Audrey
While architecture often serves a very practical purpose, it can be very expressive and artistic as well. With an effective architecture scheme, people viewing your home can have an aesthetic experience and also learn a little bit more about your tastes.
In the modern era, you are likely to find many different styles of architecture. Some styles are simplistic, while others are complex. Some will be found in very specific regions, while others can be found almost anywhere in the world.
When deciding which style of architecture to build or modify your home with, there are quite a few things you will want to keep in mind. In addition to thinking about whether a given style is visually appealing, you will also want to consider factors such as energy efficiency, market value, livability, and many others.
Fortunately, with a qualified architecture firm by your side, you can easily design a home to your exact specifications. In this article, we will discuss 8 popular styles of residential architecture. By taking the time to compare these different options, you’ll be one step closer to creating the home of your dreams.
1. Craftsman
The American Craftsman style was especially popular from the 1890s to 1930s but has experienced multiple revivals over the years, especially in growing cities such as Denver. Craftsman homes, which are often bungalows, are characterized by their overhanging eaves, hipped rooves, square columns supporting the roof, and hand-crafted woodwork and stone (hence the name craftsman). These homes often place a strong emphasis on both the front and back porches and are often designed in a very symmetrical matter.
2. Mid-Century Modern
Mid-Century Modern, which was the dominant design form for homes built between 1945 and 1980, is one of the most practical, aesthetically pleasing, and value-retaining design schemes on the market. These homes are often noted for their open floor plans, minimalist design schemes, and their strong integration with their natural surroundings. The use of plastics and other “modern” materials is very common in mid-century modern furniture. Other features you might find include vaulted ceilings, built-in furniture, and the ample use of windows.
3. International Style
The International Style, as the name might suggest, can be found all around the world, but is especially common in the United States and Europe. Inspired by the modernist movement of the early 20th century, this still-utilized design style is characterized by the heavy use of right angles, simplistic design, and the generous incorporation of glass. The Lovell House, located in Los Angeles, is a popular example of how the International Style can be applied in residential settings. Though the style is often criticized for its apparent “blandness”, it is also praised for the fact it has aged quite well.
4. Prairie School
Frank Lloyd Wright—arguably the most well-known American architect—helped develop the Prairie School as a natural extension of the arts and crafts movement. In addition to the continued use of the hipped rooves, overhangs, and craftsmanship found in earlier homes, Prairie School homes are recognized for their strong integration with their natural environment. The natural harmony found in many of these homes were inspired by architecture movements in Japan. Fallingwater, located in Western Pennsylvania, is an excellent example of Prairie School design.
5. Contemporary
“Contemporary” is a bit of a catch-all term that can be used to describe multiple different types of 21st Century architecture. Generally speaking, contemporary homes are very expressive and reject traditional forms that have been used in styles of years past. These homes may contain large amounts of glass, metals, and abstract shapes. Almost all contemporary styles, even among residential architects, are deliberately asymmetrical. Because of new technologies and building techniques, contemporary architects can be very creative. Open floor plans and a commitment to green design are also very common.
6. Italianate
Italianate architecture, relatively unchanged over the past few hundred years, is a romantic style of architecture that helps link the present to the past and spread the themes of the Italian Renaissance around the world. This style of architecture often uses tall windows, arches, columns, generous amounts of detail, and traditional shingles. These homes are often rather grandiose and can include other features, such as towers, fountains, and complex plazas. While these homes are generally among the most expensive, there is no denying that their beauty is truly timeless.
7. Ranch-Style
The Ranch-Style home became popular around the middle of the century and is especially common in the Southern and Western United States. These homes, which are typically one story tall, are noted for their long layout that lays close to the ground. Many ranch-style homes will feature sunken living rooms, cathedral ceilings, and pools in the backyard. Ranch Style homes are also very popular for people who want to install gardens or do extensive landscaping.
8. Greek Revival
The Ancient Greeks had a tremendous impact on architecture and, naturally, the features the Greeks introduced have been regularly “revitalized” around the world. Greek Revival architecture will often incorporate the clever use of geometry, including right angles and triangular front rooves. Additionally, Doric and Ionic columns will almost always be present. The Brandenburg Gate, located in Berlin, is an excellent example of how Greek features have been applied in the modern era. The columns in the White House are also Greek-inspired.
Architecture combines aesthetics and engineering to create a space that is truly livable. There are many different styles of architecture that are actively in use—even styles that were initially developed hundreds of years ago are still selected on a regular basis. If you are designing a living space, be sure to take some time to explore different styles and see which ones you find most appealing.
Reasons Why Every Architect Should Have House Floor Plans
Creating floor plans before construction is a vital step that cannot be skipped! They capture a bird’s eye view of any property and provide clients with a visual walk-through of the property.
As technology advanced, even 3D floor plans started coming into the picture. Read on to learn more about the types of plans and their importance.
Types of House Floor Plans
There are two types of floor plans: 2D floor plans and 3D floor plans. These plans are an accurate representation of how a property is going to look once it is fully constructed. Let’s explore what the two different types of floor plans have to offer:
1. 2D House Floor Plan
The 2D floor plans are elements that add visual representation to the property in the making. This plan is a space layout that showcases rooms and walls without depth and height, like a blueprint, sketch, or computerized drawing.
Earlier, there were only black and white 2D floor plans available. Now, you can even find color 2D house plans or floor plans with furniture.
2. 3D House Floor Plan
On the other hand, a 3D floor plan is a diagram of the house that shows the entire layout of the property in 3D. It contains precise markings, depth and perspective.
This type of house floor plan is usually furnished with attributes like floorings, paint color, walls, cabinets, tiles, and other interior elements. It’s easier for home buyers to understand the space as it contains more details.
What is the Importance of House Floor Plans?
A floor plan is an aerial view of the property. It shows people exactly what a space would look like once constructed. These drawings include an accurate 3D design of installations, layout, walls, furniture, garden space, and more. Hence, it provides people with ample benefits.
Let’s explore all the reasons why house floor plans are essential to be included in your home projects:
1. Turns Your Ideas into Illustrations
It is the duty of a well-designed floor plan to translate your ideas into illustrations and showcase to the homebuyer what you have dreamt of. A house floor plan is a key to drawing more clients to your project with the help of stunning visuals and accurate measurements.
2. Acts as a Blueprint for Construction
A well-constructed blueprint is needed to regulate the beginning of home construction. Before the home construction begins, it is necessary to showcase a blueprint to the relevant authorities. In order to get approval, a floor plan provides a blueprint that you can submit to the authorities since it is a projection of what the project will look like after completion.
3. Helps Selecting the Right Materials
An architect can easily track the materials needed for project completion with the help of house floor plans. Pre-ordering materials like cabinets or tiles are necessary so that they are available during installation. And if you have a house floor plan to show the contractor, you get a clear idea of what materials need to be ordered.
4. Allows Picking the Correct Furniture
Floor plans have a detailed list of space measurements in the house. These measurements act as a guide in picking the right furniture that goes well with the space and the idea in your head.
5. Assists in Allotting Budget
With a well-designed floor plan, you get an idea of how much building material is required. You can calculate what furniture, appliances, or finishing will be required. This makes it easier to allot a budget to the contractors and workers and helps you stay within it.
6. Manages to Sell Homes Faster
Apart from architects, even real estate agents can greatly benefit from 2D and 3D floor plans! The ultimate goal for every house is to be sold, and house floor plans can be used for that. Since they contain exact dimensions and accurate details of every furnishing, it gets easier for buyers to visualize their future home. It’s attractive enough to catch their eye and undoubtedly helpful!
With house plans, you get to see the bigger picture, set a budget and try to stay within it. Moreover, with these plans, you can conveniently attract the attention of homebuyers. Visualizing the result gets easier, communicating your needs with the contractor or worker becomes less complicated as the visual communication grows, and you will be able to meet the expectations you have set for the project!
