When you think of architecture, you tend to think about grand monuments or iconic skyscrapers that have cropped up recently. Yes architecture is so much more than this and can be spotted everywhere around you, even where you live. If you love architecture, it can be fun to just go and wander around your local neighborhood and see the stories that houses tell, identifying the time period and cultural influences that are behind them. Contemporary styles can include clever storage such as outside areas to store garden tools like your pressure washer or lawn mower, without being obvious from a first look. They also feature stunning outside areas and more. In this article we take a look at five common styles of architecture you’re likely to see when you’re out and about. This can help inspire you for future design choices and help influence your house decisions. Keep reading to get inspired.
Colonial Architecture
One of the most common architecture styles is colonial architecture and can be identified by distinguishable features. They tend to have a rectangular shape with a front door in the center and multi-pane windows arranged evenly on both sides. They could feature a decorative crown over the front food and are a timeless style.
Victorian Style
Victorian houses are vibrant and full of character, often featuring steeply pitched roofs and elaborate trim work. You can also identify them by their bay windows and turrets and they can have wrought iron fences out the front of the house.
Craftsman Style
Craftsman homes exude a stylish simplicity and tend to blend in with their surroundings. Some of the top features you can see here include low-pitched roofs and wide eaves with exposed rafters. They tend to have a front porch supported by thick tapered columns and are often made from natural materials such as wood and stone and tend to give off a cozy feel.
Modern Style
Modern homes are all about clean, smooth lines and minimalism. They tend to feature large, unadorned windows as well as flat or low-slope roofs. The homes prioritize functionality and industrial materials such as steel and concrete for a stylish and uncluttered space to spend your time in. Modern homes also have a lot of glass, such as floor to ceiling windows which let in plenty of light and lend a really contemporary feel.
Mid-Century Modern
This style first became popular in the mid-20th century and marries simplicity and a connection to nature. You can identify these houses with flat panes and large glass windows that blend together retro and contemporary design elements. They easily integrate with the surrounding landscape and are beautifully designed.
The next time you are out and about, take a look at the homes that are in your neighborhood and see if you can identify where they are from. You could take a photo to get you inspired and put it on a mood board so you can be influenced when you make future design decisions. What are some top architecture styles you like? Or are there any you perhaps aren’t such a fan of? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.
