Written by: Ella Taylor
August 23, 2022
August 23, 2022
Florida is a state full of beautiful beaches, bustling cities, diversity and influence from all walks of life. The Sunshine State has a multitude of sights to see, and one of the best sights are all the beautiful homes.
With the abundance of Florida home styles, there is sure to be one that catches your eye and matches your style. Whether you're living near the beach, or smack dab in the middle of Central Florida, you'll notice the types of houses in Florida are some of the most charming and unique.
Most Popular Florida Home Styles
There are plenty of architectural styles in The Sunshine State, and here are 16 of the most Popular Home Styles in Florida:
1. Coastal
A popular choice among Floridians for obvious reasons is the Coastal architectural style. In the simplest definition, coastal is beachy. This style is defined by seaside elements and offer a great way to take advantage of the natural Florida climate and landscape.
Many of these homes are designed with lots of windows and an open floor plan in order to take advantage of the sought-after water views and allow for natural airflow from the sea breezes. However, homes don't have to be on the water to have a coastal contemporary style. The feel of the ocean and coastline is exemplified in the architecture and design of this type of home.
2. Craftsman
The common features of the Craftsman style include low-pitched gable (triangular) roofs, overhanging eaves with exposed rafters and beams, heavy tapered columns, patterned window panes and a covered front porch.
Craftsman style features open floor plans and a variety of built-in spaces such as bookcases, cabinetry, nooks and window seats.
The Craftsman style home has remained a favorite choice with Florida families due to its combination of beauty, and traditional design with modern amenities.
3. Vernacular Architecture
Houses of this style are characterized by metal roofs, raised floors, and straight central hallways from the front to the back of the home. This type of home is surrounded by wide verandas or porches, often wrapping around the entire home. These homes are typically one story and placed on a pier and pile foundation to decrease moisture in the home.
There are two key things that define the architecture of a cracker styled home - ventilation and shade. These structures are typically shallow and have large openings to improve cross ventilation. A cracker style home is typically rustic and incorporates straight lines and simple details.
4. Modern Contemporary
Contemporary homes are unique for their incorporation of multiple architectural styles. While they feature the minimal design, open spaces, and large windows of modern homes, they are also characterized by dramatic curves and proportions not found in modern design.
Contemporary homes often highlight large plate glass walls or windows that let in the natural light. They also tend to use a variety of other natural or organic materials, such as metal, concrete, wood, and stone. Nowadays, many of these materials are eco-friendly, which is a huge bonus!
The sustainable features and smart-home technology that are integral parts of this design have been making this home style a favorite in Florida.
5. Modern Farmhouse
The Modern Farmhouse architectural style has been increasingly popular with Floridians lately.
Perhaps the most recognizable characteristic of a Modern Farmhouse is the gable roof and large front porch. A gable is a ridge along the top with two sloped sides creating a triangular wall on either end. The relatively steep roof emphasizes the height of the home, which is another distinguishing feature of this style.
A Modern Farmhouse hits that perfect sweet spot between very modern and very traditional. Double hung windows are reminiscent of old American farmhouses, but the updated designs available now help bring the style into today.
6. Art Deco
Art Deco is a popular design style made famous in the 1920s and '30s and represents a style of building that is sleek, but not minimal.
Art Deco structures are unmistakable and include ornate, geometric detailing and motifs as well as bold use of contrasting colors. Structures will often incorporate stark colors like black and white or gold and silver to create contrast.
7. Key West
Common features of the Key West architectural design include deep, covered front porches and louvered window shutters, as well as pastel color treatments reflecting Caribbean influences.
8.Traditional
A Traditional-style home's design combines characteristics from one or more historical architectural styles, primarily those of the 17th and 18th centuries. These homes are usually one or two stories, with a steep roof and spacious front porch.
Although these homes don't have a standard floorplan, traditional homes are known as simple, elegant, and welcoming. These homes mostly always have two stories, with defined living and dining rooms on the first floor, bedrooms on the second, and a basement down below. Due to its classic look, this style home blends in smoothly in just about any location. No matter where you are, traditional-style homes always look like they're in the perfect place.
9. Spanish
Spanish colonial-style homes were built in large numbers in the US when Spanish colonies took root in the eighteenth century.
The key interior design and exterior design elements of Spanish colonial architecture include white exterior walls, flat roofs with clay tile, wooden beams, small windows with wooden shutters and central courtyards.
10. Victorian
Victorian architecture is a home style inspired by the Victorian era during the reign of Queen Victoria and is quite popular in Florida.
Some common features that will help you spot a Victorian from the outside include steeply pitched roofs, ornate gables, painted iron railings, churchlike rooftops that are two to three stories high, with generous wraparound porches and small gardens.
The interior features of Victorian style homes often include grand staircases, high ceilings, stain glass windows, dark wood furniture, heavy drapes, decorative wallpaper, hardwood floors, and carved wood paneling.
Found throughout Florida, a Ranch style house is a single-story home, often built with an open-concept layout, a low-pitched roof, large windows, and a devoted patio space. Although the house is a single-story, it often includes features such as a garage or carport and finished basement.
12. Prairie
Nature, craftsmanship, and simplicity came together to bring us The Prairie architectural style. Prairie style structures often include low pitched roofs with deep overhangs, brick or stucco exteriors, open floor plans, interior wood design, bands of windows and connected indoor and outdoor spaces.
13. Tropical Modern
It's no surprise that Tropical architecture is one of the most popular design styles in the Sunshine State. This type of home is designed to integrate itself into the landscape and create a harmonious relationship with nature.
The features of Tropical modern architecture include open floor plans, white surfaces, exposed wood, deep porches, and strategically placed windows for plenty of natural lighting as well as indoor spaces that extend outside.
14. Mediterranean Revival
The Mediterranean Revival style is inspired by the countries that border the Mediterranean sea including Spain, Italy and the Northern coast of Africa.
The characteristics of this popular Florida home style include decorative columns, arched windows, stucco walls, picturesque courtyards, and clay barrel tile roofs.
Why These Differences Matter
Learning the differences between the various architectural styles in Florida will help you better understand your own style and help you determine what you're looking for in a home. Have a favorite Florida home style? Let us know in the comments below!
About Ella M Taylor
As your local Orlando Real Estate professional, I'm committed to helping your real estate goals become reality. Whatever your stage in life - whether you're a first-time home-buyer, a growing family, or a driven adult - I can help you find the home that is right for you.
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