From tree-lined streets in Buckhead to hillside neighborhoods across the country, certain architectural styles have stood the test of time. These homes are more than just places to live—they reflect design preferences, regional influences, and a desire for spaces that feel both functional and personal. Whether building new or buying an existing property, knowing the most popular house styles helps homeowners make smart decisions.
Each of the styles highlighted here offers its own unique strengths, from spacious layouts to detailed craftsmanship. These designs influence not only the appearance of a home but also how natural light flows through rooms, how outdoor space is used, and how daily routines take shape.
1. Colonial
One of the most recognized architectural styles across the U.S., Colonial homes are known for their symmetrical façades, central entryways, and classic lines. Originating in the 17th and 18th centuries, this style has evolved over time but continues to draw interest from buyers who appreciate structure and simplicity.
Colonial homes are typically two stories tall and feature evenly spaced windows, wood siding or brick exteriors, and center-hall floor plans. Inside, the layout usually includes a formal dining room and living room on the main floor, with bedrooms located upstairs. Fireplaces are often centered in the main living areas, adding warmth and character.
This style remains popular in the Southeast, where variations such as Georgian and Federal styles reflect regional craftsmanship. Homeowners who choose Colonial architecture often enjoy its balanced appearance and timeless appeal.
Colonial homes are typically two stories tall and feature evenly spaced windows, wood siding or brick exteriors, and center-hall floor plans. Inside, the layout usually includes a formal dining room and living room on the main floor, with bedrooms located upstairs. Fireplaces are often centered in the main living areas, adding warmth and character.
This style remains popular in the Southeast, where variations such as Georgian and Federal styles reflect regional craftsmanship. Homeowners who choose Colonial architecture often enjoy its balanced appearance and timeless appeal.
2. Craftsman
Craftsman-style homes emerged in the early 20th century as part of the Arts and Crafts movement. Designed to emphasize quality over ornamentation, these homes are prized for their handcrafted elements, functional layouts, and strong connection to the outdoors.
Key features of Craftsman homes include low-pitched gable roofs, exposed rafters, tapered porch columns, and generous front porches. Inside, built-in cabinetry, hardwood floors, and detailed trim work create a warm and practical atmosphere.
Many Craftsman homes are one or one-and-a-half stories tall, making them a good choice for buyers seeking single-level living without sacrificing character. Their thoughtful design and durable construction continue to attract homeowners looking for comfort, style, and authenticity.
Key features of Craftsman homes include low-pitched gable roofs, exposed rafters, tapered porch columns, and generous front porches. Inside, built-in cabinetry, hardwood floors, and detailed trim work create a warm and practical atmosphere.
Many Craftsman homes are one or one-and-a-half stories tall, making them a good choice for buyers seeking single-level living without sacrificing character. Their thoughtful design and durable construction continue to attract homeowners looking for comfort, style, and authenticity.
3. Modern Farmhouse
Blending rural tradition with updated convenience, the modern farmhouse has become one of the most sought-after styles in recent years. This design draws on the clean lines and practical layouts of traditional farmhouses, while incorporating today’s materials, colors, and finishes.
These homes typically feature large covered porches, gabled roofs, and a neutral color palette—most commonly white with black or natural wood accents. Board-and-batten siding and metal roofing are also common design elements. Inside, open floor plans and oversized windows provide plenty of natural light and easy movement between rooms.
The modern farmhouse style appeals to homeowners who want a home that feels welcoming and informal but still polished. It works well in both suburban and rural settings and allows for a high degree of customization based on lifestyle and design preferences.
These homes typically feature large covered porches, gabled roofs, and a neutral color palette—most commonly white with black or natural wood accents. Board-and-batten siding and metal roofing are also common design elements. Inside, open floor plans and oversized windows provide plenty of natural light and easy movement between rooms.
The modern farmhouse style appeals to homeowners who want a home that feels welcoming and informal but still polished. It works well in both suburban and rural settings and allows for a high degree of customization based on lifestyle and design preferences.
4. Mediterranean
Rooted in the architecture of Southern Europe, Mediterranean-style homes bring a warm and inviting feel to any neighborhood. These homes are typically found in warmer climates but have gained popularity across the country for their open-air layouts and stucco exteriors.
Common elements include red tile roofs, arched windows and doors, and wrought-iron detailing. Courtyards and balconies are also defining features, often extending the living space outdoors. Inside, tile flooring, high ceilings, and textured finishes create a relaxed and breezy atmosphere.
Mediterranean homes are often built with energy efficiency in mind, using natural materials and strategic layouts to manage airflow and sunlight. Their distinct appearance and emphasis on indoor-outdoor living continue to resonate with buyers seeking comfort and style.
Common elements include red tile roofs, arched windows and doors, and wrought-iron detailing. Courtyards and balconies are also defining features, often extending the living space outdoors. Inside, tile flooring, high ceilings, and textured finishes create a relaxed and breezy atmosphere.
Mediterranean homes are often built with energy efficiency in mind, using natural materials and strategic layouts to manage airflow and sunlight. Their distinct appearance and emphasis on indoor-outdoor living continue to resonate with buyers seeking comfort and style.
5. Contemporary
Contemporary homes are all about form meeting function. While they vary widely in appearance, these homes share a focus on open space, natural light, and modern materials. Large windows, flat or low-slope roofs, and minimalist details define this style.
Open-concept floor plans are a hallmark of contemporary design, creating seamless transitions between kitchen, dining, and living spaces. Neutral color palettes are commonly used, allowing finishes and architectural details to take center stage. Materials like concrete, steel, and glass are often mixed with natural wood for contrast and warmth.
This style offers flexibility, appealing to those who value simplicity and intentional design. Many contemporary homes also include smart features and energy-efficient systems, making them a popular choice for buyers looking to combine aesthetics with forward-thinking technology.
Open-concept floor plans are a hallmark of contemporary design, creating seamless transitions between kitchen, dining, and living spaces. Neutral color palettes are commonly used, allowing finishes and architectural details to take center stage. Materials like concrete, steel, and glass are often mixed with natural wood for contrast and warmth.
This style offers flexibility, appealing to those who value simplicity and intentional design. Many contemporary homes also include smart features and energy-efficient systems, making them a popular choice for buyers looking to combine aesthetics with forward-thinking technology.
Neighborhood Influence and Local Trends
In communities like Buckhead, architecture plays a visible role in shaping the local character. Streets lined with brick Colonials, historic Tudors, or sleek contemporary homes give buyers a glimpse into how different styles coexist and evolve. These neighborhoods reflect a blend of tradition and innovation, where newer builds still respect the surrounding landscape.
Some buyers seek homes that stand out. Others want a property that blends into its surroundings. Local market knowledge is essential for understanding which styles are in high demand, which are undervalued, and how specific updates can elevate a property’s appeal.
Whether searching for a move-in-ready modern home or a classic structure with room to personalize, aligning architectural preferences with market realities helps buyers confidently move forward.
Some buyers seek homes that stand out. Others want a property that blends into its surroundings. Local market knowledge is essential for understanding which styles are in high demand, which are undervalued, and how specific updates can elevate a property’s appeal.
Whether searching for a move-in-ready modern home or a classic structure with room to personalize, aligning architectural preferences with market realities helps buyers confidently move forward.
Let Design Inspire Smart Real Estate Decisions
Whether you're drawn to the clean lines of contemporary architecture or the timeless structure of a Colonial, understanding different house styles in the Buckhead real estate market can help narrow your search and clarify your goals.
Navigating Buckhead’s diverse housing options takes more than a sharp eye for design. It takes experience, local knowledge, and a deep understanding of how style and value intersect. The Katie McGuirk Team brings all of this and more. With a commitment to personalized service and a strong track record in Atlanta’s most sought-after neighborhoods, they help buyers and sellers move forward with clarity and confidence. When you’re ready to find a home that fits your style, work with The Katie McGuirk Team.
*Header image courtesy of Unsplash
Navigating Buckhead’s diverse housing options takes more than a sharp eye for design. It takes experience, local knowledge, and a deep understanding of how style and value intersect. The Katie McGuirk Team brings all of this and more. With a commitment to personalized service and a strong track record in Atlanta’s most sought-after neighborhoods, they help buyers and sellers move forward with clarity and confidence. When you’re ready to find a home that fits your style, work with The Katie McGuirk Team.
*Header image courtesy of Unsplash
