7 Popular Exterior Home Design Styles | Billy.com

Whether you are shopping for a new home or interested in remodeling the exterior of your own house, you’ll want to be familiar with these seven popular exterior home design styles. Knowing which designs you like best can help you narrow down which homes you prefer or which materials and colors you want to include in your remodeling project. Keep reading to find out how to distinguish between these different styles.

Contemporary Design

While many modern home designs are considered contemporary, this style dates to a specific period between 1950 and 1970 when many home constructions used a simple design. Americans started to idealize simplicity and modesty as resources went toward the war efforts. You will recognize this style by its sharp geometric lines and solid structures.

Cottage Design

Cottage-style homes are often small and quaint, inspired by English architecture. Surrounded by fencing and gardens to capture a whimsical aesthetic, many cottage houses look like they were plucked out of a storybook.

Victorian Design

The Victorian period lasted between 1860 and 1900 and included several styles, such as Queen Anne, contemporary, and gothic. Though most Victorian-style homes are old, they are reminiscent of romance and often feature whimsical elements. You can recognize Victorian design by its intricate details, multiple roofs, and unique color combinations.

Colonial Design

Colonial-style homes are the most popular in America. They are grand and sturdy and have always portrayed a timeless aesthetic. Many have columns at the entrance to give a statelier appearance. Though some feature brick, modern colonial homes mostly use siding.

Tudor Design

While Tudor exterior design sounds—and looks—like it comes from Elizabethan England, it is inspired by Medieval architecture. You will recognize it by its tall windows, steep roofs, and prominent cross gables.

Ranch Design

Ranch homes are single-story constructions with a simple overhang roof. The layout of a ranch-style home is typically simple, though not all single-story homes are the same. Most feature an attached garage and are easy to upgrade. Renovating your ranch home can make it look like a farmhouse, cottage, or cape cod home. You can choose between vertical or horizontal siding to change the facade of your ranch-style home.

Craftsman Design

Also known as arts-and-crafts style, this design is coming back with a modern flare. It typically features bold natural features like stone or brick. Further, craftsman homes have gorgeous entryways featuring decorative beams or columns on an elevated porch.

Use these seven popular exterior home design styles to help you decide which type of house you want to live in. Keep this guide to home design styles nearby to reference when you are in the market for a new home or beginning a home improvement project.