1900s-Style Homes

Victorian

• Between 1837 and 1901, Victorian style was a popular choice among house designers in the Unites States. The name comes from Queen Victoria, who ruled Britain during this period. Within the Victorian style there are subgenres such as Queen Anne, Second Empire and Romanesque. They all share some recognizable characteristics. Steeply pitched roofs of dramatic asymmetry, textured shingles and asymmetrical wrap-around porches are common traits of Victorian style houses.

Colonial Revival

• The colonial revival style was originally designed as a period style house for the rich. Liketo Victorian houses, the colonial was a celebration of the past. Portico's, round columns and Palladian windows are characteristic of a colonial revival style house.

Craftsman

• Craftsman or Arts and Crafts style arose in the 1860's as a modern architectural movement. Architects and designers of this style including John Ruskin and William Morris, wanted to push the boundaries of traditional house designs. Traits of this style include exposed roof rafters over low-pitched roofs, porch base beams that extend to ground level and decorative beams beneath porch gables. The idea behind this 'raw' look was to show off the work of the architect.

International

• Between 1900 and 1950, architects wanted to push the envelope of design even further than before. International style houses are distinctive with a bold square shape and metal window casings. The Farnsworth House in Plano, Ill., is a famous 1940's International style house. With a minimalistic approach, the rectangular house stands on eight steel columns that support two concrete pads that serve as the foundation and the roof. Another popular example of international design is the Glass House of New Canaan, Conn.