“What’s Your Home Design Style? Figure It Out Now.”

This week I’m delighted to feature a guest post from a fellow blogger across the pond!

Paisley Hansen is a freelance writer and expert in health, fitness, beauty and fashion. When she isn’t writing she can usually be found reading a good book or hitting the gym.

Paisley sent me a lovely article identifying some of the many architectural style homes which are popular today. While many of these designs relate primarily to the United States some of the architectural elements are beginning to become popular here.

You can connect with Paisley on Google +

If you’re trying to buy or build a home, it can be overwhelming to determine which style of home is right for you and your family. There are many different architectural styles; additionally, there are endless choices for remodeling and decorating to get the style you want. Let’s explore some popular design styles, and discuss some elements that will help you discover which style would be right for you and your family.

Log Cabin Home

Traditionally, log cabin homes were simple and frugal. Nowadays, a log home can be either simple or extravagant. They can be as small as one room, or they can be lavish multi-story buildings. They can be decorated in many different ways, from southwestern style to ski-lodge style to contemporary style. Log cabins often include skylights, windows, decks or patios.

A log cabin home could be right for you if:

• You adore the look of woods, wood grains and wood stains.
• You like the rustic look of the logs themselves, both on the interior and exterior of the home.
• You live in the mountains, in the woods, in the country, or even in some suburban areas. There are many suitable building sites for log homes. Good sites are abundant across America, from the southwest to the midwest to the east, and in Alaska. There are many suitable sites in Europe as well.

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Cape Cod Home

A “Cape Cod” style home is symmetrical in design, and often features gabled ends. From the exterior, a chimney is visible in the center; from the interior, the hearth typically dominates the home. Traditionally, Cape Cod homes were one and a half stories high, with the half-story being an attic area.

Contemporary Cape Cod homes often incorporate French sliding doors, which can incorporate unobtrusive sliding door hardware. Expansive outdoor patios can play a key role in the look and function of Cape Cod style homes.

A Cape Cod style home could be right for you if:

• You live in New England, or an area where it’s cold enough to justify having a hearth as a major design element in your home.
• You like the symmetrical, traditional look of Cape Cod style architecture.
• Your family doesn’t need an upper story to use as living space; you’d be perfectly comfortable on the ground floor, with a bit of storage above.

Tropical Style Home

Tropical homes are typically characterized by a need for good airflow, so they tend to feature open floor plans. In areas where hardwoods are abundant, the tropical home often features hardwood floors and architectural details.

A tropical-style home could be right for you if:

• You live in the tropics, or in an area that’s hot and humid for much of the year.
• You love the tropical look, and you want an open-style floor plan.

Craftsman Home

This style of home is also sometimes referred to as a “Bungalow home.” It is typically a one and a half story structure, characterized by an open floor plan featuring a central living space with a fireplace. Most of the time, hallways are absent. Lighting or furniture may be built into the structure.

On the exterior of a Craftsman-style home, you’re likely to find a gabled or hipped roof, abundant windows, and a chimney. Wood, stone and stucco are popular materials for siding.

This style of home could be right for you if:

• You live in California or another area where this style of architecture is popular.
• You like the look of an open floor plan.
• You favor a style that’s comfortable, yet unpretentious.

Ranch or Split Level Home

This is a multi-story style of home which typically includes a basement. It might also feature sizeable sliding-glass doors and large windows. There may be a driveway or garage.

This style of home could be right for just about any family, providing they like this particular look and style.

The Eclectic Home

A home does not need to be constructed or decorated in any one style or theme. You can feel free to combine elements from several different styles to create a living space that feels right for the lifestyle you and your family live. Whichever style of home you choose, it should reflect your family members’ unique personalities, preferences and tastes.

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All images unless stated from Houzz.com