TOP 3 MOST POPULAR HOUSE STYLES

Can you guess which ones are the most popular house styles?

Most Popular House Styles:

Craftsman Style Homes

After hitting the height of popularity in the early 1900s, Craftsman-style houses (also called Arts and Crafts homes) haven’t lost their charm, as they still win over the hearts of many in today’s world of architecture. The Arts and Crafts style homes were created because of society’s desire for simpler, more natural aspects that displayed a growing number of skilled Craftsmen. With their amazing details, large front porches, and stone details, Craftsman-style homes are welcoming, comfortable, and full of character.

The most notable characteristics of Craftsman-style homes focus on the exterior.

• Low-pitched, gable roof
• Tapered columns
• Exposed rafters and beams
• Single dormers
• Deep roof eaves
• Multi-paned windows

Combined with a large covered front porch, earth-toned colors, stone details, and a partially paned front door, Craftsman houses are one-of-a-kind. This style involves the use of wood, stucco, shingles, stone, and bricks, creating a unique balance of a multitude of materials and textures. These charming details continue inside with custom built-in cabinetry, large fireplaces, open layouts, and intricate woodwork that create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The enduring popularity of Craftsman homes can be attributed to their functional living spaces, skilled Craftsmanship, and a longing for a simpler, more authentic way of life. It’s no wonder these beautiful homes remain so popular, as their characteristics make for beautiful homes. 

Check out our collection of Craftsman-style house plans.   

Most Popular House Style:

Farmhouse/Modern Farmhouse

The Farmhouse home style is more popular than ever! In the 1700s, Farmhouses were literally homes built on flat farmland, but nowadays, these comfortable houses have popped up in rural and suburban areas throughout the United States. Since these homes vary around the country, the term Farmhouse is used more often to describe the function and the style of the home. People are increasingly drawn to the natural, simple elements of these practical and comfortable homes.

Characteristics of Farmhouse homes include:

• Rural location
• Large, covered porches
• Formal areas in front of homes
• Informal areas in the back
• Extensive woodwork
• White or wood exterior
• Exposed wood beams
• Simple, gabled roofs
• Wide, plank floors

The layout of these homes is unique in that the front of the house is usually reserved for the more formal areas, like the dining and living rooms, while informal areas, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, are in the back. Because the kitchen is the heart of a Farmhouse home, special attention is put on creating a large but practical kitchen with cozy elements like large, wide sinks, white kitchen cabinets, bead board, painted wood plank walls, and wide planked wood floors. Reminiscent of a long-ago era, the Farmhouse style invokes a love of nature with the use of natural wood, calming colors, and wide, welcoming porches. Typically built on large plots of land, Farmhouses are truly meant for rural locations.

The newer Modern Farmhouse style is very similar to the original but with a more contemporary twist. This new variation combines the natural and simplistic characteristics of the Farmhouse design with the sleek, contemporary aspects of modern-style homes. The Modern Farmhouse style expertly mixes the love of clean, sleek lines and the enjoyment of natural elements, creating the best of both worlds.

Some Modern Farmhouse characteristics are:

• White exterior
• Gray or black roof
• Lots of windows
• Metal, concrete, and granite elements
• Sleek lighting
• Hints of bright colors

View our collection of Farmhouse and Modern Farmhouse house plans. 

Most Popular House Style:

Ranch

The simple, no-frills ranch-style homes are timeless classics that have continued to be one of the most popular house styles in America. Developing in the West in the mid to late 20th century, Ranch-style homes were created due to the shift from farming communities to the suburbs. Homeowners wanted their houses to reflect their simple, informal family lives; thus, the long, low Ranch format was born.

The quintessential open concept, Ranch-style homes are perfect for family gatherings and entertaining thanks to the large living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms located in one area. Focused on being open and airy, Ranch houses include a large number of windows in order to bring the outdoors inside.

Characteristics of Ranch-style homes include:

• One story
• Long, horizontal homes
• Open floor plans
• Simplistic, not heavily detailed
• Asymmetrical, U- or L-shaped floor plan
• Low-pitched roof
• Moderate or wide-eave overhang
• Attached garages
• Multiple large windows
• Attached are carports and garages

After being the most popular style in the 1950s-60s, Ranch homes are now becoming more sought after as they are adaptable to all walks of life. Admired for their accessibility, these homes are enjoyed by individuals who are growing older, those with mobility disadvantages, and young families! Ranch-style homes are perfect for everyone!

Visit our website to explore Ranch House Plans.

What style of house sells for the most money?

Now that we understand each style, let’s talk about everyone’s biggest concern: cost. When it comes to how much each style house sells for, it’s difficult to determine as each style can drastically vary in size and materials. However, the style of a house does play a significant role in possible resale value.

The intricate work and attention to detail that exudes from Craftsman-style homes leave their timeless appeal to be desired. Such properties tend to appeal to buyers who appreciate architectural authenticity and homes unique to them. With that being said, Craftsman homes commonly command higher prices and desirable neighborhoods as they are often labeled as premium properties.

As we know, the rustic and charming aesthetic of Farmhouses has caused them to gain quite an uproar in the real estate world. These homes have a great appeal to those seeking that cozy countryside appeal. However, the selling point for Farmhouses can greatly vary depending on the location of the property and the modern amenities available in each home. When building a home, it’s important that your preferred style of house can blend with the surrounding environment.

Ranch-style homes can often have an advantage in their possible resale as a pale to a broader audience due to their practicality and ease of maintenance. In comparison, Ranch homes may not meet the resale value of a Craftsman home, but their versatility and widespread demand can lead to competitive selling prices.

Which houses appreciate the most?

When it comes to real estate, the appreciation of a house style can be influenced by various factors, including location, market trends, and buyer preferences. For example, Craftsman-style houses boast a strong appreciation potential. Craftsman homes blend elegance and simplicity, as they are renowned for their artistry and Craftsmanship. The enduring appeal of exposed beams, handcrafted woodwork, and well-proportioned designs contributes to their increasing value in the real estate market.

In recent years, Farmhouse-style homes have shown a remarkable surge in popularity and appreciation rates. The charm of farmhouse architecture has gained the admiration of many buyers alike. The timeless appeal of wide front porches, gabled roofs, and rustic elements exude a warm and inviting ambulance, making it a top choice for those seeking a tranquil and cozy living space.

Although Ranch-style houses have always been a staple in suburban neighborhoods, their appreciation rate can be somewhat more modest compared to Farmhouse and Craftsman styles. The practicality of ranch homes appeals to a broader range of buyers, but at times, the architectural simplicity of these homes may not create the same emotional connection as the distinctive and nostalgic features found in Farmhouse and Craftsman homes.

Craftsman, Farmhouse, and Ranch-style homes vary in many ways, but they all center around one common characteristic – Simplicity. These styles reflect our love of a simple, family-focused lifestyle where porches are sat on, fires are lit, and loved ones gather. These three popular house styles are just a few among the many options. Whether you’re desiring open conveniences or rustic charm, we have a house plan perfect for you and your family.

Visit our website to learn more about these collections and other house styles.