One of the most popular home styles in the U.S., ranches typically have a long, open layout contained on a single story. Low rooflines and L- or U-shaped floor plans also often feature in this style of house that was popular from the 1940s through the ’70s.
Rowhouse
A rowhouse is, quite simply, a home that’s situated in a row connected to other homes. Most often found in high-density urban areas (like the ones pictured, in Washington, D.C.), these types of houses have also more recently been adapted to suburban areas to create walkable, accessible neighborhoods.
Shingle Style
Shingle style is a more subtle look with (you guessed it) shingles covering large, flat surfaces. Most prominent in New England and other seaside locales, the style developed for its durability in harsh, salty climates. Famous examples include the Isaac Bell House in Newport, Rhode Island, and the Charles Lang Freer House (pictured) in Detroit.
Spanish Revival
Often found in Florida and California, these homes also draw on the missions and pueblos of the West. Stucco and clay tile are two telltale signs, as seen on this mansion pictured and this 1926 Spanish-style home in Los Angeles.
Storybook
Just like you would expect, storybook (also called Provincial Realism) borrows whimsical elements from fairy tales like cobblestones and mismatched doors and windows. The well-known Spadena House in Beverly Hills has even earned a fitting nickname: the Witch’s House.
Tudor Revival
Half-timbering, herringbone brickwork, and tall mullioned windows distinguish the English style that originally dates back to the Middle Ages. Fewer new homes adhere to this distinctive look, but it boomed in the American suburbs during the 1970s and ’80s.
Victorian
Predominant in the latter half of the 19th century, Victorian homes can adhere to a number of different specific styles including Queen Anne, Stick, Eastlake, and Shingle, or combine aspects of each. A lot of them incorporate asymmetrical shapes, decorative trim, and steep rooflines.
