Understanding various architectural styles helps foster a general appreciation of the built world. And the built world is all around us. So, whether you’re looking to buy, you are in the midst of a remodel, or you’re simply eager to know a little more about that beautiful house up the street, this rundown of top architectural styles will help you experience and understand prominent architectural styles on a deeper level.
Art Deco
Art Deco style was born in early-20th-century France and became a force in American architecture by the 30s. It’s a style that strives to catch your eye. As the Pennsylvania Architectural Field Guide notes, Art Deco “... was an intentional break with past precedents in an effort to embody the ideas of the modern age. It was the first American architectural style to look forward rather than back.” Art Deco public buildings often feature smooth facades and elaborate tile designs. When do-it-yourselfers are remodeling their homes in Art Deco style, they often break out their tile tools and throw down some funky penny round tile.
Cape Cod
Puritan craftsmen brought the Cape Cod style to America; hence, the relatively spare original incarnation of the design. They were small one-story homes. And, of course, they became all but ubiquitous in New England—they’re named for Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Over time, the style gradually became more elaborate. They were among the most popular styles during the boom in American construction after World War II.
Victorian
Victorian style homes are generally large, asymmetrical, and imposing, with ornate gables and steep roofs. The ornate exterior generally extends to the interior as well. It’s a showy style that was widely popular during the six-plus decade reign of Queen Victoria from 1837-1901; hence, its name. The style is often thought of as grim in popular culture, but the homes in San Francisco’s famous row of jubilantly colored “painted ladies” are also Victorian.
American Craftsman
The warm craftsman style was a response to the showiness and industrialism of Victorian design. It focused on simple celebration of “craft” and functionality over the unnecessarily intricate, ornamental presentation rampant in Victorian architecture. A craftsman home is a display of no-frills, yet expertly built sturdiness. It’s a home for the everyman, unlike the Victorian homes and their air of haughty regality. That was the idea, at least, originally put forth by William Morris, champion of craftsman style.
Tudor
In popular culture, Victorian homes are often the backdrop for stories about hauntings and other ghoulish things. Tudor style, though, quite the opposite. Tudor is the stuff of Old World romance and children’s fairy tales. Generally featuring stucco, half-timbered exteriors, and steep, gabled roofs, Tudor style originated in 15th-century Europe and flourished in the United States from the early-to-mid 20th century. As Southern Living notes, the style fell out of favor after World War II during a shift to more affordable housing that needed to go up quickly to accommodate the post-war baby boom.
Neoclassical
Neoclassical style conveys a certain strength and splendor. The movement was born in 18th-century Europe and epitomizes Western architecture. The style is common in government buildings, banks, churches, and other structures that seek to inspire and exude fortitude. The United States Capitol and Supreme Court buildings are prominent examples of the style. And, with their massive columned porches and air of sophistication, antebellum plantations are generally good examples of homes built in the neoclassical tradition.
Brutalist
The hallmark of brutalist design is spare concrete. It’s often seen in large public housing structures and government buildings. The style, which exploded after World War II, allows for relatively quick and inexpensive construction. There is renewed interest among homeowners in the brutalist style, but architects whose work could be classified as brutalist tend to flee from the distinction.
The term itself isn’t exactly charming, and the style can come off as cold and uninviting, but, nonetheless, it does seem as though brutalism may be making something of a comeback.
Mid-Century Modern
Mid-Century modern design is a sleek, sophisticated look that generally features open spaces and large windows. The houses are often built to complement their surroundings, the design and large windows creating a sense of openness and transparency, typified by the Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut.
Contemporary
Contemporary architecture is something of a catch-all term that describes new construction that doesn’t quite conform to traditional styles. Whether they are trendy tiny houses that maximize livability in small spaces or buildings focused on sustainability, if you see a building that looks wildly out of place among its neighbors, you’ve probably happened upon a contemporary structure.
This collection of prominent architectural styles will give you a better sense of the buildings around you. Keep in mind that styles change and adapt. There is absolutely variation within traditional architectural approaches, but a basic framework of style will give depth to your appreciation.
