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Contemporary
This style attempts to borrow some of the best features from all the designs that came
before it. Although the emphasis is on large glass openings, geometric shapes, and bold lines, if you look closely you may find hints of Tudor, Georgian, Salt Box, or Cape Cod elements. Contemporary interiors cater to the busy lifestyle with many built-in conveniences, open spaces, efficient kitchens, and multi-purpose rooms.
Transitional
Transitional homes are very popular in this area right now. Much of the new construction in the subdivisions is transitional. Transitional homes are generally two-story, with cathedral ceilings, large windows, island kitchens, and open floor plans.
Bungalow/Craftsman
Influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement in the early 1900's, bungalows feature high quality craftsmanship. The distinctive style elements are projecting eaves which are often accented by braces or brackets, and large roof extension porches across the facade. Bungalows are usually one-and-a-half stories high with a large central dormer.
Colonial
This term refers more to the floorplan of a house than its outward appearance. With the main entrance centered in the facade, a Colonial is laid out symmetrically. There are generally the same number of rooms on one side of the center hall as there are on the other. This holds true for both first and second floors. Of course, many newer Colonials also include additions or porches which break the symmetry rule, but the main floorplan is the same.
Ranch
This is a single-story structure first popularized in the mid-1900's. Ranches generally feature a gable or hip roof and an elongated floorplan with public rooms open to each other and a long hallway from which the bedrooms and bathrooms can be accessed.
A Split-Level, or Raised Ranch, is a common variation on the Ranch which gives the appearance of a two-story home. Actually, the ground floor is built partially below ground level, although higher than a full basement, and a second floor is added.
Tudor
The original Tudor design was inspired by early England, which explains the name. These homes feature stone, brick, ornate chimneys, thick walls, dark interiors, and steep rooflines. Today, newer Tudor homes have been adapted to more modern open floorplans and use of space while maintaining their early English flavor.
Cape Cod
As the name suggests, this style of home originated in the Cape Cod area. It is a two-story house with steep gable roof and dormers. The second floor uses all available space under the roof, creating bedrooms with angled walls. Although traditional Cape Cods were rather small, newer Cape Cod homes have been expanded to be quite large in some cases and often include some type of addition.
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