When searching for a new home, knowing what you like will help you to decide where you should look. Different cities, counties, states, and areas can have different architecture, and not every style works for every person. If you are looking for real estate in Westport, Connecticut, we want to help you figure out which style suits you best. Here are some favorites:

Colonial-style architecture was first seen between the 1600s and the 1700s when European settlers arrived in America. The different kinds of colonials include Georgian Colonial, Spanish Colonial, German Colonial, French Colonial, and Dutch Colonial. While coming from historical roots, it is still a highly popular style of architecture today.

These homes are typically two or three stories high, rectangular-shaped, and relatively symmetrical. They have steep, side-gabled roofs and are traditionally-built with either wood or stone. Initially, these homes were only one room deep and about two or three rooms wide, although that is no longer the case with the new homes built in this style. Usually, these homes have plain-painted exteriors with minimal embellishment. They use double-sash windows, although more modern takes might include dormer windows. The windows of the original style were much smaller than the oversized glass windows that are common now in Colonial Revival and Neo-Colonial structures.

The layout has the common living areas on the ground floor with bedrooms on the upper floors. There can be a singular central chimney or a double chimney featured on either end of the home. This style can feel both modern or traditional and historic depending on the materials and indoor decor. This can also be affected by the region and style of Colonial.  

Modern architecture showed up around the 1920s and lasted until about the 1960s and focused on a more innovative, experimental, and minimalistic style. Different forms of modern architecture include expressionist, constructivist, and mid-century. It rebelled against traditional architecture and placed function over decoration - as you see in home styles such as Victorian and Gothic - and the decor has gotten even more minimalistic with time. It uses sharp, clean lines to build its infrastructure, creating a boxier-shaped home.

These homes use asymmetrical designs, and the roofs are usually flat and overhang the rest of the house. It features large glass windows, sometimes taking up the entire wall. The floor plans are typically open-concept with minimal walls, leaving a vast space serving multiple purposes, like the dining room, living room, and kitchen all flowing into one another. The materials used in these homes include steel, concrete blocks, iron, and glass. This varies from the more common house materials like wood, stone, and brick.

Many can get contemporary and modern confused with one another. This could partly be because some homes that are not considered modern still incorporate some of the modern elements within them, especially the open floor plans and large windows.

As stated, contemporary architecture is often confused with modern architecture because it mimics a lot of what modern architecture created. Don’t be confused, though. It has some very notable differences both inside and out. In the simplest terms, contemporary refers to anything current at the time and is therefore forever changing. Contemporary styles frequently get mixed with older styles of architecture in order to give it a brand-new feeling. It is unconventional and not truly defined by a single style. We first saw contemporary coming in when modern was ending about the 1960s. Its designs are not limited to the standard structure, so you may see houses that have a completely new look and vibe than you have ever seen before. One wall may be straight while another is curved, and it could use traditional materials or more sustainable ones that have been recycled.

There are no real rules with this style. However, some main characteristics include curved lines, rounded forms, and unconventional volumes. These homes are not usually symmetrical and instead take on a unique layout. They mimic the modern style with the open floor plan and large windows and they might have green roofs and living walls to create sustainability. You will see the newest technologies in these homes integrated into whatever landscape they are around.

These homes also put a lot of emphasis on outdoor living, meaning they usually have large yards to entertain or even have components such as outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and even dining areas. They are intended to help you connect with nature in order to prevent the feeling of being too cooped up indoors. It is safe to say you will enjoy your time both inside and outside in these homes.

Farmhouse architecture started between the 1700s and 1800s as was initially built in rural America. The name originated simply from the fact that these houses were built on agricultural lands and housed the families who worked on the farms. These homes used to be one single room and floor and were constructed primarily for protection from the elements. They have, of course, evolved today to be fully functional multi-room houses with usually two stories.

Materials for these houses consist of wood and stone and have a roofed wrap-around porch. You may also find a rear porch added as well. Today the house still mimics the wide-open space with open concept floor plans and vaulted great or family rooms. Barn-style doors have been incorporated inside the homes to bring in a more typical barn feeling. They often have gabled roofs with steep angles to emphasize the height of the house. These are also useful for when it rains or snows; the elements slide off the sides instead of gathering on top. The exterior usually features a lap or board and batten design. Laps are horizontal planks that slightly overlap the one below, while board and batten are vertical boards with overlaying narrow strips called battens; these are reminiscent of how barns used to be built.

Modern farmhouses are painted either completely white instead of the red and white you think of with traditional barns and farmhouses. Sometimes, you will find different colors, but they will always be single-toned. Also, double-hung windows, meaning they can go up or down, is a modern take on that old farm feeling. Some of the features noted above may feel familiar, and that is because they are also pulled from Victorian-era homes. Like everything in the current styles, designs are drawn from multiple generations to achieve a unique look.

Tudor-style homes first became popular in the United States from 1900 to around 1940. They were inspired by the timber-frame cottages built during the reign of the Tudor family in England. The American Tudors blend the old-world design elements with modern techniques. They are half timber construction and half brick or stone walls. The once thatched roof was replaced by slate, and the steep rooftops have multiple gables.

The interior of Tudor homes includes decorative beamed ceilings, arched doorways, plaster walls, and detailed wooden staircases. The floorplans are asymmetrical, and there can be oversized stained wood detailing, including wainscoting and trim. Tudor houses are usually two or three stories high, with the second story hanging over the porch and are rectangularly-designed. They use tall windows with multiple square or diamond-shaped panes to create intricate designs. Colored glass is sometimes used for added flair. There is also commonly a brick chimney popping out the roof of the home. They can occasionally feature a medieval-looking iron door, and the houses are painted earth tones such as tans and browns. The house is usually one color, while the timbers are darker, making them pop and stand out. The architectural style can be reminiscent of a fairy-tale or cottage aesthetic. The land your home is on is also extremely important as landscaping is often used in conjunction with the architecture to complete the entire look and design of the house.
 

The architecture is intricate and one where every detail is methodically planned. Where things like beams were once used for structural use, they are now put in to reflect the time period but are purely for decoration. This style of home is perfect for displaying intricate detailing, interesting structure work, and a classic feel.

Now that you are familiar with the different types of beautiful, historic, and modern architecture available, you may be interested in Westport, CT homes for sale or want to learn more about this unique town. If so, reach out to The Local Realtors today and start on your journey to your perfect home!