From mid-century to Victorian, you can create a cohesive look outside in no matter what era your house was built in. Finding a home requires trade-offs, whether in the house or neighborhood. And though it’s not easy to change your neighborhood, you can certainly change the way your home looks and feels.
America’s Most Popular Architectural Styles
What architectural style do Americans love most, and where are they most likely to find those homes? To find out, a new Trulia survey conducted online by Harris Poll of more than 2,000 Americans age 18 and older asked and found that the top home styles Americans cite as their favorites are craftsman (43%), ranch (41%), and colonial (36%). However, this varies by age.
Millennials, age 18–34, were more likely to favor craftsman-style homes (52% vs. 36% of those age 55+), while older adults, age 55+, were more likely favor ranch-style homes (52% vs. 28% of millennials). Despite the overwhelming popularity of craftsman-style homes, ranch homes are much easier to find on the market.
In middle TN, he most common architectural styles are colonial, ranch, craftsman, Victorian, and mid-century.
Consider augmenting your home’s classic style with textured, woven baskets of natural materials like rattan, sisal, or water hyacinth. Houseplants, including dramatic palms and ferns, are also good options to create this effect. Give a nod to the colonial style’s spartan take on neoclassical grandeur. Collect handcrafted wooden bowls and ladles, and seek art that involves the crude human figures of the colonial period. The colonial style emphasizes wood tones and handcrafted elements. Keep those features feeling fresh with dramatic bright or dark paint choices on walls or furniture. You might also embrace the rustic inspiration behind the ranch style with Western-flavored elements like cowhide and leather ottomans, rugs, and pillows. Wood elements like floating shelves, trays, and coat racks also help.
Ranch style emphasizes social space and natural light. To capitalize on those elements,consider using neutrals with no heavy patterns and grabbing a bar cart and serve-ware for entertaining. Make modern statements on the style with elements like cement floor tiles, light floor stains, and minimalist trim and molding. The ranch looks best when you embrace its modern simplicity. Stick to clean-lined furniture but adding personality through rattan accents and an eclectic mix of metals.
For a craftsman? Use charming, symmetrical exterior by focusing on curb appeal with floral boxes or large planters. Contrast geometric patterns with pops of accent color.
And for a Victorian? Try hearkening back to this architectural style’s namesake era by choosing lace, ribbon, or embroidered linens in neutral or white for tablecloths, curtains, and bedding. Mismatched antique furnishings are also a good look. Britto and Charette recommend painting baseboards dark espresso or high-gloss black to mimic the dark wood elements that were popular in the era. To add personality, follow another Victorian tradition and fill a curio with collectibles. Victorians enthusiastically embraced patterns, but Owens suggests modernizing by wallpapering one feature wall while keeping others neutral. An ornate furniture piece can also make a nice accent.
With a mid-century home, simply and inexpensively by swapping out the legs on your existing furniture for the tapered legs characteristic of the mid-century style. A low-profile sofa or arched floor lamp are other easy ways to achieve this style. The right furniture is crucial, but price can be an issue. Find modern designers and stores whose products mimic the style of the time period.
