2025 Popular U.S. Home Styles in the North and South

Photo Credit: ThermaTru

Architects, builders and remodelers should always seek to craft spaces that seamlessly integrate with their surroundings. It’s fundamental to making a home, a workspace, or a classroom, for example, become a lived experience. Integration can be affected by some regional and stylistic nuances that design and construction professionals need to understand.   

Let’s compare the most popular home styles in the Northern and Southern United States, each with its unique benefits and considerations. 

The North favors styles that offer resilience against the elements. Beyond the practical considerations of climate, the North is also deeply rooted in historical influences. Many popular home styles are direct descendants or revivals of architectural movements that originated in or were heavily adopted by the region. 

Colonial Revival

A cornerstone of Northeastern architecture, Colonial Revival is prized for its timeless elegance and symmetrical design. Emerging in the late 19th century as a nostalgic revival of early American colonial styles, its popularity surged in the early to mid-20th century. This was fueled by a desire to reconnect with a perceived era of order and national identity. 

Colonial Revival’s enduring appeal in the Northeast lies in its ability to evoke a sense of history and permanence, while proving remarkably adaptable to evolving lifestyles and modern amenities. Its symmetrical facades with evenly spaced windows create a balanced and pleasing look. Durable materials like brick and wood clapboard stand up well to winter weather. The often-central hall plan allows for good airflow and a clear division of living spaces. Their adaptable layouts also suit modern family living, making this one of the most popular styles in the North.  

Craftsman

The Arts and Crafts movement heavily influenced the Craftsman style and had a significant impact across the United States. Its emphasis on natural materials and intricate man-made details resonated strongly in the North. Prioritizing quality, individual expression and a connection to nature, this style is often seen as a counterpoint to industrialization and mass production. Interior features often showcase this craftmanship, with features like built-in cabinetry and woodwork. 

Additionally, its focus on simplicity allows adaptability for regional variations throughout the North. Its low-pitched gable roofs with wide eaves and exposed rafter tails provide protection from snow and rain, while substantial porches provide ample outdoor living space.  

Photo Credit: Masonite

Farmhouse

Emerging from a tradition of self-sufficiency and a direct relationship with the agricultural landscape, the Farmhouse style’s early iterations were born out of necessity. These homes were built with locally sourced materials, prioritized functionality, provided shelter and served as the heart of agricultural operations. As rural American life evolved, so did the Farmhouse. This style gradually incorporated elements of comfort yet retained its core principles of simplicity and durability. 

This style offers open floor plans and modern amenities that blend traditional rural charm with contemporary functionality. Its versatility allows for personalization and proves popular for its comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Durable and often low-maintenance materials like board-and-batten siding and metal roofing offer practicality against varying Northern climates. Generous porches further enhance the style by encouraging outdoor living during more pleasant weather. 

Photo Credit: Andersen

The South’s warmer climate and rich history have cultivated home styles that prioritize ventilation, shade and a relaxed connection to the outdoors. 

Ranch

While its origins lie in the Western United States in the early to mid-20th century, the Ranch style’s enduring popularity in the South can be attributed to its practicality. The ease of single-story living, combined with its adaptability for indoor-outdoor flow and spaciousness, makes it a natural fit for the sprawling landscapes and laid-back culture of the South. 

The Ranch style’s inherent adaptability also allows for regional variations and seamless integration of modern upgrades. Benefits particularly suited to the South include eliminating the need for climbing stairs in the warmer climate and open floor plans ideal for casual living and entertaining. Finally, the incorporation of large windows and sliding glass doors maximizes natural light and fosters a strong connection to the outdoor spaces. 

Lowcountry

Rooted in the early settlements of the American South, the Lowcountry style showcases a thoughtful fusion of European architectural principles, skillfully adapted and optimized to thrive within the region’s warm and humid coastal environment. A key benefit is the use of raised foundations, which protect against flooding common in coastal areas and significantly enhance natural ventilation.  

Expansive wrap-around porches offer substantial shaded outdoor living space. Inside, high ceilings and large windows work in concert to maximize airflow and natural light. Finally, the use of metal roofs is a practical advantage, effectively reflecting the intense Southern sun. 

Mediterranean 

The Mediterranean style’s introduction to the Southern landscape can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period that saw increased interest in European architectural traditions. As travel and architectural publications broadened cultural horizons, the inherent suitability of Mediterranean design for the Southern climate resonated with those seeking a departure from traditional American styles. 

Its popularity arises from its stucco exteriors, characteristic tile roofs and graceful arched details, creating a luxurious aesthetic particularly well-suited to warmer climates. The signature arches add significant architectural interest while providing valuable shade from the sun. Moreover, stucco walls provide insulation to help keep interiors cool in the Southern heat. And in classic Southern fashion, inclusion of courtyards and patios seamlessly extends living spaces into the outdoors to embrace the climate.

Photo Credit: Therma-Tru

Builders, architects and remodelers aiming to meet the aesthetic and functional demands of these popular Northern and Southern home styles can further ensure the quality and performance of their projects by specifying windows, doors and skylights that carry the WDMA Hallmark Certification.  

This certification assures that these products have met rigorous industry standards for air, water and structure, crucial factors for both the varied climates of the North and the heat and humidity of the South. 

By choosing WDMA Hallmark certified products, professionals can confidently select windows, doors and skylights that not only complement the architectural style but also contribute to the energy efficiency, durability and long-term satisfaction of homeowners in both regions. Learn more: https://www.wdma.com/wdma-hallmark-certification