Architectural style guide: American houses

by Ann Hayward 07/10/2022

When asked to imagine American houses, many people would struggle to pick just one style. The many styles of American houses have developed over the centuries to accommodate cultural, climate and lifestyle needs, resulting in a plethora of architectural options.

While you can find dozens of designs across the country and beyond, some, like Colonial style homes, are more common than others. Even within the Colonial style, there are exciting variations and region-specific characteristics.

Whether you’re buying or building a home, knowing more about the prominent American house styles will help you find inspiration.

Here is a basic guide to the various Colonial style American houses:

British Colonial houses

The Colonial architectural style of American houses originated with the first of the thirteen colonies themselves, bringing over popular characteristics from British architecture. For this reason, British Colonial houses and Georgian style houses share many similarities.

The key features of a British Colonial style of American house include a rectangular floor plan with symmetrical windows and a centered front door. This type of house also has a side-gabled roof and is typically only two stories high.

Cape Cod houses

Cape Cod style homes are named for their place of origin in Massachusetts, and contain many of the same features of the first Colonial designs. However, some major differences that set a Cape Cod home apart include shingle exteriors and dormer windows. Cape Cod houses are usually one-story, but often feature attic lofts.

Because of the resurgence in popularity during the twentieth century, Cape Cod homes are often included in the category called Colonial revival style.

French Colonial houses

French Colonial houses are popular around the world for their more dramatic take on the usual Colonial architectural characteristics. While they maintain the usual symmetry and rectangular house style, French Colonials feature external stairs to access higher floors.

More ornamented than the other types of Colonial, French Colonials often have full balconies with elaborate iron railings, dramatic columns, and dormer windows with boldly pigmented shutters.

American house style is as varied and diverse as the assorted historical influences that shaped the continent. While by no means the quintessential American house, the Colonial style and the styles it inspired are the perfect place to begin your journey for architectural inspiration.

American Architecture

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]