Searching for a new home but not sure where to start? Well, it would first help to decide what home style you prefer. Do you love the look of midcentury modern homes, or do you like cottage chic? This article won’t cover every type of home style, but here are a few to help you narrow your options.
Cape Cod
(image via rocket)
Originating in 1700s Massachusetts, the Cape Cod-style home was built to withstand New England winters. They tend to be hardy with pristine shingles, wood siding, and central doors, but their charm still shines bright.
Ranch
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We’re not talking about dressing or dipping sauce! A ranch home, which is typically one story, embodies a simple design, making it easier to heat and cool. It’s best for those who prioritize casual living.
Cottage
(image via elle decor via ariel skelley/getty images)
Combine modern and traditional, and what do you get? A cottage! These elegant homes consist of small rooms and porches with contemporary finishes, stone exteriors, and narrow yet high windows.
Tudor
(image via house beautiful via gettyapst images)
Did somebody say half-timbering? Because that’s what a Tudor house embodies. The exterior is generally a combination of stone and brick, portraying beautiful craftsmanship. In every rendition, you’ll find front-facing gables and overlapping roof sections for an aesthetically pleasing view.
Midcentury Modern
(image via real simple via scott van dyke/getty images)
Midcentury modern homes are elegant, showcasing wide expanses of glass, walk-out terraces, and incorporated technologies for easy living. You’ll see a lot of these options on the West Coast.
Colonial
(image via rocket)
Colonial homes tend to be rectangular in shape and structure, though slight variations depend on the house’s particular “breed.” The most common include English, French, Dutch, Georgian, Spanish and American. But no matter which you’re interested in, they’ll almost always have two stories with a central staircase and grand entryway.
Farmhouse
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Farmhouse styles change from decade to decade, but the function and form are pretty much the same, featuring a front porch that sometimes stretches around the sides and a steeply pitched roof.
A-Frame
(image via elle decor via @everywhere_co)
The shape is in the name itself. A-frame homes feature a triangular shape, while windows spanning the front create an “open book” aesthetic. The sloped roof allows precipitation to easily drop on either side of the house.
Scandinavian
(image via real simple via olaser/getty images)
Scandinavian architecture is known for its simple lines, minimalist features, and a connection between the outside and the interior.