Are you planning to build a custom house? If you are based in Palo Alto, California, and wondering which house style suits your personality and lifestyle, you have come to the right place. Here at Cardinal Custom Construction, we offer custom home-building services. In this blog post, we will discuss different house styles. Hopefully, after reading this, you will be able to make an informed decision and choose the right house style that suits your and your family’s needs. Keep reading to find out more.
There are plenty of house styles to choose from. Whether you are buying a home or building a custom one, here are the key characteristics of each house style that make them stand out.
To determine the style of a house, check its distinguishing characteristics such as materials, unique details like doors, windows, shutters, roof style, structures like porches, the number of stories, and the era when the home was built.
Contemporary
This house style is popular in the present day. Its style may vary but is usually built by connecting indoors and outdoors to create a nice flow and allow natural light inside. It is designed with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind. Its style is clean and minimal while its edges are soft and rounded. The contemporary style is often found across America, especially in newly built homes.
American Craftsman
This house style became popular during the early 20th century. This home focuses on materials and motifs inspired by nature. It usually consists of natural woodwork, geometric stained glass, and built-in cabinets. It uses a color palette that looks and feels earthy and may also include shades of forest green, rust orange, and brown. Its common variations include bungalows and missions.
Ranch
This house style is usually single-story or split-level. It became popular in the US during the first half of the 20th century. During the 1930s, ranch-style homes were built using the inspiration of the Spanish colonials in the southwestern part of the US.
Ranch homes built later were often confused with midcentury modern homes because they have similar characteristics like their streamlined appearance. Generally, ranch-style homes have open floor plans while the indoors are connected to the outdoors.
By understanding these popular house styles, you can better decide which one aligns with your preferences and needs. If you need more information or assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Cardinal Custom Construction. We are here to help you build your dream home.
Mediterranean
This house style was inspired by homes built in the Mediterranean and became popular during the early 1900s in the warmer areas of the US. It uses warm tones, stucco exteriors, and ornamental designs in tiles and woodwork. These homes are open and airy, often built with stone, wood beams, and other natural materials.
Modern
This house style is often confused with contemporary style. To differentiate the two, check when the home was built. Modern-style houses became popular between the 1930s and 1970s in the US. The modern home design was inspired by the modernism movement during the 1930s. It features a clean, sharp, and functional design using modern materials like concrete, glass, and steel. It includes ornamental features, neutral palettes, and open floor plans. These homes are commonly found on the West Coast.
Farmhouse
This house style is the modern version of rural family farm homes. Old farmhouses were built across the US during the 1700s and 1800s. They use different design styles such as colonial and Victorian. Farmhouses are usually built with a simple rectangular shape that comes with a long porch and clapboard exterior.
Cottage
This house style is inspired by small towns and villages in Europe. Cottages are small and usually made from stone or wood with sidings. They typically have one or one and a half stories and are designed with a small porch, featuring a cozy and informal interior.
Cabin
This house style is inspired by small log cabins in Europe and was later brought to North America by European settlers. It is a primitive style of building that typically consists of a single room, common in rural areas. Nowadays, homeowners build cabins as their primary residence, embracing its aesthetic. The exterior consists of logs or wood, and it usually has a simple shape with an open floor plan.
Choosing the right house style for your custom home is essential. Understanding the key characteristics of each style can help you make an informed decision that suits your personality and lifestyle. If you need more information or assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Cardinal Custom Construction. We are here to help you build your dream home.
Row House
Also known as a townhouse, row houses are built right next to one another with a wall separating them. They are common in suburban areas where land sizes are long and narrow. Often built by the same architect, they have a unified look, though their style may vary depending on the builder’s preferences. Row houses became popular in the US during the Industrial Revolution.
Victorian
Built during the reign of Queen Victoria, Victorian-style homes became popular in the US during the early 1800s and early 1900s. This was a time when the middle class was growing in wealth, leading to larger and more elegant homes.
Colonial
This house style became popular during the 17th century, with each design inspired by the country of origin of early American settlers. Colonial-style houses are symmetrical and often feature a dormer. Examples include British or Georgian colonial styles, as well as federal, Dutch, French, and Spanish colonial styles. These homes are commonly found on the US East Coast.
Bungalow
Popular in the 20th century, bungalows are charming, smaller homes that have attracted many homeowners. They usually have one to one-and-a-half stories, feature low-pitched roofs, and include details like eaves, gables, and front porches. They have a warm and cozy vibe with large living rooms, fireplaces, and built-ins.
Midcentury Modern
This house style became popular in the US after World War II, between 1945 and 1969. Representing the country’s fresh start, building boom, and use of new building materials, midcentury modern homes feature classic architecture and interior design. They usually have clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and a strong connection between indoors and outdoors. These homes often have large, open floor plans, floor-to-ceiling windows, and are typically one story tall.
Choosing the right house style for your custom home is essential. Understanding the key characteristics of each style can help you make an informed decision that suits your personality and lifestyle. If you need more information or assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Cardinal Custom Construction. We are here to help you build your dream home.
Cape Cod
This house style is common in suburban communities and became popular in the US during the 1950s. Originally introduced in the late 17th century, it got its name from the coast of Massachusetts. Cape Cod homes have one and a half stories, feature dormers, and have a central doorway. Influenced by English half-timbered homes, the framing was customized to suit the New England climate.
Tudor
This house style is easily distinguishable due to its timber details and light-colored stucco, often complemented by ornate brick detailing. It became popular during the early 20th century in wealthy suburban areas of the US and is inspired by historical homes in England. Tudor homes are commonly found in the Northern US because their solid structure is suitable for colder climates.
Are you searching for a custom home builder in Palo Alto, California? You can rely on Cardinal Custom Construction. We offer the following services: Basement Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling, Custom Home Building, Home Additions, Home Remodeling, and Kitchen Remodeling.
Our services are available in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. If you want to know more about our services, please let us know. Give us a call at 650-714-5103 or send an email to gocardinalconstruction@gmail.com. Make sure to choose a reliable custom home builder like Cardinal Custom Construction for your custom home building needs. What are you waiting for? Contact us today!