Whether you're building, remodeling, or just dreaming, understanding your ideal home style is the first step toward creating a space that feels personal and intentional.

In this guide, you’ll explore 12 distinctive home styles that blend architecture, nature, and personality—from the timeless charm of Colonial and Craftsman homes to the modern warmth of Desert Contemporary and Transitional design.

Every home tells a story.

Find the one that tells yours

🎯 Want to skip ahead and find your design match? Take the quiz here.

#1. Modern Farmhouse

White modern farmhouse with black windows and doors.

Modern Farmhouse Style

Modern Farmhouse homes blend rustic simplicity with contemporary clean lines. Expect pitched roofs, board and batten siding, black-framed windows, and welcoming front porches. These homes embrace function, comfort, and open-plan living, with modern updates layered over nostalgic charm.

This fresh yet familiar aesthetic speaks to The Grounded Gatherer—someone who values comfort, connection, and creating a home that feels both timeless and lived-in.

Key Features: Gable roofs, farmhouse sinks, natural wood + black & white contrast
Best For: Practical dreamers who love a cozy, modern-meets-country home
Popular Variations: Classic Farmhouse, Modern Farmhouse, Scandinavian Farmhouse

Learn more about Modern Farmhouse Styles Here

📌 Not sure which style is right for you? Take our free home style quiz! to discover your perfect home vibe

#2. Mid Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern home, low-slung, asymmetrical roofline, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, and a striking red front door.

Mid-Century Modern Style

Effortlessly cool and deeply intentional, Mid-Century Modern homes combine sleek lines with organic materials. Think low-slung profiles, open floor plans, floor-to-ceiling glass, and a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living. Whether tucked into the desert or perched near the coast, this style was made for sunshine, simplicity, and statement design.

This balanced, breezy modernism aligns with The Baja Dreamer—someone who thrives in open, sunny spaces and finds beauty in the harmony of clean design, natural light, and a touch of nostalgia.

Key Features: Flat roofs, open layouts, clerestory windows, wood + stone mix
Best For: Lovers of vintage flair, earthy minimalism, and indoor-outdoor living
Popular Variations: Palm Springs Modern, Desert Mid-Mod, Coastal Mid-Century

#3. Cape Cod

New England-style coastal cottage with gray cedar shingles, white trim, and a wraparound porch.

Cape Cod Style

Charming, compact, and deeply rooted in American history, Cape Cod homes feature symmetrical facades, steep roofs, dormer windows, and cedar shingle siding. Originally built to withstand coastal weather, these homes are cozy, functional, and full of timeless charm.

Cape Cod architecture speaks to The Saltwater Homesteader—someone drawn to nostalgic comfort, practical beauty, and the gentle rhythm of coastal living. It’s about simplicity, tradition, and a deep love for home.

Key Features: Shingle siding, steep gable roofs, central chimneys, dormers
Best For: Traditionalists with a love for coastal living and cozy spaces
Popular Variations: Classic Cape, Half Cape, Full Cape, Modern Cape Cod

4. Spanish Revival

A timeless **Spanish Revival villa** with warm stucco walls, terracotta roof tiles, and elegant arched doorways.

Rich with historic influence and warm architectural details, Spanish Revival homes are known for red tile roofs, smooth stucco walls, arched doorways, and wrought iron accents. These homes often include lush courtyards, colorful tilework, and a layout that invites a relaxed, indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

This style resonates deeply with The Breezy Escapist—someone who dreams of warm air, timeless charm, and spaces that feel both soulful and open. If you're drawn to travel-inspired design and homes that feel like a peaceful retreat, this might be your perfect match.

Key Features: Red clay roofs, arches, stucco, exposed wood beams, courtyards
Best For: Daydreamers who love history, sunshine, and artistic flair
Popular Variations: Mission Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival, Mediterranean Revival"

#5. Rustic Lodge

Rustic Mountain Lodge featuring reclaimed wood, a towering stone chimney, and expansive glass walls.

Tucked into forests or perched near mountain peaks, Rustic Lodge homes celebrate the raw beauty of nature. These homes are built with rugged materials like stone, heavy timber, and reclaimed wood. Expect steep roofs, expansive great rooms, fireplaces, and views that steal the show. It’s architecture designed to feel both powerful and peaceful.

This grounded, elemental style draws in The Earthbound Dreamer—someone who finds rest and wonder in the natural world, and whose ideal home feels like a serene, handcrafted refuge.

Key Features: Exposed beams, stacked stone, cathedral ceilings, large windows
Best For: Nature lovers seeking a soulful, grounded retreat
Popular Variations: Mountain Lodge, Timber Frame Cabin, Contemporary Rustic

#6. Transitional

Transitional Style

Blending classic forms with modern simplicity, Transitional homes strike a beautiful balance between old and new. Clean lines, neutral palettes, and open layouts meet traditional proportions and architectural detailing. The result is refined, relaxed, and timeless without feeling stuffy.

This modern classic resonates with both The Refined Voyager and The Refined Homesteader—those who value beauty, practicality, and design that feels elegant but not overdone.

Key Features: Neutral colors, classic-meets-modern layouts, natural textures
Best For: Those who love tradition with a fresh, updated twist
Popular Variations: Traditional-Modern Fusion, Contemporary Colonial, Urban Classic Contemporary Style

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#7. Craftsman

A beautifully crafted mountain-style Craftsman home with rich wood detailing, deep green siding, and expansive windows.

Craftsman Style

A true celebration of handcrafted details and timeless simplicity, Craftsman homes feature low-pitched gable roofs, wide eaves with exposed rafters, and deep front porches supported by tapered columns. Inside, built-in cabinetry, rich wood trim, and stone fireplaces create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Craftsman homes naturally attract those who appreciate thoughtful details, comfort, and heritage. If this sounds like you, your style personality may align with The Refined Homesteader—someone who finds joy in rooted tradition with a modern lens.

Key Features: Exposed rafters, deep porches, built-ins, handcrafted woodwork
Best For: Lovers of cozy, character-filled spaces
Popular Variations: Bungalow Craftsman, Modern Craftsman

👉 Curious if this is your match? Take the quiz.

#8. Colonial

A timeless black-and-white Colonial home featuring symmetrical architecture, crisp white columns, and charming black shutters.

Colonial Style

With symmetrical facades, shuttered windows, brick or wood siding, and gabled roofs, Colonial homes reflect the strength and simplicity of early American design. Inside, you’ll find formal rooms, fireplaces, and a sense of order and tradition.

This enduring style speaks to The Timeless Curator—someone who finds beauty in structure, legacy, and the classics that never go out of style.

Key Features: Symmetry, central chimneys, shutters, gabled roofs
Best For: Lovers of history, tradition, and elegant simplicity

#9. Desert Contemporary

A breathtaking Desert Contemporary home with sleek, flat rooflines, expansive glass walls, and a minimalist aesthetic.

Desert Contemporary Style

Designed to harmonize with arid landscapes, Desert Contemporary homes feature clean lines, flat or low-pitched roofs, and natural materials like stucco, stone, and wood. Expansive windows, open floor plans, and earthy, neutral tonescreate a seamless connection to the surrounding environment

This serene, sun-drenched style often resonates with The Sun-Seeker—someone drawn to modern spaces that feel warm, earthy, and inspired by the desert’s quiet beauty.

Key Features: Flat roofs, earthy palettes, seamless indoor-outdoor flow
Best For: Those who love desert vibes and modern simplicity
Popular Variations: Southwest Contemporary, Desert Modern

👉 Feel the pull of the desert? Find your home style personality.

#10. Tudor

Tudor home with steep gabled roof, black-framed windows, and lush formal landscaping.

Tudor / Traditional European Style

Rooted in Old World charm, Tudor and European-inspired homes showcase steeply pitched roofs, half-timbering, stone or brick exteriors, and leaded windows. The look is rich, detailed, and steeped in history.

This timeless style tends to attract The Refined Voyager—a personality drawn to legacy, elegance, and the subtle drama of a well-crafted home.

Key Features: Gables, stone or brickwork, half-timbering, diamond-paned windows
Best For: Traditionalists with a romantic side and an eye for detail
Popular Variations: Tudor Revival, French Eclectic

👉 Does this feel like home? Discover your personality style.

#11. Cottage

A charming coastal cottage perched on sandy shores, featuring soft pastel green siding, crisp white trim.

Coastal Cottage / Beach House Style

Soft, breezy, and sun-drenched, Coastal homes emphasize light colors, natural textures, and a strong connection to the outdoors. Expect weathered wood, large windows, shiplap walls, and wraparound porches designed for coastal living.

This airy, laid-back vibe aligns with The Breezy Escapist—a personality that craves open skies, salty air, and relaxed sophistication.

Key Features: Light palettes, wood siding, beachy textures, indoor-outdoor flow
Best For: Free spirits who feel most alive near the ocean or lakeshore
Popular Variations: Cape Cod, Beach Bungalow, Coastal Contemporary
👉 Feel at home by the sea? Find your home style personality.
Popular Variations: Storybook Cottage, English Country, Urban Bungalow

#12. Mediterranean

A grand Mediterranean estate with warm natural stone, arched doorways, and wrought-iron balconies.

Mediterranean Style

With red-tile roofs, white stucco walls, and arched doorways, Mediterranean and Spanish Revival homes offer timeless charm and warm sophistication. These homes often feature courtyards, ironwork, and breezy layouts inspired by sun-soaked coastlines and historic European villas.

This romantic, globally inspired style aligns with The Refined Voyager—someone who appreciates legacy, craftsmanship, and spaces that feel both timeless and worldly.

Key Features: Red tile roofs, arches, stucco exteriors, iron details
Best For: Cultured travelers who love history, warmth, and architectural beauty
Popular Variations: Spanish Colonial Revival, Mediterranean Villa, Mission Revival

👉 Is this your vibe? Take the quiz and find out.

Whether you're dreaming of a sun-drenched coastal cottage, a clean-lined modern farmhouse, or a cozy Craftsman bungalow, there's a style that speaks to you—and your lifestyle.

If you're not quite sure what your style is just yet, don’t worry—I’ve got you.

Take the 2-minute Home Style Quiz to discover your design personality and unlock a free guide tailored to your style.

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Here’s to designing a home that feels like you.

The 12 Most Loved Home Styles In America