Spanish Colonial
On the West Coast, one of the most commonly recognizable house styles—particularly in California—is the Spanish colonial style. Inspired by the architecture of the Spanish missions, these types of houses are defined by gracious courtyards, solid white stucco walls, arcaded walkways, and rustic red tile roofs. “As a native Californian, I have always loved the Spanish style,” says Erik Evens, of AD PRO Directory–listed firm Evens Architects. “The planning of Spanish colonial buildings places special focus on inviting outdoor spaces such as courtyards and loggias, which are protected from the rain and sun and are usable year-round.” Often imbuing a sense of warmth, texture, and rich details, Spanish colonial types of homes are still common in Southern California and beyond, but often with a modern twist. “This style allows our clients to build in a way that connects to a rich architectural tradition,” says Evens. “As an architect, I’m keenly interested in creating a contemporary interpretation of the Spanish colonial style that addresses a modern lifestyle.”
Ranch Style
In the American West, the legacy of ranch-style houses looms large. This type of home originated in the Southwest and California, but can now be found in the Midwest and across the US. This style of home is known for being single-story and rambling, with open floor plans and expansive living spaces, and large porches or patios. Ranch-style homes typically have low-pitched roofs, long windows on the facade, flat roofs, and an attached garage. While the form and scale of ranch-style homes can vary depending on the location—they tend to be more sprawling in California and more compact and asymmetrical in other places—the emphasis on an indoor-outdoor connection is a defining factor. “We’re particularly drawn to the broad overhanging roofs of California ranch homes, which evoke a sense of cozy domesticity, and the generous use of porches, which foster a connection to nature,” says John Ike, of Ike Baker Velten, a member of the AD PRO Directory.
