American homes have evolved significantly throughout the 20th century, mirroring shifts in architectural styles, interior design trends, and lifestyle influences. From the ornate Victorian houses of the 1900s to the modern, sustainable homes of the 2020s, each residence tells a unique story of the American dream, reflecting the changing styles and sentiments that have shaped our way of living over the decades.
Here’s a visual journey through American homes across the decades.
Queen Anne – 1900s
Queen Anne’s style of architecture became fashionable in the United States in the 1880s and influenced the way American homes were built over a century later. Characterized by asymmetrical facades, irregular roof shapes, patterned shingles, wraparound porches, and eclectic windows, these homes are a magnificent blend of color and texture. Notable examples include the Carson Mansion in Eureka, California, and the iconic Painted Ladies of San Francisco, both of which transport us back to a bygone era.
In the present housing market, these Gothic/Victorian-looking homes are sought after. You’ll find architects, designers, and homeowners undertaking tedious restoration projects to bring back Queen Anne-style houses to their former glory, with many others modifying them to suit a more modern look. All things considered, this style of architecture is a definite favorite among homeowners and always attracts admirers.
Prairie School – 1910s
The Prairie School was one of the defining residential styles of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is renowned for its harmonious integration with the natural landscape and emphasis on horizontal lines, reflecting the expansive Midwestern prairies.
Featuring either flat or low-pitched roofs, large windows that flood interiors with natural light, and open floor plans that create a sense of spaciousness, Prairie School homes foster a warm, inviting atmosphere. The historic Robie House in Chicago, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, who popularized this style, is arguably his most iconic Prairie School creation.
Though the original Prairie School movement was relatively brief, ending around 1915, its architectural principles and aesthetic values have maintained lasting relevance. Many of its major elements are still seen in contemporary home styles, from low-profile rooflines to the use of natural materials combined with minimalist design, reflecting its core ideals introduced many years ago.
Craftsman Bungalow – 1920s
The Craftsman Bungalow emerged as a dominant home style in the late 19th century. Inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, this style is best known for its wide overhanging eaves, spacious front porches, and low-pitched roofs, all constructed from wood and stone.
The interiors of homes with this style often feature built-in furniture and decorative woodwork. Some of the most famous Craftsman-style houses in the U.S. are the Gamble House in Pasadena and Artemesia in Hollywood, both located in California.
Craftsman homes have evolved much over the years. Many contemporary homes may still have the distinguished features of the original design, including the wood styling, hardwood floors, and clean lines, but newer interpretations have more open-concept floor plans and lighter neutral colors with lots of white. This change combines traditional and modern flair that continuously appeals to today’s homeowners.
Minimal Traditional – 1930s
Minimal Traditional style homes emerged as a response to the need for cost-effective, small houses during the Great Depression and World War II. Rather than being merely a product of economic necessity, this style emerged through deliberate planning, with the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), established in 1934, playing an instrumental role in its development.
Defined by small, asymmetrical designs, gabled or hipped roofs, minimal ornamentation, and functional layouts, these homes prioritized practicality, reflecting the austere American life of that era. World War II cottages exemplify this style perfectly; nearly 2.3 million were built between 1940 and 1945 for defense workers, with another 5.1 million constructed after the war for returning veterans.
Many Minimal Traditional homes have been altered due to being perceived as ‘lacking style.’ However, their strong connection to suburban development marks an important contribution to historic districts that illustrate the evolution of city planning and residential development in the U.S.
Colonial Revival – 1940s
Colonial Revival homes feature designs inspired by America’s early history, particularly the Federal and Georgian styles, which emerged in the 1880s following the Philadelphia Centennial of 1876. Distinguished by symmetrical facades, gabled roofs, and decorative elements like fanlights and sidelights, these homes represented a grander interpretation of colonial architecture rather than simple colonial life.
A fine example of this architectural style is the Woodrow Wilson House in Washington, DC., executed in brick and stone which was designed by architect Waddy Butler Wood in 1915.
Colonial Revival reached its peak popularity between 1910 and 1930, though it remained widely built through the 1950s. Today, the tradition continues through Neo-Colonial designs, which adapt traditional elements for contemporary living while maintaining key characteristics of the style, though often with simpler details and more standardized construction methods.
Ranch – 1950s
Ranch homes, also known as American Ranch or California Ranch, gained popularity in the 1950s and 60s. Drawing inspiration from Spanish colonial architecture and hacienda designs, architect Cliff May developed this style in the 1930s, creating homes that provided a refreshing alternative to the large, ornate houses of the time.
Ranch houses are distinctive for their low-slung frames, open floor plans, and deep overhanging eaves that connect indoor and outdoor spaces, promoting a casual living experience. While this architectural style is found across the United States, they are especially prevalent in the West and Midwest where land is more abundant.
Nowadays, Ranch houses are more popular than ever due to their versatility. They can be minimalist or luxurious, cozy or sprawling, rustic or modern, yet all retain their key features. By using contemporary construction methods with nods to their history, like terracotta or plaster walls, this style’s iconic characteristics continue to attract new homeowners.
Mid-Century Modern – 1960s
Mid-century Modern homes transport us to a time when Eames chairs, geometric patterns, and clean architectural designs symbolized progress and prosperity and captured the optimism and innovation of postwar America.
These houses are known for their clean lines, organic forms, and a strong emphasis on integrating indoor and outdoor spaces, reflecting a desire for simplicity and a connection to nature. The Kaufmann House in Palm Springs, U.S., is undoubtedly one of the seminal examples of this type of architecture.
With their clean geometries speaking across decades, Mid-Century Modern homes are making a resurgence, giving new homeowners the best of both worlds with their nostalgic appeal and modern look.
Split-Level – 1970s
Split-level homes are the Rubik’s Cube of architectural design that enjoyed their heyday from the 1950s through the 1970s. These houses feature a singular style with staggered floor levels connected by short flights of stairs that create unique spatial dynamics, allowing for distinct living areas while maximizing limited space.
The aesthetic often includes geometric silhouettes, mixed-material facades, and large picture windows, which capture the innovative spirit of those eras. The exterior shots of the house in The Brady Bunch (1969-1974) house one example of the Split-Level architectural style.
Contemporary – 1980s
The 1980s marked a significant shift in homebuilding, reflecting the postmodernist movement that emerged in the 1960s. This transformation was driven by a rejection of modernism’s austerity, with architects embracing ornamentation, vibrant colors, and unconventional designs
Contemporary homes as such are distinguished by their asymmetrical façades, geometric shapes, and complex rooflines. Constructed primarily from wood frames and brick or stucco exteriors, these houses feature busy architectural elements and “sandwich grid” divided lite windows.
Rather than taking “greater risks,” the architecture deliberately incorporates historical elements, unusual materials, and fragmentation to create visual interest leading to the unique designs that many people are familiar with today.
McMansion – 1990s
McMansions represent an architectural style frequently criticized for its haphazard combination of various architectural features without a cohesive design.
Coined in the 1980s, the term McMansion gained widespread use in the 1990s as these oversized homes proliferated during an era of materialism and economic prosperity. Typically around 3,000 square feet or more, McMansions are characterized by their eclectic architectural styles and recognizable elements like oversized columns and multipaned windows.
In recent years, McMansions have given way to McModern homes, which draw inspiration from mid-century modern aesthetics and sometimes incorporate sustainable materials. These contemporary residences maintain substantial footprints and often occupy lots where McMansions previously stood.
Tiny House – 2000s
Emerging in the late 1990s and gaining momentum in the 2000s, the Tiny House movement represents a dramatic shift from traditional American home design, emphasizing minimalism and efficiency.
These dwellings, typically under 400 square feet, showcase innovative space utilization through multi-functional furniture, vertical storage solutions, and clever design. Characterized by their compact footprint, these homes range from mobile versions on trailers to permanent structures that mirror traditional architectural styles in miniature.
Notable features include high-efficiency appliances, sustainable materials, and smart technology integration. Present-day tiny homes often incorporate luxury amenities like solar panels, composting toilets, and sophisticated insulation systems, demonstrating that small-scale living doesn’t preclude comfort. The movement gained significant mainstream attention through media coverage, particularly HGTV’s Tiny House Hunters series, leading to the establishment of tiny home communities across the United States.
Modern Farmhouse – 2010s
The Modern Farmhouse trend grew in popularity in the 2010s, and it’s easy to see why. Its blend of rustic charm and contemporary sleekness has captured the hearts of many. These types of dwellings feature a contemporary take on traditional farmhouse design, incorporating elements such as exposed wood beams, shiplap walls, and natural materials that bring us back to a simpler life.
These days, some homeowners typically opt for the classic look with whitewashed vintage aesthetics, while others choose to incorporate different architectural styles with more sophisticated details, such as board-and-batten siding, black windows, and dark metal roofs to give them a touch of modern charm.
Environmentally Sustainable Design – 2020s
Environmentally sustainable design, which has roots in ancient civilizations and indigenous building practices, has become crucial for creating high-performance, energy-efficient buildings that meet both occupant and environmental needs. This design approach emphasizes natural lighting, open spaces, and integration with the surrounding landscape, continuing a tradition that dates back thousands of years.
Sustainable design has been practiced throughout history but gained renewed focus during the environmental movement of the 1960s and 1970s when architects began taking a more systematic approach to building design. Today, sustainability continues to grow in importance as climate challenges become more urgent, with formal standards and certifications guiding sustainable construction practices.
Source: Forbes