Computer Aided Design Inst: Mr. Steve Johnston Styles Of Homes Computer Aided Design Inst: Mr. Steve Johnston

A-Frame A contemporary, triangular-shaped house with a roof line that extends to the ground on two sides. A-frames have many large windows and are usually small. This design is often used for vacation cottages.

Bungalow A compact 1 1/2- story house that usually contains small rooms and a front porch (often enclosed). Bay windows are a common accent.

Cape Cod This simple 1 1/2-story design, with its distinctive peaked roof, shutters and central front door, is an American classic. Usually a frame structure, the basic design comes in many variations featuring dormers, bay windows, decorative trim, etc.

Colonial The colonial home features a rectangular design often distinguished by sash windows with small panes and shutters and an overhanging upper story and fireplaces. Accents vary widely, and include pillars, fanlight windows, dormers and paneled doors.

Four Square This solid, two-story design -- essentially a large, no-frills square box of frame construction -- became extremely popular in the early decades of the 20th century, especially in urban areas. A porch (enclosed or open) often spans the front.

Georgian A classical, formal design. Usually large, Georgian houses are rectangular with a hipped roof. Common accents include dormers, decorative brick quoins at the corners (in a contrasting color of brick), elaborate entrances and crown moldings.

Greek Revival In simplified form, these houses imitate the design of a Greek temple. Usually of frame construction, they generally have a front roof line and recessed entrance. They may feature pillars across the front, or, more frequently, only pilasters to give a hint of columns. This style is most common in the Midwest.

Normandy These elegant brick houses resemble small French castles, with the entry through a two-story tower complete with a tiny balcony. A steeply pitched roof is common, often accented with flared eaves.

Prairie Style Especially popular in the Midwest, this Frank Lloyd Wright design stresses horizontal lines. It features a flat or shallow-pitched roof with broad overhangs, bands of casement windows and decorative banding along the exterior walls. Stained glass is a popular accent, often with a simple, geometric pattern.

Pueblo Most popular in the Southwest desert, these distinctive adobe and stucco houses resemble Indian pueblos. Common accents include rounded edges on exterior walls, a flat roof and rustic support beams that extend through the walls. The homes are typically earth-colored.

Queen Anne The Queen Anne house is less elaborate than a Victorian, but still has many architectural accents. Common features include a round turret, wrap-around porch with gazebo, bay window and gables. The exterior emphasis is on horizontal bands of varying textures and materials.

Victorian These lavishly ornamented houses combine an eclectic mix of style elements, from elaborate gingerbread trim to towers, many-tiered roof lines, stained glass windows, even an occasional widow's walk on the roof. High ceilings, hardwood floors, porches and dramatic stairways are common. Several colors of paint may be used on exterior walls and trim.

Ranch All rooms are on a single level in a ranch house, which usually has a rectangular or L-shaped design. Room layout is usually simple, with an emphasis on openness and efficient use of space.

Split Level A suburban favorite, these houses are designed to make efficient use of space. Typically, the living area leads up a few steps to the bedrooms and down a few steps to utility and rec. rooms slightly below ground level.

Tidewater These houses feature a wide porch on three or four sides, supported by narrow posts or pillars and railings, sometimes elaborately carved. A hipped roof is common. Most often seen in Southern states, Tidewater houses have many doors and windows for cross ventilation.

Tudor Gables and half-timbered exterior walls are typical of this picturesque "Olde English" design. They often incorporate brick and stucco. Tall, diamond- paned windows, arched windows and doorways are popular features. Size and room layout vary widely.

Salt Box This simple but distinctive design, seen most often in New England where it originated, features a flat front and steeply sloped rear roof line. Usually of frame construction, saltbox houses come in many colors and sizes, and commonly feature a fireplace.

References Styles of Homes http://globegazette.webpoint.com/home/sty_span.htm