Architecture 101: The 10 Home Styles That Are Most Popular Around Denver
When you visualize your dream home, what do you see? Is it modern and sleek, a cozy bungalow or a more stately Victorian abode? Do you want a split level, two stories, or do you want to keep it all on one main level? When it comes to Denver architecture, the possibilities are as unique as your personal vision.
Maybe you don’t have anything in mind yet and are looking for some inspiration. This article will show off some of the best that Denver architecture has to offer. These are the ten most popular home styles in Denver.
1. The Bungalow: A Denver Architecture Staple
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Is there a style of home more iconic and American than the bungalow? And in Denver, you can easily find this style as they are arguably one of the most popular.
Their popularity is for good reason too. Typically one story, these smaller homes feel cozy all year round with their wood trim and pitched roofs. Plus, the covered front porch is perfect for enjoying the outdoors, rain or shine.
The porch coverings can block some sunshine from the front windows, but proper indoor lighting will keep your bungalow feeling bright and cozy.
The open floor plan of most bungalows makes the most of the modest space. Plus, some feature small second story dormers to add a bit of extra square footage and privacy.
While bungalows can be found all throughout Denver, some great examples can be found in the Highlands and West Highlands.
2. Victorian Homes Bring High-Class Sophistication
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Victorian homes had their architectural heyday between 1830 and 1910, but the style still looks classic today. While there are a number of different kinds of Victorian houses there are some typical identifying features.
Generally on the larger side, Victorian homes tend to be two or even three stories. Bright colors and decorative trim give them a unique appearance, both whimsical and sophisticated. Plus, their wraparound porches add a good deal of outdoor space.
People owning these homes appreciate the exterior vintage appeal but have added to the interior charm with tasteful 21st century updates.
3. Denver Square: Uniquely Denver Architecture
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The Denver Square or Foursquare is a classic architecture style that became popular following the Victorian style, replacing the occasional impracticality of Victorian homes with a simple efficiency.
Much as its name would suggest, these two or two-and-a-half story homes are square-shaped, with the width matching the height. Inside, the floors are divided into quarters, giving the entire house a symmetrical and well-ordered feeling.
Their simple floor plans also makes them well-suited to updating and remodeling, so if you’ve got a particular vision in mind for your home, a Denver Square could be your perfect canvas.
4. A Tudor Fairytale
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Tudor style homes ooze classic storybook charm. With their asymmetrical shape, steep roof and decorative half-timbering over brick or white stucco, Tudor style homes have the charm of a small cottage — though the homes themselves are often fairly sizable.
They have a vaguely Medieval appearance, though the Tudor style homes in Denver date to the beginning of the 20th century.
Tudor homes work well in Denver since their roofs are well adapted to the snow and rain. And the beautiful chimneys characteristic of Tudor homes practically beg for a cozy fire on winter evenings.
In Denver, however, Tudor homes tend to come with a hefty price tag. They’re mostly found in Hilltop, Belcaro, Montclair, Park Hill and Whittier, which tend to be higher-end neighborhoods.
5. Sleek Mid-Century Modern
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Mid-century modern style homes are the polar opposite of Denver’s cozier styles. These homes make bold statements, emphasizing straight lines. Often open concept, these homes give you room to breathe and complement minimalist or modern style furnishings.
The enormous windows most mid-century modern homes sport provide great views and tons of natural light, keeping your home bright and airy.
6. Grand Colonial Revival Style
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Colonial Revival style homes draw their inspiration from America’s founding, though the homes themselves were most popular in the forty years leading up to the Great Depression.
Designed to be formal but not pretentious or imposing, Colonial Revival style homes reflect quiet order. Generally symmetrical or square, these homes generally have evenly spaced windows and the front door is dead center in the front of the house.
Often two or three stories, the most dramatic and noticeable element of Colonial Revival architecture is the use of columns, giving the homes a slightly Classical appearance.
7. Laid-Back Living with Ranch Styles
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The ranch style home is perfect for easygoing family life. Unpretentious but still charming, ranch homes tend to have simple, open floor plans. They generally incorporate easy access to the backyard; if you’re the type who plans on family BBQs, a ranch style home might be for you.
With functionality in mind, ranch homes generally come with garages. Plus, they tend to be easy to renovate and update to suit your needs and tastes.
8. Classic Cape Cod Charm
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Drawing inspiration from the homes of 17th century New England, Cape Cod style homes are built for Denver weather. Square and featuring one to two stories, Cape Cod homes are sometimes seen as a simpler relative of the Colonial Revival style.
Their charming exteriors generally feature wood siding and multi-pane windows, along with steeply sloping roofs.
9. Craftsman Makes a Comeback
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Popular at the beginning of the 20th century, Craftsman style homes are seeing a resurgence in popularity in Denver. Their emphasis on strong crafting, quality handiwork, and natural materials resonates with many new home buyers.
Most Craftsman homes include lots of interior woodwork, such as built-in shelving, framed windows and rich fireplace mantels.
10. Go New with Contemporary/Modern Row Homes
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Contemporary style isn’t as easy to define as the other Denver architecture styles. Basically, it refers to homes that are being designed and built today.
Even more so than the modern style, contemporary homes tend to incorporate asymmetrical features and the bold use of line and glass.
A great feature of contemporary homes is their focus on building for sustainability. Many builders make use of recycled materials, and design for comfort along with energy efficiency. They tend to include expansive windows for natural lighting.
Plus, contemporary homes don’t carry the same maintenance problems associated with some older homes.
Finding Your Perfect Home
Now that you know the most popular styles of homes in Denver, you can start thinking about what would suit your tastes, lifestyle, and budget.
The best way to acquaint yourself with what’s out there is to get out and see it! Check local listings to see what is available in your area.
Plus, if you want some guidance in finding your dream home, our brokers are here to help.
Happy house hunting!
(Editor’s note: This blog was originally published in December of 2019. It has been updated to reflect current trends).