The Ultimate Home Styles Guide: Breaking Down 15 Popular Types of Houses

The easiest way to tell you’re looking at a ranch house is to count the stories. Ranches are one of the few one-story home styles. They’re usually built in a U or an L shape with windows in the back of the home to connect the space to nature.

Ranch homes share similar traits with mid-century modern homes, but you can usually tell a ranch by its roof. Ranch homes favor more traditional gabled or hipped roofs, while mid-century modern houses have flatter, more sloped roofs.

• Single-story
• Long and horizontal profile
• Low-sloping roof
• Large windows
• Open-concept floor plan

• West
• Southwest
• North
• Pacific Northwest
• Midwest

The great thing about ranches is that they already feature open-concept, zero-step floor plans. Since this is what most modern homeowners prefer, you’ll find that remodels to ranches are often simpler than for other home styles. You may want to add on a little space or update the interiors of your ranch home, but it’s unlikely that you’ll have to take down walls for a major reno.

• Bold front door color
• Front porch addition

Split-level homes typically have three or more levels, each with its own character. These floors are connected by short flights of stairs. You can identify a split-level house by its exterior, often appearing as if it has been split horizontally. They also have staggered rooflines as a result of the different floor levels.

• Multiple staggered levels
• Short staircases
• Low-sloping roof
• Asymmetrical

• Midwest
• Northeast
• West

If you’re not a fan of segmented spaces, you can consider opening up the main living areas to create a more spacious and connected feel. Just make sure you’re not tearing down load-bearing walls.

• Open-concept floor plan
• Finish lower level
• Add frame to exterior windows

You can spot a Colonial by its multi-story balanced look with a centered front door and windows on each side. Colonial homes have a pitched roof to handle rain and snow. On the inside, many Colonials feature a central hallway that divides the home symmetrically.

• Two-story
• Symmetrical
• Steep gable roof

• Northeast
• South
• Midwest

Since Colonials have many rooms, they can feel dark and closed. You can knock out a wall or two to add some more light. Remodeling projects that complement this style should focus on preserving the historic charm. If your Colonial home has natural hardwood floors, consider refinishing them.

• Open-concept floor plan
• Bright colors
• Repaint vinyl siding

Cape Cods are characterized by their symmetry with a middle door and windows on each side. Their steep gable roofs serve northeast weather well by allowing rain and snow to easily fall off. They also have windows called dormers that peek out from the roof. In the center of the home, you can usually find a chimney to help with heating.

• Rectangular shape
• One and a half-story
• Steep roof
• Center door

• Northeast
• Midwest

One popular renovation for Cape Cods is expanding dormers to create additional living space in the attic and add natural light. Many of these homes are not optimized to enjoy outdoor spaces, so consider installing a deck or cozy porch to complement the Cape Cod's inviting atmosphere.

• Reclaimed wood furniture
• Light color scheme
• Fireplace remodels

Victorian homes have a romantic appearance due to their elaborate detailing. Many have steep rooflines, large windows and a large porch. The interior typically showcases high ceilings, decorative molding and grand staircases.

• Two or three stories
• High ceilings
• Fish-scale shingles
• Decorative front porch railings
• Turrets

• Northeast
• San Francisco Bay
• South

Remodeling a Victorian house offers an opportunity to preserve historic charm and introduce modern amenities. Consider restoring or upgrading your home’s gingerbread trim or ornamental cove moldings. If you’re removing carpet, make sure to find a replacement that fits with the original interior elegance.

• Bold colors
• Textured furniture
• Modern light fixtures

With a pointy roof, brick walls and half-timbered wooden frames, the Tudor might remind you of a fairy tale home. On the inside, dark wood finishes and paneling continue to appear throughout the house.

• Exposed wooden frames
• Steep gable roof
• Brick exterior
• Multipane windows

• Northeast
• Mid-Atlantic
• Midwest

With so much dark wood found inside the Tudor home, many homeowners struggle to make the space more inviting. While painting paneling can suppress the history of a Tudor, lighter colors can transform the house into a warm environment. Alternatively, pay attention to the naturally dark areas, such as corners and install more lighting.

• Painted wood
• Screened-in porch
• Kitchen expansion

Bungalows have a welcoming feel, usually with one floor and a wide porch. They typically have large windows that allow plenty of sunlight to brighten up the interior spaces.

• Low-sloping gable roof
• Covered front porch
• One and a half-story
• Open floor plan

• California
• Midwest
• Mid-Atlantic
• Pacific Northwest
• South

Bungalows were built with practicality in mind, so they lend themselves towards remodeling projects. Many were designed to have a strong connection to the outdoors, so take advantage of your backyard spaces with well-designed landscaping.

• Home extension
• Front garden
• Attic remodel

Craftsman homes are known for their woodwork, from built-in shelves to spruced-up trim. They usually feature deep front porches, columns and large multi-pane windows. You’ll also notice their exposed rafters in the roofline.

• Low-sloping gable roof
• Covered front porch
• Simple design
• Intricate woodwork
• Exposed rafters

• California
• Midwest
• Mid-Atlantic
• Pacific Northwest
• South

Craftsman homes get their name from beautiful wood craftsmanship. You can maintain these features by restoring the trim, molding and other woodwork. Enhance the curb appeal with landscaping that complements the home.

• Kitchen island addition
• Refinished hardwood floors

Cottages are usually modest and cozy, with quaint architecture. They usually consist of one bedroom, a living room, kitchen and bathroom, but there may be an extra bedroom or an upstairs area. Cottages are another home style with fairy tale flair.

• One story
• Stone walls
• Arched doorway
• Open floor plan

• New England
• Great Lakes Region
• Southern Coast

Because cottages are small, you might want to optimize storage space with built-in shelves or cabinets. Cottages are often complemented by nature so consider adding colorful window boxes, gardens, or trees to spruce up your outdoor space.

• Paint wooden ceiling beams
• Outdoor walkway
• Open shelving

Mediterranean Style homes draw inspiration from their sunny surroundings — picture warm, earthy colors. The roof often has clay tiles arranged in overlapping patterns. Arches also define the style through curved doorways and windows.

• Clay roof tiles
• Stucco walls
• Arched walkways

• California
• Florida
• Southwest

Since Mediterranean style homes are found in sunny climates, outdoor living spaces are also a focal point. Consider adding a patio, balcony, or courtyard with landscaping. Interior remodels often focus on open floor plans and increased natural light.

• Xeriscaped gardens
• Light paint colors
• Modern light fixtures

Farmhouses have a spacious and practical design, often featuring a wide front porch and rural simplicity. Large, functional windows allow ample natural light to fill the inside. These homes are often surrounded by expansive farmland.

• Covered porches
• Large multipane windows
• Open living space
• Outdoor space
• Minimalist and rustic design

• Midwest
• Northeast
• South

Classic farmhouse elements are often combined with modern finishes through neutral color palettes, shiplap walls and contemporary fixtures. Sliding barn doors are a popular space-saving addition that reflect the farmhouse aesthetic. With their emphasis on practicality, farmhouses often benefit from mudrooms with storage for boots and coats.

• Metal roof
• White exterior
• Wooden barn doors
• Shiplap walls

Cabins present an earthy appearance with natural materials, such as logs or timber. Cabins typically feature a compact and practical design, emphasizing functionality in natural environments.

• Compact
• Wood exterior and interior
• Exposed beams
• Lofts

• Rocky Mountains
• Appalachian Mountains
• Pacific Northwest
• North

The latest cabin remodeling trends aim to reclaim authentic wood features while also incorporating modern sustainable qualities. Many renovated cabins include amenities such as updated kitchens with energy-efficient appliances and modern bathrooms with new tiles and bathtubs.

• Exterior stain
• Large windows
• Bathroom with spa features

Townhomes are typically part of a row or a group of attached units. They share walls with adjacent townhomes, forming a connected structure. Common layouts include bedrooms on an upper level and communal areas like the living room and kitchen on the main floor.

• Shared walls
• Multiple stories
• Limited outdoor space

• Urban and suburban areas across the country

Many townhomes are part of a homeowners association, so there may be restrictions on the types of changes you can make. Assess your home and identify areas where you desire an upgrade. Common areas include flooring, cabinets and countertops.

• Built-in storage
• Soundproofing

Mid-Century modern homes are characterized by a minimalist aesthetic, open spaces and large windows that allow natural light. Common features include exposed beams, flat roofs and the use of natural materials such as wood and stone.

• Open floor plans
• Large windows
• Minimalist style
• Flat roof

• Pacific Northwest
• California
• South
• Southwest

Since these homes often feature a neutral color palette, you can liven up the space with a vibrant accent wall. Mid-century modern homes are typically designed with a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living, so complement your home with sustainable landscaping.

• Staining wood
• Quartz countertops
• Matte paint finishes
• Flat-panel doors

The exterior of a contemporary home is characterized by a mix of geometric shapes, low-pitched roofs and asymmetry. Interiors feature an open floor plan, minimalist design and plenty of natural light.

• Large windows
• Minimalist design
• Light, neutral colors

• California
• Southwest
• Pacific Northwest

Contemporary homes often feature neutral color schemes with occasional pops of color. Consider incorporating shades of gray, white and earth tones. You can strengthen the connection between indoor and outdoor living space by installing an outdoor patio.

• Custom built-in furniture
• Outdoor patios