How Do I Know What Style My House Is? (Quick Guide): 1 Minute to Identify Your Home’s Architectural Style—No Degree Required!Sarah ThompsonSep 03, 2025Table of ContentsHouse Style Identification Guide: Simple Steps for BeginnersTips 1: Focus on Unique Features and EraTips 2: Case Study—A Tale of Two TownhousesTips 3: Don’t Rely Solely on Style—Function Is KeyFAQTable of ContentsHouse Style Identification Guide Simple Steps for BeginnersTips 1 Focus on Unique Features and EraTips 2 Case Study—A Tale of Two TownhousesTips 3 Don’t Rely Solely on Style—Function Is KeyFAQFree Smart Home PlannerAI-Powered smart home design software 2025Home Design for FreeHow do I know what style my house is—that’s a question I hear from clients all the time, and honestly, it’s trickier than you’d think. Whether you've just bought your first place or want to revamp your home’s look to reflect its true character, knowing your house style is the first step. If you’ve ever wondered why your Craftsman porch feels out of sync with your modern kitchen, this guide is for you.Real quick—let’s tackle the basics. Take a walk around your home (inside and out!) and jot down distinctive features: roof shapes, window types, moldings, floor plans. Now, compare these features with popular styles. And if you want some visual help, try using a tool to create a 3D layout of your spaces so you can focus on the details.House Style Identification Guide: Simple Steps for BeginnersMost homes fall into a handful of categories: Colonial, Craftsman, Modern, Ranch, Victorian, and so on. I learned the hard way that assumptions can mislead—a refinished attic convinced me I was living in a bungalow until an architect friend spotted classic Cape Cod details! A quick solution? Use a free floor plan creator to visualize your home's layout, which can help you spot patterns that scream "Victorian" or "Mid-Century Modern." Engage with history: check your property records, old photos, and neighborhood for clues.Tips 1: Focus on Unique Features and EraGaze at gables, windows, siding, and porches. Craftsman homes are known for their deep porches, exposed beams, and earthy materials. Tudors often boast decorative half-timbering and steeply pitched roofs. If your home is more recent, it probably leans modern or ranch, with minimal ornamentation and open plans. Haven’t figured it out? Throw your observations into an internet search—sometimes a single term like "clapboard siding" unravels the mystery.Tips 2: Case Study—A Tale of Two TownhousesI worked with a client who believed her row house was pure Victorian flair. Using online records and examining her arched windows, we realized it was actually Italianate—a cousin style but very different in detail! With this knowledge, she used a kitchen layout planner to introduce period-appropriate tile, and her renovation instantly felt cohesive and thoughtful.Tips 3: Don’t Rely Solely on Style—Function Is KeyIt’s easy to obsess over crown moldings and wainscoting, but remember: real homes evolve. Maybe you have a 1950s ranch with a modern extension—embrace mixed influences. The best interiors respect your home’s roots but serve your current lifestyle. Try to design a home that feels authentic to you, not just the history books.FAQHow do I tell if my house is Victorian or Craftsman?Victorian homes have ornate trim and asymmetrical shapes. Craftsman houses have exposed beams, deep porches, and earthy materials.Can I mix modern design with my traditional house?Absolutely! Many designers blend minimalistic decor with classic architectural details for a fresh look.Is there a tool to help me identify my house style?Try using floor plan creator tools or 3D planners to visualize unique features and layouts.Why does knowing my house style matter?It helps you make design choices that honor your home’s architecture, boosting both aesthetics and long-term value.Home Design for FreePlease check with customer service before testing new feature.