Are you able to picture your ideal dream house in your head? Many people are able to do so, but the tricky part lies in being able to describe their perfect residence to an architect or realtor. To make the process more simple for you, we have gathered the most popular architectural styles of homes that you are likely to encounter across the country.

1. Log Homes

Log homes can trace their origins all the way back to the 1600’s. Many of these homes started off as small cabins that had been constructed as single rooms, and without the use of any nails. With the passage of time, however, many log homes have been upgraded to serve as luxurious getaways.

In the past, such homes were only found in rural areas, but this is no longer the case, as they can now be built in any location. The only difference is that the climate of the area where a home is being built will dictate what type of wood would be used in the construction process.

2. Cape Cod

This is another architectural style that was very popular in the 1600’s. The style got its inspiration from the thatched cottages in Britain, which had been built using large chimneys and steeper roofs. This was done with the aim of helping the home occupants withstand the cold winters.

Cape Cod homes are typically one story homes. Modern houses that are built using this style normally have additions on their side, which are aimed at increasing the total footage of the residence. Additionally, the homes will normally have dormer windows at the top, and windows that flank the doors.

3. Art Deco

This is an architectural style that gets its influence from many places, ranging from tropical Miami Beach pastels to 1930’s Hollywood to Ancient Egypt. Homes that are constructed using the art deco style tend to have bold exterior decorations, flat roofs, rounded corners, and smooth stucco walls. The style is mainly used when constructing office buildings, as compared to residential homes.

4. Craftsman

Craftsman and bungalow style houses are homes that were inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement. In these two styles, the emphasis is on the use of natural materials, e.g., bricks, stone, and wood. The houses typically have low-pitched roofs and porches that are very wide. The interior section features an open floor plan that is comprised of exposed beams, big fireplaces, and built in furniture.

5. Contemporary

There are many people who believe that modern architecture and contemporary styles are the same. But what many do not realize is the fact that the term contemporary architecture is used to refer to the building styles in use today, which normally vary in appearance and design. The similarity between the two styles is that they try to connect the outdoors with the indoors.

However, you ought to note that contemporary homes are big on sustainable materials, energy efficiency, and the use of recycled materials that are not toxic. They also have lots of natural light, when compared to the other styles.

Conclusion

The five architecture styles described above make up the most popular home styles in the country. Therefore, if you are about to buy a house in Fremont, CA, or would like to construct one for the family, be sure to consider some of these styles when starting out.