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Architecture Guide

Home Styles Guide

Explore 16 architectural styles — from Modern minimalism to Farmhouse charm. Learn the defining features, typical costs, and find plans that match your vision.

01

Modern

Clean lines meet bold vision

Clean lines, open floor plans, floor-to-ceiling glass, flat or low-pitch roofs, and minimalist aesthetics. Modern homes emphasize the connection between indoor and outdoor living with large windows and sliding glass doors.

Open floor plansFloor-to-ceiling glassFlat or butterfly roofsMinimalist interiorsIndoor-outdoor flow

Typical Build Cost

$200–$400+/sq ft

Size Range

1,500–4,000 sq ft

Stories

1–2

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02

Farmhouse

Warm charm with modern comfort

Board-and-batten siding, metal roofs, wraparound porches, warm wood tones, and shiplap accents. The modern farmhouse blends rural charm with contemporary amenities like open kitchens and spa bathrooms.

Wraparound porchesBoard-and-batten sidingMetal roofingShiplap accentsOpen kitchens

Typical Build Cost

$170–$300/sq ft

Size Range

1,800–3,500 sq ft

Stories

1–2.5

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03

Craftsman

Handcrafted detail, timeless appeal

Natural materials, built-in cabinetry, tapered columns on stone piers, wide overhanging eaves, and exposed rafters. Craftsman homes celebrate handmade craftsmanship and cozy, human-scale design.

Tapered columnsBuilt-in cabinetryExposed raftersNatural materialsWide front porches

Typical Build Cost

$180–$350/sq ft

Size Range

1,500–3,200 sq ft

Stories

1–2

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04

Traditional

Classic elegance, proven comfort

Symmetrical facades, brick or stone exteriors, formal dining and living rooms, and defined room separations. Traditional homes offer a timeless look with formal and informal spaces clearly delineated.

Symmetrical facadeFormal living & diningBrick or stone exteriorCrown moldingDefined room layout

Typical Build Cost

$160–$300/sq ft

Size Range

2,000–4,000 sq ft

Stories

2

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05

Ranch

Single-story living, wide open

Single-story layout, L-shaped or U-shaped footprint, attached garages, and accessible floor plans. Ranch homes are ideal for aging in place, families, and those who prefer everything on one level.

Single-story layoutOpen floor planAttached garagePatio access from bedroomsLow-maintenance

Typical Build Cost

$150–$250/sq ft

Size Range

1,200–2,800 sq ft

Stories

1

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06

Colonial

Stately symmetry, historic roots

Symmetrical facade, multi-pane windows, center-hall floor plan with formal rooms flanking the entry, and brick or clapboard exteriors. A quintessential American style rooted in 17th–18th century design.

Center-hall layoutMulti-pane windowsColumned porticoBrick exteriorFormal entry foyer

Typical Build Cost

$160–$300/sq ft

Size Range

2,000–4,500 sq ft

Stories

2–3

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07

Mediterranean

Sun-drenched luxury, courtyard life

Stucco walls, clay tile roofs, courtyards, arched openings, wrought iron accents, and outdoor living spaces. Mediterranean homes evoke the warmth and elegance of coastal European villas.

Stucco exteriorClay tile roofInterior courtyardsArched doorwaysWrought iron details

Typical Build Cost

$200–$400/sq ft

Size Range

2,000–5,000 sq ft

Stories

1–2

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08

Cottage

Cozy scale, storybook charm

Cozy proportions, steep gable roofs, dormer windows, stone or brick accents, and intimate room layouts. Cottage homes are perfect for smaller lots and homeowners who value charm over square footage.

Steep gable roofsDormer windowsStone accentsWindow seatsCozy nooks

Typical Build Cost

$170–$280/sq ft

Size Range

800–2,200 sq ft

Stories

1–1.5

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09

Contemporary

Art-forward, eco-conscious

Asymmetric forms, sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems, large art walls, and unconventional rooflines. Contemporary homes push creative boundaries while prioritizing environmental responsibility.

Asymmetric designSustainable materialsEnergy efficiencyDramatic rooflinesSmart home ready

Typical Build Cost

$220–$450/sq ft

Size Range

1,800–5,000 sq ft

Stories

1–3

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10

Luxury / Estate

Grand living, no compromises

Grand entries, multi-car garages, resort-style pools, home theaters, wine cellars, and expansive master suites. Luxury homes are designed for those who want every amenity under one roof.

Grand foyerHome theaterWine cellarResort-style outdoorMulti-car garage

Typical Build Cost

$350–$600+/sq ft

Size Range

4,000–10,000+ sq ft

Stories

2–3

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11

Tiny / Small Home

Live big in a small footprint

Under 1,000 square feet with clever storage solutions, multi-functional furniture, loft bedrooms, and efficient layouts. Perfect for minimalists, ADUs, guest houses, and first-time builders.

Under 1,000 sq ftLoft bedroomsMulti-function spacesEfficient layoutADU-friendly

Typical Build Cost

$150–$300/sq ft

Size Range

200–1,000 sq ft

Stories

1–1.5

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12

Mid-Century Modern

Retro cool, forever relevant

Post-and-beam construction, walls of glass, flat or angled rooflines, integration with nature, and open living spaces. Inspired by the 1950s–60s design movement that still feels fresh today.

Post-and-beam structureWalls of glassFlat/angled roofNature integrationOpen living

Typical Build Cost

$200–$400/sq ft

Size Range

1,400–3,000 sq ft

Stories

1–2

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13

A-Frame

Iconic silhouette, cabin soul

Steeply angled roofline that extends to the ground, dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, loft spaces, and a cozy cabin feel. Popular for vacation homes, mountain retreats, and unique primary residences.

Dramatic rooflineFloor-to-ceiling windowsLoft spacesCabin aestheticSnow-shedding design

Typical Build Cost

$150–$280/sq ft

Size Range

600–2,000 sq ft

Stories

1.5–2

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14

Tudor

Old-world drama, English heritage

Decorative half-timbering, steeply pitched cross-gable roofs, tall chimneys, and arched doorways. Tudor homes bring English manor charm to residential neighborhoods with distinctive curb appeal.

Half-timberingCross-gable roofTall chimneysArched entryLeaded glass windows

Typical Build Cost

$200–$400/sq ft

Size Range

2,000–4,500 sq ft

Stories

2–3

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15

Cape Cod

Symmetry, simplicity, seaside

Symmetrical design, steep pitched roof, central chimney, dormer windows, and understated elegance. Cape Cod homes are among the most recognizable and enduring styles in American residential architecture.

Symmetrical layoutCentral chimneyDormer windowsClapboard sidingCompact footprint

Typical Build Cost

$160–$280/sq ft

Size Range

1,200–2,500 sq ft

Stories

1.5

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16

Barndominium

Metal shell, custom soul

Metal building exterior with fully custom residential interior. Barndominiums offer massive open spans, fast construction timelines, and extreme flexibility for combining living, workspace, and garage.

Metal exteriorOpen span interiorFast constructionWorkshop spaceHighly customizable

Typical Build Cost

$100–$200/sq ft

Size Range

1,500–5,000 sq ft

Stories

1–2

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Not Sure Which Style Is Right?

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