10 House Designs Highlighting 450 Years of Classic American Architecture

The first settlers arrived in North America during the early 1600s. A lot has changed since then, especially the architecture. So to chart over 450 years of its country’s history, American Home Shield decided to create 10 designs based on classic and modern US architecture. Take a look at all the houses below.

Cape Cod Style (1600s–1950s)

A one-storey structure with a minimalist facade, the classic Cape Cod house reflected the modest dispositions of the first Puritan settlers. Simple but super-sturdy, these buildings valued function over form.

Georgian Colonial House Style (1690s–1830)

The Brits brought Georgian architectural styles to North America, and it stayed long after the RedCoats were kicked back across the Atlantic Ocean.

Federal Style (1780–1840)

The federal style emerged alongside the birth of a nation. It was an attempt to break away from the old, classical, and stuffy Georgian look. Still, a keen eye would have spotted the flat facades and high windows. History doesn’t shake off that easily.

Greek Revival House Style (1825–1860)

The USA was a grand project to build a great civilization based on freedom, equality, and opportunity. So it’s no surprise that 19th-century US architects drew inspiration from classical Greece. Think high columns, intricate detailing, and perfect symmetry that reflect an eternal sense of order.

Italianate House (1840–1885)

There are no prizes for guessing what inspired the Italianate houses of the mid-1800s. Italianate homes opted for asymmetry, with low-pitched roofs and large porches reminiscent of the country estates you would have found during a trip back to The Boot!

Queen Anne Style (1880–1910)

The Queen Anne style was a major leap forward in American architecture. The Industrial Revolution led to new materials and building methods, allowing architects to be more creative than ever before. A building with real personality, the Queen Anne house was famous for its decorative flair and intricate structure.

Arts and Crafts (1905–1930)

The arts and crafts home was a throwback to simpler times. The low-pitched roof and overhanging eaves had a distinct fairytale look, while the large porch with thick square columns was reminiscent of the first homesteads built by those who kept going west. This was suburban living meets rugged American individualism.

Art Deco + Art Moderne House Style (1920–1945)

A lot has been written about the early Art Deco style. However, this distinct look can be summed up in just a few words. Early Art Deco was very, very cool. Sleek, sophisticated, and futuristic, it’s the moment where modern art met modern architecture.

Ranch Style (1945–1980)

Arguably the first true North American architectural style, the Ranch look was another shout back to the early pioneer days. These cozy one-story homes were simple designs built using local materials. Their relatively low cost helped many first-time owners purchase their own little slice of the American Dream.

Prefabricated Homes (1945-present)

The first prefabs went up in a rush to home thousands of US soldiers returning after World War II. As such, they tended to be simple affairs. Since then, the prefab has evolved into a stylish starter home for young couples and first-time buyers.

Architecture is history, and these 10 homes tell the story of a nation from its very beginnings right up to the modern-day. Wonder what the next four years will look like?