The traditional American colonial house design is one of the oldest styles of American architecture. Originally developed in the 1600s, this form is a staple of American architecture serving as the primary visual cue of the colonial period. The traditional American colonial house design features a symmetrical front façade with evenly spaced and evenly sized windows, a centered door and a low-pitch hipped roof. This design is one of the most recognizable forms of American architecture and has been imitated through history.Traditional American Colonial House Design
Traditional American Colonial House Design
The traditional American Victorian house design is one of the most recognizable styles of American architecture. Characterized by elaborate and ornate designs, the Victorian house is characterized by its grandeur and regality. From mansions to minor dwellings, Victorian houses can be found throughout America. Characteristics of the traditional American Victorian house include spindled balustrades, towers and turrets, triple hung windows, steeply pitched roofs, stained glass windows, and ornate woodwork.Traditional American Victorian House Design
Traditional American Victorian House Design
The traditional American farm house design provides a charming and peaceful refuge from the busy world. Characterized by a simplicity and practicality, the traditional farm house is a staple of the American landscape. Typically symmetrical, the farm house typically features an open interior plan, wrap-around porch, and evenly sized windows with shutters. Cladding the exterior of the home is typically wood shingles or beveled siding.Traditional American Farm House Design
Traditional American Farm House Design
The traditional American Craftsman house design is one of the most popular styles of American architecture. Developed in the early 1900s, the Craftsman house is characterized by its simple, functional design. Featuring a low-pitched gabled roof, large front porch, exposed rafters and beams, and natural materials, the Craftsman house has become a popular staple of American architecture.Traditional American Craftsman House Design
Traditional American Craftsman House Design
The traditional American ranch house design is a classic and timeless style. Characterized by its low-pitched gabled or hipped roof, rectangular shape, and open floor plan, the ranch house has been a popular staple of American architecture since the 1950s. These practical homes are typically one or two stories and feature large windows, open floor plans, and informal living spaces.Traditional American Ranch House Design
Traditional American Ranch House Design
The traditional American Mediterranean house design has a timeless charm. Characterized by its stucco walls, low-pitched and clay tile roofs, and ornamental ironwork, the Mediterranean house is among the most distinctive styles of American architecture. Mediterranean homes typically feature symmetrical and formal floor plans with a central hall or foyer, archways, and balconies that can be used to enjoy the outdoor views.Traditional American Mediterranean House Design
Traditional American Mediterranean House Design
The traditional American Tudor house design is a classic English style of architecture derived from the 16th century. Developed in the early 1900s, the Tudor house is typically characterized by steeply pitched roof, overhanging gables, and prominent cross-gables. Tudor houses typically feature decorative chimneys, half-timbering, and pointed arches. The use of dark wood on the exterior of the home is also common.Traditional American Tudor House Design
Traditional American Tudor House Design
The traditional American two story house design is a classic and timeless style that can be found throughout the United States. Characterized by its two-story exterior and interior layout, the two story house typically features a symmetrical façade with evenly spaced and evenly sized windows. The second floor can be accessed by an interior staircase or separate entrance. Two-story house designs are available in a variety of styles, from classic to modern.Traditional American Two Story House Design
Traditional American Two Story House Design
The traditional American cottage house design is one of the most popular styles of American architecture. Featuring a small and charming design, the cottage house is ideal for first-time homeowners and weekend get-aways. Feature of the cottage house style include a low-pitched gabled or hipped roof, small porch, and symmetrical exterior. Cladding the exterior of the cottage style house is typically shingles or beveled siding.Traditional American Cottage House Design
Traditional American Cottage House Design
The traditional American Hacienda house design combines the rugged beauty of southwest architecture with the sophistication of Mediterranean style homes. Characterized by a sprawling layout, Hacienda houses typically feature adobe walls and heavy wooden beams that act as an extension of the natural landscape. This style of house is the perfect choice for those who want to create a cozy refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Traditional American Hacienda House Design
Traditional American Hacienda House Design
Traditional American House Design
Americans have developed a style of house design over the centuries that has become known globally. Characterized by a certain elegance, American houses have many distinct features, often mixing old-world architectural elements with a modern flair. Many of the traditional building components have stayed the same since Colonial times or, in some cases, even further back. By analyzing common house designs from around the country, a pattern is evident that is uniquely American.
Varying Styles of Traditional American Design
American house designs vary significantly across geographical boundaries. On the East Coast, traditional Colonial homes feature a symmetrical facade, one or two stories, and a gambrel-style roof, which slopes downward in two sides with a convex upper line. Further south, many regional areas have adapted
Southern plantation-style
houses that feature large classic columns, expansive balconies, and ornate features. Meanwhile, out West you will find the classic
American Craftsman bungalow
, a single-story house with a wide front porch and multi-pane windows.
Materials and Elements
Americans favor wood as a main material for the construction of traditional homes. In many cases, including bungalows, wood shingles are applied on the exterior siding to provide a more natural feel. Other materials are also common, such as brick, stone and stucco. All of these traditional components are often complemented with modern materials and design elements as well, to create a unique blend or synthesis between the old and new.
Versatile Design and Layout
Though traditional American houses may appear to have a very rigid design on the outside, the interior layout of the home often varies greatly. Americans favor a flexible design plan, with multiple bedrooms, one to two bathrooms, and a large family or living room. Kitchens also tend to be prominently featured within a home and often play an important role in the overall design. With a focus on open-floor plans, Americans are always looking to bring in more natural light into their homes and to create a more natural furniture arrangement.
