European-style homes derived from historical English, French, Italian, and Spanish architecture. Their designs are more elegant than simpler Traditional American homes. They typically have small porches or porticos. Their durable exteriors balance wood, stone and brick, and often showcase complex rooflines made of shingles, tiles, and metal. Ornate columns, crown moulding and architectural detail adorn these homes inside and out.

Craftsman-style homes feature custom-crafted stone and wood construction. They are characterized by square or tapered columns on stepped-porch entries, large crafted doors with windows, stained timbers, shed dormers, chimneys, and metal or square railings. Large windows may be accented with board and batten shutters, if any at all. They typically have a mix of shake, board and batten and lap siding with stone facades. A-framed roofs are often asphalt-shingled or even metal, with corbel accents and vaulted ceilings.

Traditional-style homes are generally an eclectic mix of other styles and usually prioritize function over form. The most popular designs borrow architectural elements from Colonial, Craftsman, Country and Ranch/Rambler-style homes. Lap siding and brick are typical facades. These homes are popular in suburban neighborhoods.

Contemporary architecture reflects “the current popular style” and is shaped by previous styles and ever-evolving. They have simple forms and geometric lines, and feature lots of glass, open floor plans, and innovative designs. The exteriors have contrasting materials and textures, exposed roof beams, and flat or low-pitched roofs to compensate for minimal ornamentation and detail. Contemporaries strive to connect the indoors and outdoors, and emphasize energy efficiency, sustainable materials, natural light and the use of recycled non-toxic materials.

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