Are you looking to purchase or build a new home? If so, then you need to think about its design and the features you would like to see in it.
Every home design is unique and offers certain advantages to the homeowner. It all depends on your particular style and the amount of land available on the property.
There are several home styles and designs available. Since you are probably not an expert in architectural design, we have taken it upon ourselves to compile a list of the most popular home designs amongst home buyers and investors.
Below are the six popular home designs, their features, and distinctions.
Table of Contents
1) Split Level House Plans
Split level house plans have staggered floor levels consisting of two short stair sets. One stair set goes up to the second floor, where you will find the main bathroom and bedrooms.
The other stair set leads to a lower level area, whilst the main level has the living room, dining room, and kitchen.
A lot of homes from the 1960s and 1970s were built with a split-level style. The design is excellent to use on a land property that has a slope or hill to it.
The end result will offer manageable driveways and beautiful views of the environment from the top floor.
2) Colonial
A colonial is one of the most popular architectural styles of the 20th century. It is the ideal image of a traditional home.
The features include the main hallway, front dining room, living room, central staircase, roomy foyer, and a large fireplace and chimney.
You certainly do not see too many fireplaces or chimneys included in newer home designs anymore. These features have a way of making people feel relaxed and comfortable at home.
The colonial-style is very spacious. It will often have 3 to 4 bedrooms and at least two bathrooms.
An attached garage on the side of the home is commonly found too. The basement level is great for storage or living purposes.
3) Cape Cod
Cape Cod is an architectural style that gets its name from the Cape Cod geographic location in the United States.
It is a coastal area known for having small 1 to 1.5-storey houses with hardwood flooring, wood siding, and a steep roofline. The houses are usually built in front of the ocean, with quick access to the beaches.
The Cape Cod-style has been around since before the colonial era, which was a time when people did not need larger homes.
In Australia, the Cape Cod-style is excellent for vacation homes or getaway homes. They have dormer windows that let you see the picturesque scenery of your surroundings.
4) Country French
When the French occupied the North American colonies in the 18th century, they built homes and settlements with a Country French architectural style.
These were usually one-storey homes with stucco walls, steeply pitched roofs, narrow windows, and shutters.
Australians have adapted to the Country French design in recent years. If you live in a rural location, then you might find a lot of homes with a Country French design.
5) Bi-Level
The bi-level architectural style is like a combination of a split-level design and ranch design. Its entryway often has a split staircase that can take you up to the living area and down to the garage or recreational area.
Bi-level homes were popular between the 1970s and 1980s. Some people like them because the style uses one staircase instead of two shorter staircases, as found in the split-level design.
6) Victorian
The Victorian-style comes from the late 19th century in the United Kingdom. It is named after Queen Victoria, the British Queen of the so-called “Victorian era.” Most of the homes that were built between 1850 and 1900 are called “Victorian homes.”
Victorian homes are often large 2 to 3-storey homes, with an exterior made of wood or stone. Some have asymmetrical shapes with steep roofs, vibrant colours, and a round tower-like room integrated into the front of it.
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