The 5 Most Stylish Types of Houses in 2024 

The architectural style, design, and size of houses are influenced not only by zoning regulations but also by geographic location, the cultural context of the area, and the history of the local demographics. Some parts of the world offer more liberty in deciding on architectural styles of designer homes, building heights, and property development, while others have more restrictive parameters.

Therefore, climate, topography, and geography are crucial when choosing between the types of houses to build, as they greatly influence a structure and govern the materials used to construct it.

Having traveled around the country or even the world, you can’t help but notice some patterns, similarities, and differences in architecture and types of houses. Coastal Oregon and Southern New England boast beautiful Cape Cod-style homes initially designed to withstand stormy weather in the East but ended up on the Pacific Coastline.

Mansard roofs originated in Paris, and you might have admired their beauty if you had visited France. Yet, it is not uncommon to see French Provincial-inspired homes in North Carolina, Rhode Island, or Quebec.
As long as people move and travel, design and architectural preferences of the types of houses will segue. In this blog, we will share five stylish homes we at Meg & Co designed and built and discuss architectural combinations and the reasoning behind them in depth.

1. Modern Farmhouse | Stanton Project

There are truly two main types of farmhouses: traditional and modern. Classic farmhouses showcase rustic features, but each design has its unique twist influenced by travel and inspiration. Variations like French farmhouse, modern farmhouse, and coastal farmhouse all reflect personal tastes, as people incorporate elements they love into traditional farmhouse style.

Our Stanton project beautifully combines classic farmhouse aesthetics with a modern twist. Featuring clean lines, large windows with black trim, and a welcoming porch, the facade of this modern farmhouse is truly stunning. The big windows flood the interior with natural light and the open floor plan creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. As a result, the combination of bright spaces and the seamless layout is why people are drawn to the farmhouse style.

The design features the white board and batten exterior with metal details and a 12:12 roof pitch. 12:12 means that for every 12 inches of horizontal run, the roof rises 12 inches vertically, creating a 45-degree angle. This style draws inspiration from classic German gable roofs, which have gained popularity worldwide.

Furthermore, areas that experience heavy snowfalls and rains may opt for steeper pitches to facilitate effective water and snow shedding. The adaptability of gable roofs to different architectural styles has made them a favored choice for American craftsman homes and modern farmhouses. Additionally, this roof design allows for proper ventilation and a cozy, low-ceiling bedroom on the upper level or an attic space.

So why build a modern farmhouse? The answer is simple and somewhat disarming: nothing beats this beautiful classy look, open floor plans with grandiose fireplaces, where traditional and familiar meets cozy and trendy, finding harmony between old and new.

2. American Craftsman | Taylor Project

This home style originated at the end of the 19th century and is relatively new. In fact, this house style is easy to recognize. It is a one-and-a-half-story home with a covered front porch with tapered columns, typically a low-pitched gabled roof with wide overhanging eaves supported by brackets, and exteriors generally boast natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick.

The common features of the American craftsmanship style home are stone and stucco combinations, solid wood doors, and symmetrical or asymmetrical home design. Eaves, in this case, not only define a home’s style but also protect the siding. When eaves protrude further, they create better shade and prevent ice, snow, and rain from damaging the house.

In the same fashion, American Craftsmanship style homes are very popular in Pacific Northwest, California and Chicago.

3. Colonial Craftsmanship Style Home | Clifford Project

We tend to hear and know more about British Colonial types of houses, but we shouldn’t forget about French Colonial, Spanish Colonial and Dutch Colonial homes. Dutch and French Colonial homes have more similarities while Spanish Colonial style is rather different and tends to stand out. You see many of Spanish Colonial homes in California. This architectural design includes arches, stucco siding on walls and orange tile roofs with beautiful courtyards that extend the living area to the outdoors.

That soothing visual symmetry in architecture is the main key feature of a Colonial-style house. The front door is always directly in the middle. Two stories, multi-paned double-hung windows with shutters, pitched roof and a chimney are just a few elements found in a Colonial style home.

Our Clifford project beautifully combines the essential elements of Colonial style home with the finest details of American craftsmanship, creating a truly stunning custom build tailored to the climate and geography of Twin Falls, Idaho. This home features elegant white columns framing the entrance, a striking grey stone facade, and expansive windows on both sides of the entry that invite natural light. The thorough design showcases impressive size and scale and emphasizes durability, perfect for Idaho weather.

4. Contemporary Cottage | Clarke Project

One main difference between traditional and contemporary cottage types of houses is the size. The contemporary cottage offers way more space to work with and has big windows. Having originated in England, English country cottages of 17th-18th century had tiny windows. The tax was based on the number of windows in a building, more windows meant higher tax, so you can guess what homeowners had to do. Exactly, they had windows bricked up to avoid paying taxes. Luckily, this is not the case anymore.

Asymmetrical designs, exposed beams, gable roofs, and dormer windows are some key features of a modern cottage-style house. We have been embracing this style of home at Meg & Co as we get a lot of inquiries about it, and homeowners tend to like these types of houses.

Our Clarke project is a beautiful example of a modern cottage. From its elegant creamy white exterior adorned with copper gutters and warm wood accents to the spacious open-concept kitchen and great room, every detail of this contemporary cottage has been carefully designed to create a truly stunning home. The bonus room above the garage adds versatility, while the mudroom, office, and powder bath provide all the amenities you could ask for.

Take a look at our Morgan project, a contemporary cottage style custom-built home. It features a warm stone exterior complemented by black siding and elegant copper lighting fixtures. The arched entryway and stylish house numbers add a touch of architectural flair, making a lasting impression. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the interiors with natural light, emphasizing the architectural details, including the beautiful arches found throughout the home.

5. Mountain Modern | Bardi Project

Modern architectural designs in today’s homes emphasize clean lines, open spaces, and a minimalistic aesthetic that foster a sense of peace and sophistication. Modern house styles often incorporate natural light and sustainable materials, seamlessly integrating the indoor environment with the natural world.

At first glance, the Bardi project feels like a boutique hotel out west. It beautifully blends modern design with the stunning mountain landscape, offering everything one could desire from an architectural standpoint. It has a sleek charcoal metal roof and generous floor plans visible through floor-to-ceiling windows, making a striking visual impression.

The breathtaking nature views from the backyard are equally captivating, whether swimming in the pool or unwinding in the hot tub, all while soaking in the sounds of nature. This home embodies the essence of Twin Falls luxury living that fully aligns with surrounding nature.

There are so many beautiful architectural designs of homes nowadays. Some of us are in love with neoclassical, colonial and Victorian homes while others appreciate French provincial, Cape Cod and Tudor.

If you are in Idaho and looking to build a custom home, we are here to help. Our team at Meg & Co is well-versed in any style home and dedicated to understanding your needs and crafting a space that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences. Twin Falls offers a secure environment where families can thrive and individuals can enjoy a worry-free lifestyle. Building your home in Twin Falls, Idaho, provides a unique opportunity to live in a vibrant city surrounded by natural beauty, economic growth, and a strong sense of community. Reach out to us today to begin your design journey with us.