Residential Architectural Styles: Which One is Right for You?

In New Jersey, there are so many different styles of residential architecture to choose from! How do you know which one is right for you? We’re here to help! In this blog post, we will discuss the most popular residential architectural styles and give you a little bit of information about each one. We’ll also tell you which architectural style houses might be best for your specific needs. So, whether you’re remodeling your home or building a brand new one, read on for some helpful advice!

Types Of House Styles: Architectural Style Guide

When it comes to house style, there are seemingly endless design options. To help narrow down the search, we’ve compiled a list of the most popular house styles. Keep reading to learn about a variety of different home styles!

New Jersey Shingle Style Home
Built c. 1890, Shingle style of residential architecture
Andre Carrotflower

Cape Cod Style

Cape Cod style homes or “capes” are one of the most popular house styles in the United States. These house styles are characterized by its simple design, steep roofs, and large chimneys. Cape homes are often considered to be “America’s first residential architectural style.” This type of home is popular in New Jersey and is typically small and cozy, making it perfect for families or couples. If you’re looking for a charming and traditional home, then capes might be right for you!

People who prefer this type of home usually value tradition and simplicity. They often enjoy being part of a close-knit community and spending time outdoors. Cape style homes are typically located in colder climates, as the steep roofs help to protect against heavy snowfall.

New Jersey Cape Style Homes
1955 Cape Code Style House

Colonial Style Houses

Colonial style houses are another popular option in New Jersey and across the United States. These house styles are characterized by its symmetrical design and central entrance. Colonials often have two or three stories, as well as a variety of windows and sliding glass doors. If you’re looking for a stately and regal home, then the colonial style might be right for you!

Colonials are often the perfect choice for growing families. They tend to be very family-oriented and the house styles will generally stand the test of time. Colonials are typically located in more rural areas, as they were originally designed as farmhouses.

New Jersey colonial style homes
Dutch Colonial Revival Style House, 2014
Corey Coyle

Cottage Style Houses

Cottage style homes are one of the most popular choices for beach-goers and vacationers. This type of home is typically small and cozy, with a charming design. Cottages often have stone or wood exteriors, as well as large windows. 

The Jersey Shore is a haven for cottage style homes. This is because they were traditionally built near water, as they were originally designed as vacation homes. People who prefer this type of home generally enjoy spending time outdoors and being close to nature. Cottages are typically small and intimate, making them perfect for couples or small families.

Cottage Style Architecture in New Jersey
Cottage Style Home
GPS 56 from New Zealand

Craftsman Style Houses

Craftsman style homes are typically one or one-and-a-half stories tall and have low-pitched roofs with wide eaves. They often have exposed roof rafters, porches supported by columns, and stone or brick chimneys.

These homes are usually located in New Jersey, the northeastern and western United States. If you’re looking for a craftsman style home, you’ll likely find one in a suburban area.  People who prefer this type of home generally enjoy the simple design and natural materials.

Craftsman style home in New Jersey

Mediterranean Style Homes

Mediterranean style homes are inspired by Spanish and Italian architecture. This type of home is characterized by its stucco exterior, tile roof, and arched windows and doorways. Mediterranean homes often have courtyards or patios, as well as balconies.

If you’re looking for a luxurious and exotic home, then the Mediterranean style might be right for you! People who prefer this type of home often enjoy the warmer climate and the relaxed lifestyle. Mediterranean homes are typically located in coastal areas, as they were originally designed to withstand hot weather.

Mediterranean style homes in New Jersey
The 2-story Spanish-style or Mediterranean-revival home

Midcentury Modern Architecture

Midcentury modern homes are characterized by their simple and clean lines. This type of home is typically a single story with flat roofs. Midcentury homes often have large windows and an open floor plan.

If you’re looking for a unique and stylish home, then the midcentury modern style might be right for you! People who prefer this type of home generally enjoy the simplicity and functionality of the design. Midcentury homes are typically located in urban areas, as they were originally designed as city apartments.

New Jersey mid century modern home
Midcentury Modern Style – Wolf Agency, Orchard Park, New York
Andre Carrotflower

Prairie

Prairie style homes are recognized by their horizontal lines and low-pitched roofs. This type of home is typically a single story with a porch that extends the full width of the house. Prairie homes often have large windows and an open floor plan.

If you’re looking for a home with a lot of character, then the prairie style might be right for you! People who prefer this type of home generally enjoy the unique design and natural materials. Prairie homes are typically located in rural areas, they are often referred to as farmhouse style homes.

prairie school style homes in NJ
Prairie School Style Home, Oak Park, Illinois. Arthur B. Heurtley House
Built by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1902
J. Miers – User: (WT-shared) Jtesla16 at wts wikivoyage

Rancho

Rancho style or ranch style houses are defined by their single story and simple design. This type of home is typically a rectangle or square shape with a low-pitched roof. Modern ranch style homes often have large picture windows, an open floor plan and tall ceilings.

If you’re looking for spacious and comfortable ranch style houses, then this style might be right for you! You can expect to find two to three bedrooms and one to two bathrooms in ranch style houses. This style of home is often preferred by people who generally enjoy the simplicity and functionality of the design. Rancho style houses are typically located in suburban areas, as they were originally designed as family homes.

New Jersey ranch style homes
Ranch house, common in the U. S. between 1935 and 1975
Stilfehler

Victorian Era Homes

Victorian houses are characterized by their ornate and detailed design. This type of home is typically two or three stories with a gabled roof. Victorian homes often have bay windows, turrets, and porches.

If you’re looking for an elegant and luxurious home, we recommend that you take a closer look at the Victorian style. People who prefer this type of home generally enjoy the opulence and grandeur of the design. Victorian homes are typically located in urban areas, as they were originally designed as city houses.

There’s More To Consider Than Design

There are many different architecture house styles to choose from when it comes to your home. It’s important to consider your lifestyle and preferences when making your decision. Do you prefer a simple design or something more ornate? Do you want a single story or multiple stories? What type of climate do you live in? These are all important factors to consider when selecting the right style of home for you.

We hope that this guide has helped you learn more about the different types of home architectural styles and which ones might be your favorite house styles. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to help you further!

Types of Residential Housing Structures

There are many different types of house structures out there, each with its own unique defining characteristics. This is something to consider in addition to architectural design. Following, we’ll be taking a look at some of the most popular types of housing structures in the United States.

Co-operative

Co-operative housing is a type of housing in which residents own and manage the property together. This type of housing is typically found in urban areas and is popular among young professionals. 

Condominiums

Condos are a type of housing ownership. Rather than owning the individual unit in which you live, you own a share of the corporation that owns the building. This means that you have joint ownership of all common areas, such as lobbies, laundry rooms, and recreation facilities.

Condominiums are typically located in densely populated areas, such as cities or near popular tourist destinations. They are popular among retirees and people who work long hours and do not have time to maintain a single-family home. Some people also prefer condominiums because they offer amenities that are not available in other types of housing, such as swimming pools and gyms.

Ocean County, NJ Condos
Condominiums by Jeangagnon

Townhouse

Townhomes are becoming increasingly popular in the United States. These homes offer many of the same amenities as single-family homes but at a fraction of the cost. Townhouses are typically located in close proximity to urban areas, making them ideal for commuters. They are also perfect for young professionals and families who want to live in a safe and secure community. If you’re considering a townhouse, here’s what you need to know.

Townhouses are usually part of a larger complex or community. This means that you will have access to shared amenities, such as pools, playgrounds, and fitness centers. You will also be responsible for paying monthly dues, which cover the cost of these amenities as well as maintenance and repairs.

A townhouse is often referred to interchangeably with a condominium. In most cases, a condo and townhome are identical with the exception of one major differentiator. A townhouse shares common walls with the other residents while condominiums often do not.

Single-Family (Detached)

A single-family home is just as it sounds – a detached dwelling that houses a single-family. These homes are usually built on their own parcel of land, which means there are no shared walls or common areas with neighbors.

Single-family homes come in all shapes and sizes, but they typically have more living space than other types of homes (like apartments or townhomes). They are also usually located in residential neighborhoods. People who prefer single-family homes often value privacy and extra living space.

Multi-Family Home

A multi-family home is a type of housing in which two or more families live together in one unit. The home often requires special zoning from the municipality. This type of housing is typically found in urban areas where space can be limited. They are popular with investors as multiple streams of rental income can be achieved with just one home.

Adult Communities

Adult or “Retirement” communities are usually 55+ age-restricted developments that offer shared amenities like pools, clubhouses, and fitness centers. These communities are often located in warm weather states like Florida and Arizona but New Jersey is an exception to that rule with over 300 adult communities in the state at the time of this writing.

The people who live in these communities are typically retired or close to retirement age. They may be looking for a social community where they can make new friends and enjoy their golden years. Some people prefer adult communities because they offer a sense of security. These gated communities often have 24-hour security guards and patrol the premises regularly. This can give peace of mind to residents who are worried about crime.

If you’re considering an adult community, it’s important to find one that matches your lifestyle and needs. There are many different types of adult communities, so you should take your time to find the right one for you. With a little research, you’re sure to find the perfect community for your retirement years.

Build a tiny home in New Jersey
Cabin-Like Tiny Home in the Woods
Ben Chun

Tiny home

Living in a tiny home is definitely not for everyone, but it can be a great way to simplify your life and live with less stuff.

Here are some things you should know about tiny homes:

Tiny homes are typically much smaller than traditional houses, often measuring less than 400 square feet. This means that they require far less energy to heat and cool, which can save you money on your utility bills.

Tiny homes are often located in rural areas where land is cheaper and there are fewer zoning restrictions. This allows people to build their own homes without having to go through the hassle (and expense) of dealing with city permits and regulations.

Many people who choose to live in tiny homes do so because they want to downsize their lives and live with less stuff. Others do it for environmental reasons, or because they want to save money on housing costs.

Final Thoughts

There are many different types of residential architectural styles to choose from, and the right one for you will depend on your personal preferences and where you live. Do some research to find out which style is most popular in your area and talk to a local architect or builder to see if it’s the right fit for you. Remember, the type of home you choose should reflect your own personal style and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular residential architectural style?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it varies from place to place. In general, the most popular styles are those that are classic and timeless, such as Colonial or Victorian. However, there are many other styles that are becoming increasingly popular, such as Mid-century Modern and Contemporary.

What are the different types of residential architectural styles?

There are many different types of residential architectural styles, including (but not limited to): Colonial, Victorian, Craftsman, Tudor, Cape Cod, Mediterranean, Ranch, Bungalow, and Contemporary.

Where can I find examples of different types of residential architectural styles?

Your local library or bookstore will likely have books or magazines that feature different types of residential architectural house styles. You can also search for images online. Additionally, most cities have a variety of different types of homes, so you can simply take a walk or drive around to see what’s available in your area.

What is the difference between an architect and a builder?

An architect is someone who designs houses or other buildings. A builder is someone who constructs the actual building. In most cases, you will need to hire both an architect and a builder if you want to build a new home. However, some builders also offer design services, so it’s worth asking if this is something they provide before hiring someone else.

Additional Resources

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  • Michelle Garofalo

    Michelle Garofalo is the guiding force behind MSC Enterprises, LLC, a prominent custom home builder and real estate developer in Monmouth County and Ocean County, New Jersey. With over 25 years in real estate development, her expertise extends from a successful career in the solar industry, where she managed over 75MW of projects. Co-founding Infiniti Energy, Michelle now oversees day-to-day operations and leads business development, ensuring a seamless journey for clients. Her meticulous approach and commitment to excellence are reflected in MSC's residential and commercial properties, known for their quality, durability, and energy efficiency.