Country Home Styles

Craftsman

During the early twentieth century, the Arts and Crafts Movement inspired a new style of architecture. Frank Lloyd Wright built a number of homes in what is now named the Craftsman style. Homes in this style may be comprised of both stone and wood elements, and are often rich with decorative trim throughout the house. The key to the Craftsman home is that it is warm, inviting and informal, which is why it is included in country home styles. These homes may have dormer windows and deep porches, although they are not required.

Ranch homes are popular because the living area is all on one floor. This is helpful when building in areas that do not accommodate basements well, or when stairs and multiple levels are not wanted. This style of home usually has a porch, whether it is a wrap around or simply a front porch. This style may also blend other kinds of architecture, borrowing elements from the Craftsman, Victorian and Colonial eras. Look at traffic flow and circulation patterns when choosing a ranch style home because if the traffic flow is off, it can be difficult to decorate.

Colonial style country homes borrow many design elements common throughout the Colonial time frame, but soften them to make them less formal and more inviting. These homes usually have two stories and are symmetrical, with the front door being at the center of the home. While traditional Georgian or Federal Colonial homes do not have porches, adding one makes the home part of the country style. Steep pitched roofs and dormers also indicate a Colonial country style home.

Traditional Victorian homes include a prolific use of trims along gables, as well as anywhere else that could be decked out in trim. Country homes borrow certain ideas from the Victorian style, including the trim. However, in country style, there is less trim and it is simpler in design. Deep porches come from the Victorian era, and country home designers combine this with the symmetry of other periods to create a home that is Victorian inspired, but streamlined and informal in nature.