From large & imposing Victorians to cozy and quaint Cape Cods, learn about the 9 remaining residential styles from our list of the most popular 18. At Heiston Kitchen & Bath, we think it's important to know what style home you own and what style you prefer when considering a remodel. To see the first 9 styles, view last weeks blog post in our Archives.
Modern Style
Features Include:
- Open floorplans
- Strong linear features
- Minimal texture
- Almost always has a fireplace
- Clean & simple environment
- Elongated, vaulted ceilings
- Lacks trendy finishes
- Glass, steel, & stone building materials
- Structural elements are revealed with exposed beams & supports
- Bold Roof lines and/or multiple roof lines at different levels
- Interesting overhangs or unusual linear elements
- Windows are often floor-to-ceiling and are used extensively to bring in light
- Sliding doors and clerestory windows are also used to bring in light (clerestory windows are set high in the walls of a home to let in light while preserving privacy
- Pony walls that extend from the floor to just below the ceiling are often used to separate rooms will still allowing to share light
- Flat panel cabinetry with full-overlay construction
- Sleek & simple hardware
- Industrial elements
Rustic Style
Features Include:
- Warm & earthy colors
- Low-pitched roof
- Wide overhanging beams
- Large, small-paned windows
- Commonly found in rural areas
- Sliding barn doors and/or Dutch doors
- Log or stone construction using local materials
- Rooms made to feel like an extension of the outdoors
- Floor plans are usually rectangular with slight variations
- Old stone walls, exposed beams, reclaimed wood, & stone fireplace
- Reclaimed wood: hammered, distressed & tarnished metals; wavy or seeded glass
- Re-purposed objects (old wood crates stacked to make end tables, old pails as bathroom sinks, etc.)
KITCHEN
- Fireplace
- Appliances with cabinet fronts or mor unusal colors (in lieu stainless steel)
- Distressed cabinets with old-fashioned latches
- Maple or reclaimed wood countertops
- Metal candle chandelier or wrough-iron fixtures
- Soapstone or reclaimed sink
- Brick arches, stone walls, wood ceilings, recessed range, and exposed rafters
- Wood finishes matched with warm hues
- Enameled stove
- Rustic wall treatments to give the illusion of texture and age
- Barn lighting: goose-neck pendants & barn sconces
- Different finishes: antique brass, unlacquered brass or copper, etc)
- Textiles- upholstered bar stools, kitchen chairs,and seat cushions
Scandinavian Style
Features Include:
- Function reigns supreme
- Sauna in the bathroom
- Simple & cozy corner fireplace
- Eco-friendly with many 'green' features
- Plants & furnishings that mimic nature
- Most homes have a balcony
- Antique decor & crystal chandeliers,
- Floor to ceiling windows
- Wood Floors
- Incorporates nature into its structure by using finished wood on the exterior of the home and natural materials throughout the interior
- Simple design with clean lines, basic shapes, and solid colors
- Large full-length windows that line the sides of the home
- Timber & other natural materials throughout
- Open, airy with flow that allows easy outdoor access
- Calm, muted tones of pale blue, gray, white, and cream
Southwestern Style
- Typically found in California, Nevada, & Arizona
- Stucco walls (to keep the cool air inside)
- Low-pitched tile roof (usually red)
- Spacious & artistic
- Includes a courtyard, patio, or other outdoor living area
- Features rustic wood beams
- Bold color combinations: desert-toned neutrals with touches of bright yellow, burnt orange, vivid red, and cooling turquoise
- Charming architecture with welcoming archways, doors, & windows
- Walkways with rustic features & romantic character
- Wrought iron accessories & hardware
- Decorative, hand-painted ceramic tiles
- Saltillo tile or wood floors
- Natural stone countertops, usually granite
- Kitchens often feature banquettes
Traditional Style
Features Include:
- Strong architectural details, shown in arches, mouldings, beams, ceilings, etc.
- Backplash ledge or niche in Kitchen and/or Bathroom
- Ornate & decorative lighting such as crystal or brass chandeliers or lantern-style lights
- Both the exterior & floorplan incorporate a unique mix of architectural details from styles throughout history
- Buildings & style that stand the test of time
- Simple roof lines, covered entries, and at least one front-facing gable
- Ranges from simple starter homes to luxurious mansions
- Warm & inviting exterior
- Open floor plan with the kitchen overlooking the family or great room
- Includes convenient elements such as built-in cabinets or a home office
- Variety of foundation options, including: basements, walkout basements, crawlspaces, and slab foundations
KITCHEN
- Cabinetry includes: Framed, flush inset, raised panel, and/or frameless
- Furniture style pantry cabinets
- Traditional kitchens often mix cabinet door styles and/or finishes
- Hutch-style cabinets
- Glazed or antique cabinet finishes
- Custom metal, plaster, or wood hood surround
- Chandeliers
- Decorative cabinet door inserts: glass, antique glass, wood mullion, or metal mesh inserts
- Decorative mouldings
- Islands with legs, pilasters, and corbels
- Sink base cabinets may have a different depth (than other base cabinets)
- Cabinets with legs or furniture-style toe kicks
- Apron-front sinks
- Luxury countertops- Calcutta & Statuary Marble, walnut butcher block, Quartzite, & granite
- Walk-in pantries
Transitional Style
- Marriage of the comfort & warmth of Traditional Style and the understated colors of Contemporary Style
- Neutral colors: taupe, tan, vanilla, cream, gray, & khaki with occasional hint of dark brown to add depth
- Patterns (if used at all) should be understated
- Flooring includes natural woods, stone, tile, and/or carpet and can be combined throughout the home
- Lighting should have strong, clean lines
- Above all the space should feel classic, timeless & clean, but not too formal
- The exterior has lines that are less ornate than traditional but not as basic as contemporary
KITCHEN
- Blend traditional surfaces such as wood and stone with sleek stainless steel or paneled cabinetry with minimalist hardware
- Open Shelving
- Apron-front sinks
- No ornate millwork or hand-painted tiles
Tropical Style
Features Include:
- Vibrant but not garish
- Wood paneled cabinetry
- White walls
- Wicker and rattan furniture
- Glass pendant lights
- Indoor-Outdoor kitchen
- Large roof overhangs
- White tongue-and-groove paneling
- Wood or bamboo ceiling fans
- Wooden window frames
- Pitched ceiling (to help with circulation)
- Natural materials to bring the outdoors in
- Strong emphasis on the outdoors and a laid-back approach to living
- Wood is prevalent due to its honest, simple, and rustic nature
- Tongue-and-groove cabinetry, often painted white
- Glass, louver windows (blades open horizontally)
- Oftentimes features a backyard with large deck and pool instead of grass
Victorian Style
- Two to three story homes (usually large and imposing)
- Wood or stone exterior (commonly wood siding, however Second Empire & Romanesque styles always have outer walls made of stone)
- Complicated, asymmetrical shape with wings and bays in many directions
- Exterior is decorated with elaborate wood or metal trim
- Exterior siding commonly decorated with scalloped shingles, patterned masonry, or half-timbering
- Steep & multi-faceted roof or Mansard roof (steep, imposing roof lines with many gables; Second Empire has a flat-topped Mansard roof with windows in the side)
- Large, one-story, wraparound porch with ornamental spindles and brackets
- Some of the higher-end homes have towers
- Filled with antique or antique-looking furniture
- Crown moulding throughout the home
- Accents in light blues, yellows, and rose pinks
KITCHEN
- Open concept with u-shaped or l-shaped design
- Kitchen island made with intricately carved cutouts or from repurposed dresser
- Classic farm-style sinks
- Brass hardware in flowing, floral designs
- Antique cabinetry painted white, beige, or light yellow
- Cabinets may feature open shelves or glass doors
- Countertops and floors provide a contrast in what might otherwise be a soft look
- Dark wood floor planks
- Dramatic and striking chandelier over island or table
Cape Cod Style
Features Include:
- Light and airy feel
- Low, broad profile
- Generally 1.5 stories
- Features a steeply pitched roof with end gables
- Simple, symmetrical front facade
- Cozy and efficient floorplan
- Shutters and window boxes on the exterior
- Pedestrian paths leading to the house
- Cedar shake shingles for the roof or siding
- Clapboard siding
- Double dormers (usually gabled)
- Pilasters surround the front door
- Rear & side additions (to maintain modest facade)
- Wide front porch (Colonial versions don't have a porch)
- Sidelights help to add interest to the front of the home
KITCHEN
- Cozy, happy, and unpretentious feel
- Soft colors: classic white, soft yellow, pale turquoise, and light khaki
- Open shelving
- Bead board to warm walls and cabinetry while still adding architectural interest
- Farmhouse sink
- Furniture style cabinet details
- Cup-style drawer pulls
- Hardwood flooring
- Linoleum, tile, or slate are additional flooring options
- Low-hanging pendant lights
If you are considering a kitchen, bathroom, or basement remodel, give Heiston Kitchen & Bath a call today at 571-221-5493 to get started on the design. Now that you know the 18 most popular styles, you can make better design decisions based on your home's style and your personal favorite residential style.