windows and […]

Rooted in the late eighteenth century, the Greek Revival architectural style is one fit for royalty. The residential design became prominent in the country during the 1820s thanks to its grandeur and elegance. Greek Revival conveys sophistication, high-profile forms, and a rigorous, regal aesthetic. Though the form is obviously rooted in historical architecture, today’s Greek […]

First constructed from the 1660s through the mid 1800s, Spanish-style homes are now common throughout the southwest U.S. These homes are most distinguishable by thick walls, white stucco, and adobe brickwork—features that protect the homes’ interiors from heat. Spanish homes also often feature iron-wrought gates, which both provide security and allow cool air to flow […]

Tudor homes were brought to the U.S. by European-trained architects during the 19th century. An eclectic, asymmetrical home that reflected homes built in the late medieval and early renaissance period, this style became widely popular during the 1920s and 1930s. Recognized by the steeply pitched gable roofs, brick exteriors, hand-hewn, half-timbering masonry and stonework, and […]

Mediterranean home styles have become a staple in the country’s home building industry for over a century. Mediterranean-style homes started to emerge in the country in the 1920s and have been among the most popular styles even up to this day. Mediterranean homes typically feature a blend of Spanish and Italian architecture, but the latest […]

Originating in California, the earliest ranch style homes were built during the 1930s. They started to explode in popularity after World War II, developed by architect-builders like Joe Eichler and other craftsmen vital to developing huge housing tracts for World War II veterans. These homes are immediately recognizable by their low, single-story profiles that resemble […]

The cottage is one of the more popular home styles known for its old-world charm. This small home’s origins date back to the medieval times as a residence for a cotter who works for lords and other nobility. With its simple architecture, craftsmanship still takes center stage in this type of home from large stone […]

During the Industrial Revolution architects started using new materials and technologies to create intricate, innovative homes. The new railroad system made ornamental architectural details and metal parts available to rural areas where they had been impractical before. With all of this innovation, substyles started to emerge. There are six types of these Victorian homes: the […]

This is a list of the best custom home builders in the United States. From coastal retreats to desert oases and mountainside mansions, the following custom home contractors create some of the most luxurious single-family residences in the United States. Some are full-service design-build companies, while others are building experts specializing in the hands-on aspects […]

Timber framing is a construction method that has been around since the Neolithic era. It became a prominent construction method in countries with an abundance of hardwood trees, like the U.S. and Germany, and some of the most common trees used for timber are oak, pine, and fir. Timber framing involves meticulously joining and fitting […]