All across the country, there are historic homes that were crafted by custom home builders, and these properties are becoming increasingly popular for home buyers. People enjoy purchasing these older homes for the unique craftsmanship, and others use them as inspiration for home additions and renovations. If you know you want a house that feels like an older home, but you aren’t sure about the distinctions of each style, below is a beginner’s guide to a few common design schemes.

5 Different Styles of Historic Homes

1. Victorian

Between 1880 and 1910, custom home builders built many Victorian style homes with the Queen Anne being the most dominant. Typically very large, Victorians are characterized by their numerous windows, ornate woodwork, and handcrafted outdoor living space, and ornate porches.

2. Colonial

This style was brought to the states when immigrants first came to the country back in the 1600s, but it has a wide range of variations. The commonality among them is the rectangular shape with symmetrical room designs and double-hung windows. French Colonial and Spanish Colonial homes fall under the larger umbrella, and they offer small distinctions based on the influences of the settlers. For example, French Colonial houses are especially popular in Louisiana, where there were many French settlements.

3. Classic Cottage

Custom home builders designed Classic Cottages between 1910 and 1930. They feature an elongated roof containing a central dormer and come with full-width covered patios and porches in the front supported by Doric columns. While the original single-story homes weren’t overly decorated, new constructions emulate the simplicity of the style with the larger space accommodations that modern buyers want.

4. Federal

Defined by their symmetry, Federal style homes come with evenly spaced chimneys on either side of the house divided by a central door. These homes are distinguished by their boxy shape and wide porches that extend the length of the house.

5. Craftsman Bungalow

Craftsman Bungalows were popularized around 1880 to 1920. Created as a counter to its overly ornate Victorian counterparts, custom home builders of the time crafted these homes with hipped roofs and grouped windows that let in ample natural light.

Whether you want to add onto your old-style home or wish to design a new house with historical influences, Lewis Homes, LLC in Kirkwood, MO, can help you match your intended style. With more than 16 years of experience, their custom home builders will help homeowners design a home or addition they love with influences from their favorite styles throughout history. Additionally, they offer kitchen and bathroom remodeling to update outdated cooking and bathing areas. Visit them online to learn more about how they create new homes with an old-world feeling, and schedule a free estimate by calling (314) 626-3435.