Houses come in all shapes and sizes, and each architectural style offers something special for the people who live in them. From charming cottages to sleek modern designs, the different types of houses showcase unique ways of living. Curious about what makes each popular house style stand out? Let’s dive into seven iconic house types and see what makes them so special.
1. Craftsman-Style House: Timeless Charm
The Craftsman-style house is cozy and full of character. Popular in the early 20th century, these homes use natural materials and handcrafted details that create a warm and inviting space. Their low-pitched roofs, wood siding, and tapered columns make them instantly recognizable.
Key Features:
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Gabled Roofs: These steep roofs are practical and striking, helping protect the home from the weather while giving it a bold shape. They are a defining feature of Craftsman homes, adding character and durability to the structure.
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Natural Materials: Craftsman homes often feature wood beams and natural textures that bring an earthy, welcoming feel. These materials create a connection to nature while maintaining a warm aesthetic.
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Central Fireplace: The fireplace is a cozy centerpiece, often serving as the heart of the home. It provides warmth and a gathering spot for family and friends during colder months.
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Built-In Furniture: Built-ins like bookcases and benches are both charming and functional. They save space while adding personality to the home, making every corner feel thoughtfully designed.
This Montana Cabin B house plan is a perfect example of this type of home. With a spacious first floor of 1459 sq ft, an additional bonus room, and a huge basement, this cabin home is a perfect choice for a growing family. With three cozy bedrooms and two modern bathrooms, this home is built for comfort and functionality. The two-car garage is conveniently located at the front, making daily life a breeze.
Craftsman homes are loved for their thoughtful design and connection to nature, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. With handcrafted details and high-quality natural materials, these homes offer a timeless appeal. They are ideal for anyone seeking a cozy, functional space that feels both personal and grounded.
2. Modern Farmhouse: The Best of Old and New
The modern farmhouse style combines rustic charm with sleek, modern touches. Known for its open spaces and neutral colors, this style has quickly become one of the most popular home styles today. It balances tradition with convenience, making it ideal for modern living.
Key Features:
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Asymmetrical Design: Clean lines meet rustic touches, creating a look that’s simple yet full of character. This balance gives modern farmhouses a unique charm that blends old and new seamlessly.
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Natural Materials: Materials like wood siding and stone bring warmth and authenticity to the design. These natural elements make the home feel inviting while staying durable and timeless.
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Ceiling Windows: These windows let in plenty of natural light, creating an open and airy feel. They also offer stunning views of the outdoors, connecting the interior to nature.
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Contemporary Touches: Sleek fixtures and minimalist decor give the home a fresh, modern edge. These details add a polished, updated look that perfectly complements the rustic foundation.
A perfect modern farmhouse representation is this Cranberry Gardens Farmhouse Plan, which you can see above, designed for comfort and style. With its wraparound porch, you’ll have plenty of space to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The practical mudroom/laundry area is perfect for handling gardening, pet care, or cleaning up after outdoor activities. Spanning 1,999 square feet, the home features airy vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, and stunning backyard views through its sliding doors and large windows.
Modern farmhouses are cherished for their seamless blend of rustic charm and contemporary design. With open layouts and abundant natural light, they create a spacious and welcoming environment. Their mix of modern features and traditional warmth makes them an excellent choice for families seeking style and practicality.
3. Cottage-Style House: Cozy and Inviting
Cottage-style houses feel like something out of a storybook. They’re small, charming, and perfect for creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. These homes are ideal for small families or as vacation retreats.
Key Features:
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Arched Windows: These windows add a whimsical touch, enhancing the home’s storybook charm. They allow soft natural light to fill the interior, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
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Tiled Roofs: Durable and classic, tiled roofs add a timeless element to cottage homes. They provide excellent protection while contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal.
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Central Fireplace: A central fireplace serves as a focal point for the home, offering warmth and a welcoming spot for gatherings. It’s perfect for cozy evenings spent with family or friends.
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Wraparound Porch: Wraparound porches extend the living space outdoors, offering a charming place to relax and enjoy the surroundings. They enhance the home’s connection to nature and provide a spot for socializing or unwinding.
Now, we simply had to choose our Mill Creek Cottage A House Plan to represent cottage homes. This thoughtfully designed home offers 1,759 square feet of comfortable living space, making it ideal for modern family life. The first floor features three cozy bedrooms and two well-equipped bathrooms, providing the perfect balance of privacy and relaxation. A versatile bonus room of 361 square feet adds flexibility, serving as a playroom, home office, or guest suite. To top it off, the two-car garage ensures easy access and adds convenience to your daily routine.
Cottage homes are adored for their cozy, storybook-like charm. They offer a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Their inviting spaces foster a sense of comfort and nostalgia that many homeowners cherish. These homes are an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful and intimate living experience.
4. Contemporary Homes: Sleek and Stylish
Contemporary-style homes focus on clean lines, open spaces, and sustainable materials. They reflect the latest trends in contemporary architecture and are ideal for people who want something modern and functional.
Key Features:
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Flat Roofs: These roofs give the home a sleek, minimalist look that stands out. Their clean lines complement the overall modern aesthetic and make the home feel streamlined.
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Narrow Windows: Carefully placed windows bring in light while ensuring privacy, adding to the modern aesthetic. They also provide a unique architectural element that enhances the home’s visual appeal.
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Neutral Colors: Clean, simple tones like white and gray create a calming and sophisticated feel. These colors help emphasize the modern design while keeping the space open and airy.
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Outdoor Spaces: Rooftop gardens and patios extend the living area, making these homes perfect for entertaining or relaxing. They provide a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing functionality and comfort.
Now, this one is a modern treat. Meet our Royal Palms House Plan - a true contemporary queen. This modern mountain-style home offers 2,214 square feet of luxury living. It features an open design with a seamless connection between the great room, kitchen, and dining area, all with access to the covered deck and backyard. The master suite includes a private deck, a walk-in closet, and a spa-like bathroom, while the mudroom and laundry add convenience. Optional unfinished basement space provides room for expansion with additional bedrooms and living areas, making it versatile for any lifestyle.
Contemporary homes are celebrated for their sleek design and emphasis on sustainability. Their clean lines and innovative features make them stand out in any neighborhood. Perfect for forward-thinking homeowners, these houses balance style, functionality, and eco-conscious living.
5. Barndominium: Rustic Meets Industrial
Barndominiums, or "barndos," are a unique blend of rustic charm and industrial practicality. Originally barns, these homes are now transformed into spacious, functional living areas perfect for families or creative spaces.
Key Features:
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Open Floor Plans: These homes feature wide-open spaces that can be used for multiple purposes, from entertaining to work areas. The flexibility of these layouts makes them ideal for families or individuals with diverse needs.
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Metal Exteriors: Durable and low-maintenance metal exteriors give homes a bold, industrial look. This material provides long-lasting protection while adding a modern edge to their design.
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Natural Materials: Wood and metal combine to create a design that feels both warm and modern. This balance of textures makes barndominiums stand out while maintaining a cozy interior.
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Central Staircase: Often leading to a loft, the staircase adds character and serves as a focal point. Its unique design enhances the home’s functionality while contributing to its rustic-industrial charm.
An amazing example of a beautiful and functional barndominium is our Alma Cottage House Plan. This beautifully designed 2,270 sq. ft. home blends modern elegance with everyday comfort. The owner’s suite offers a private retreat with a luxurious bathroom and walk-in closet, while two additional bedrooms and a home office add flexibility. Outdoor living is easy with a welcoming front porch and a spacious rear porch, complete with an outdoor fireplace for relaxing evenings.
Barndominiums are appreciated for their unique combination of rustic charm and industrial flair. Their spacious layouts and practical designs make them incredibly versatile for a variety of lifestyles. These homes are a perfect choice for anyone looking for a blend of functionality and distinct style.
6. Modern Homes: Functional and Bold
Modern homes are simple and innovative. They became popular in the early 20th century and continue to inspire homeowners with their clean designs and practical layouts.
Key Features:
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Flat Roofs or Gabled Roofs: Both roof styles complement the clean lines of modern homes and add a bold touch. Flat roofs give the home a streamlined and minimalist appearance, while gabled roofs bring a sense of classic elegance to the modern aesthetic.
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Large Windows: These homes feature big windows that let in plenty of natural light, creating bright and open interiors. These windows enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, making them a defining feature of modern homes.
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Open Floor Plans: Rooms flow seamlessly into each other, creating a spacious and airy feel. This layout promotes flexibility, allowing homeowners to adapt spaces for living, dining, or entertaining without restrictions.
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Neutral Colors and Natural Textures: Simple tones like white, beige, and gray paired with warm textures like wood and stone create a harmonious balance. These elements make modern homes feel welcoming and ensure the design stays timeless and versatile.
On top of our modern house plans is the Emls House Plan. This thoughtfully designed home offers 4,271 square feet of living space, with 2,582 square feet on the first floor and 1,689 square feet upstairs. The open layout features a spacious great room, a well-equipped kitchen with an island, and a luxurious owner’s suite with direct access to the laundry room. Upstairs, a loft and three bedrooms provide plenty of space for family or guests. The walkout basement adds even more flexibility with a wet bar, wine cellar, and outdoor fireplace, perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
Modern homes are admired for their focus on clean lines, abundant natural light, and open spaces. They emphasize functional design while offering striking architectural features. For those seeking a home that blends beauty and practicality, modern homes are an excellent choice.
7. Traditional Farmhouse: Classic and Welcoming
The traditional farmhouse is all about warmth and simplicity. These homes reflect rural charm and practical living, making them a timeless choice for families.
Key Features:
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Gabled Roofs: Steep roofs that protect against tough weather and add a classic look to the home. Their design also helps with water drainage, making them practical as well as attractive.
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Wood Siding: Natural and durable, this material gives the home a warm and rustic feel. It’s a timeless choice that enhances the farmhouse’s connection to nature while requiring minimal maintenance.
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Wraparound Porch: A cozy spot to relax outdoors, perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or gathering with friends.
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Central Fireplace: The heart of the home, adding warmth and bringing everyone together.
As you can see for yourself, this High Meadow Cabin House Plan is a perfect example of a traditional farmhouse in a bit more modern setting. This charming farmhouse plan features 1,486 square feet of living space designed with an open floor plan that maximizes comfort and functionality. The layout includes three bedrooms in a split design, with the master suite enjoying its own private wing for added privacy. The kitchen boasts an 8-foot island and a walk-in pantry, and it is conveniently located steps away from a spacious mudroom, making daily life both practical and enjoyable.
Traditional farmhouses are beloved for their timeless appeal and inviting spaces that exude warmth. With a focus on simplicity and practicality, they provide a perfect setting for comfortable family living. These homes are ideal for those who cherish a connection to the past while enjoying modern conveniences.
How Do You Know Which Style Is For You?
Mark Harbor D House Plan by Archival Designs
Choosing the right type of home can feel like a big decision, but breaking it down into smaller considerations makes it easier. Start by thinking about your daily needs and lifestyle.
Ask yourself: do you enjoy lots of natural light and open spaces for entertaining? A modern farmhouse or contemporary home might suit you best.
And if a cozy, nostalgic feel is more your style, a cottage-style house or traditional farmhouse could be the perfect match.
Your budget is another key factor. Some homes, like barndominiums, are known for being cost-effective, while others, such as modern homes, may require a higher initial investment for their unique features. Additionally, location matters. Certain styles work better in specific settings - for instance, farmhouses often shine in rural areas, while contemporary homes blend seamlessly into urban landscapes.
In the end, the best home is one that matches your personal preferences, aligns with your financial plans, and fits your environment. Take your time exploring these options to find a home that truly feels like yours.
Find Your Perfect Home Style with Archival Designs
There are so many types of homes to choose from, and the best one - as mentioned above - depends on your style, budget, and needs. So, don’t rush into making this decision - take your time and carefully consider all the options you have ahead of you. Look closely at every style and try to picture you and your family there, and only when the house feels right should you think of all the other factors. That way, you’ll be sure you’re choosing a home that you will love and care for deeply.
So, ready to explore more styles? Check out our house plans tailored to your dream home and get inspired!
Need help deciding? Contact the experts at Archival Designs for guidance in choosing the perfect house plan for your lifestyle. We’re here to help you create the home of your dreams.
