Common House Designs

Colonial

• One of the most popular of house plans, colonial architecture takes its cue from the dwellings built by the early English colonists. These early colonials were simple and symmetrical, with center entrances flanked by windows. While some of these homes featured two full stories, others were what came to be known as salt-box colonials because their roofs sloped in the back almost to the ground, resembling the shape of the boxes that salt was stored in. Over the years, colonial design was influenced by other architectural styles. For example, Dutch colonial homes feature gambrel, or barn-style, roofs while columns and porticos highlight Greek Revival houses. While traditional center-entrance colonials are often associated with New England, homes designed in the colonial style are found all over the United States.

Bungalow

• Bungalow style homes became popular in the early 1900s but by 1930 bungalow house designs had fallen out of favor. However, the bungalow is enjoying resurgence today. New bungalow house plans are prevalent and people are restoring older bungalows. Bungalows -- inspired by the Craftsman movement in America, which encouraged simplicity of design, attention to detail and a respect for nature -- are small homes with open floor plans and central fireplaces. They feature architectural details such as oak paneling, moldings and doors. Bungalows have deep front porches that act as a bridge between indoors and out. When bungalows were first built, their simplicity and small size were a direct response to the excesses of Victorian architecture. Today, they are energy-efficient alternatives to larger homes.

Rambler/Ranch

• Taking a cue from the bungalow styles that came before them as well as the low-slung Prairie design made popular by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, ramblers or ranch-style homes became the design of choice in the suburbs that sprang up after World War II. Rambler style homes reached their zenith in the 1950s and remain popular today. Ramblers are one-story homes featuring deep overhangs, low-pitched roofs, attached garages and open floor plans. Their facade is asymmetrical, often featuring a large window called a picture window.

Victorian

• Victorian architectural design is made up of different styles, but perhaps the most recognizable is the Queen Anne. Featuring gingerbread trim, turrets and multiple porches and balconies, these homes represent the excesses associated with the Victorian era running from the late 19th century until the early years of the 20th century. Often painted bright colors, with contrasting trim, they are referred to as painted ladies and can be found throughout America. Old Victorians are often restored to their original beauty while new designs offer more contemporary floor plans.