What's Your Architectural House Style?

Georgian

Named for King George of England, these homes are refined and symmetrical – many times with paired chimneys. They almost always feature an orderly row of five windows across the second story. This type of home is popular in the Nashville area.
 

Ranch

Very common in Middle Tennessee. It is characterized by its one-story, pitched roof construction, attached garage, picture windows, and sliding doors leading to a patio.
 

Split-level

Also a popular style in this area, the split-level home offers living spaces on multiple levels separated by short flights of stairs leading to sequestered living spaces. Usually the bedrooms are on the top level, living spaces on the mid level, and garages or family rooms on the lower level.
 

Craftsman

Another popular style in this area, the Craftsman style of home is very simple in design. Low, broad proportions and lack of ornamentation gives a natural character that seems to blend with any landscape. It usually features overhanging eaves, a low-slung gabled roof and pedestal like tapered columns.
 

Contemporary

One of my favorite styles! Lots of tall and geometrically shaped windows. Unusual building materials. Large open rooms. Many styles can be mixed to give the homes their own personality.
 

Italianate

Another favorite of mine! Despite their solid square shape, they can be very ornate. Features include symmetrical windows, small chimneys set in irregular locations, and tall narrow windows and sometimes you will find towers. This style of home is often seen in the Belle Meade area of Nashville
 

French Country

A rich, comfortable style. A bit more rustic in design. Large open country kitchens will be a great feature of these homes. This architectural house style had its’ origins in the rural manor homes of France.
 

Colonial

Usually rectangular, symmetrical homes with bedrooms on the second floor. Double hung windows almost always have small, equally sized square panes. Elegant central hallways often dominate this design.
 

Bungalow

Narrow, rectangular one and one-half story houses. Low-pitched gable or hip roofs and small porches at the entry. At one time, you could order a bungalow kit from a Sears and Roebuck catalog.
 

Victorian

Combining modern materials with 19th Century details such as curved towers, spindled porches and ornamentation. You will usually find wrap-around porches in this style home. Colors will range from white to pastel to brightly colored trim.

Dutch Colonial

Broad gambrel roofline with flaring eaves gives these homes a very distinctive style. Chimneys are usually placed on both ends of the home. Double-hung sash windows, dormers with shed-like overhangs are common.
 

Tudor

Defining characteristics are half-timbering on bay windows and upper floors. Facades are dominated by one or more steeply pitched cross gables. Patterned brick or stone walls are common, as are multi-paned casement windows and large stone chimneys.
 

Prairie

Made famous my Frank Lloyd Wright, they come in two styles…..boxy and symmetrical or low-slung and asymmetrical. Roofs are low pitched with wide eaves. Rows of casement windows, one-story porches with large square support and masonry ornamentation around doors, windows and cornices.
 

Spanish

Styled from the missions of early Spanish missionaries, details include low-pitched tile roofs, stucco walls, and lots of rounded windows and doors. You will usually find balconies, decorative tiles and elaborate grillwork.
 

Art Deco

Just about anything goes! Building materials are often metal with geometric styling. Smooth stucco walls with rectangular cut-outs mark the exteriors. You will often find curved walls and glass blocks in various places.