Colonial  is an architectural style that first emerged under the period of  colonial rule in the United States in the 1600s and 1700s. Known for its  symmetry, Colonial architecture is most often characterized by evenly  spaced shuttered windows. Dormers, columns and chimneys are also evenly  proportioned to complement the formal style. Different branches of  Colonial style are American Colonial, Spanish Colonial, French Colonial,  and Cape Cod. Colonial remains one of the most popular architectural  home styles throughout the United States to this day.

The term  Victorian architecture refers not to a particular style but to an  era—the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901. The style originated  in England and still largely defines the architecture of its cities and  towns, but varying styles of Victorian era architecture spread to places  like North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Victorian era  architecture is marked by its unapologetic devotion to ornament and its  ornate interior design. 

The  craftsman-style home came about in the early 20th century during the  Arts and Crafts movement. These homes put a particular focus on  materials and motifs that are inspired by nature. You’ll commonly find  naturally toned woodwork, geometric stained glass, and several  built-ins. The color palette of a craftsman-style home tends to be  earthy in nature and includes shades such as forest green, rusty orange,  and natural browns. Some of the common variations of the craftsman  style include mission, bungalow, and Stickley. Craftsman homes are found  across the country.

This  house style was first crafted by an innovative turn-of-the-century  architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Prairie-style homes are inspired by their  relationship to nature. And they feature lots of handcrafted details,  such as simple woodwork, stained glass, and built-in furniture. This  style of home was heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement,  but it is distinct from Craftsman-style homes. Only a handful of  original homes exist, with many being in the Midwest. But the style is  still an iconic example of architecture that originated in America..

Ranch homes are single-story or split-level houses that started popping up across the United States during the first half  of the 20th century. In the 1930s, people built these homes that were  inspired by Spanish colonials in the Southwest. Later examples of ranch  homes can sometimes be confused with midcentury modern homes, because  they share some characteristics, such as their streamlined appearance.  In general, ranch-style homes have open floor plans and connect to the  outside.

Tudor-style  homes are easily recognizable thanks to their timber details against a  light-colored stucco. They also tend to have ornate brick detailing. The  Tudor style came from historical homes in England. This home style  became popular during the early 20th century in wealthy suburban  communities across the United States. Many Tudor homes can be found in northern climates, because the solid architecture is ideal for cold weather.

This  popular American home style was influenced by homes in the  Mediterranean. It became popular in the warmer parts of the United  States during the early 1900s. Mediterranean-style homes often feature  warm tones, stucco exteriors, and beautiful ornamental details  incorporated into the tile and woodwork. The homes are made to be open  and airy with stone, wood beams, and other natural details.

It’s easy to confuse modern homes with contemporary ones, but the best way to tell the difference is to  look at when the home was built. Modern-style homes were generally built  between the 1930s and the 1970s in the United States, with midcentury  modern being a subcategory of this style. In contrast, contemporary  homes weren’t built until decades later. Modern homes are generally  minimal in style and have clean, sharp lines. There aren't many  ornamental details. These homes are found across the country with a lot  being on the West Coast.

Contemporary  architecture essentially refers to the building styles that are trendy  in present day. Contemporary homes can vary greatly, but they generally  tend to fuse the interior design with the exterior design so that there  is a sense of flow. While the style is typically clean and minimal,  edges can still be soft and rounded. Contemporary-style homes are found  across the country, especially in new builds (though a new build doesn't necessarily have to be contemporary)..

A  farmhouse-style house is a modern interpretation of the rural family  farm homes that were situated on lots of acreage. Old farmhouses were  erected across the United States starting in the 1700s and 1800s. They  came in various design styles, including Victorian and colonial. But the  most common farmhouse was a simple rectangular structure often with a  long porch and a clapboard exterior. Modern farmhouses mimic that simple  structure, though they have grown in size.

Cottages  originate from the word "cotters." Cotters were European peasant farmers  in the Middle Ages who lived in this style of home. A cottage-style  house typically refers to a small home made of stone or wood siding. It  features a curved entryway, gravel or brick front walkway and brighter  exterior colors. Today, flowers typically adorn the entryway creating  beautiful curb appeal.

Extremely  popular in the Southwest, Pueblo Revival homes date back to the early  20th century. The style was influenced by the ancient Pueblo people's  simple multifamily homes. Earthy materials such as adobe, concrete,  stucco or mortar, and large wood beams are used; enclosed courtyards and  flat or sloping roofs are also typical. Rounded exteriors with square  windows also reflect the appearance of original pueblos.

Settlers  from the Mediterranean fused design from Europe and Native America with  their own to create a variety of home styles. Mission revival is one of  the most popular, inspired by the Spanish churches built by the  missionaries in the early 20th century. They typically have clay roof  tiles, arcaded porches, arched corridors, square pillars and bell  towers, as well as quatrefoil windows that resemble flowers.

Antebellum  architecture, or Southern architecture, arose prior to the Civil War in  the Southern United States. The design was meant to be both impressive  and practical. For instance, the homes featured large windows and high  ceilings, which both looked dramatic and allowed for better air  circulation. And they had large, covered, wrap-around porches to enjoy  the outdoors while being sheltered from the hot sun. Winding staircases  and columns also were trademark features. This style is still most  common in the South, and the modern versions still feature vaulted  ceilings and large porches.

Originating  in France and defined by pointed arches, Gothic architecture was  popular in Europe from the 12th century all the way to the 16th century.  Gothic Revival arose in the 19th century. Many buildings in the U.S.,  especially cathedrals, feature Gothic Revival style.  It’s not common to see a home fully in the style, though residences  will have aspects of it. Trademark elements of the style include the  pointed arches, stained glass windows, and ornate features such as  spires and gargoyles.