The 20th century was a period of transition, whereas building trends were influenced significantly by new construction techniques and materials. Iron, steel and sheet glass were now readily available, and machined materials brought greater control over aesthetics. This period is marked by innovative styles with rich texture and form. Some buildings borrowed elements from previous eras and others sought a more functional space. Political and cultural influences brought about changes in the structural aspects of 20th century homes as well. If you’re wondering, “When was my house built?” you may be able to establish the time frame from the style of the home.
1. Late Victorian (1850 – 1910)
Late Victorian style homes extend from the later part of the 19th century into the early 20th century when advances in building technology provided greater accessibility to materials for larger and more ornate structures. As a result, Late Victorian homes often display more decorative features than their predecessors, offering new shapes and forms. Whereas the Victorian style drew elements from the Greek and Gothic Revival styles, Late Victorian homes frequently combined these components, producing variations that became known as Queen Anne style, Romanesque Revival, Renaissance Revival and Chateauesque style. During this time, the ceilings were lowered and red brick became the preferred building material. Stained glass front doors also became popular during the Late Victorian era.
2. Prairie Style (1900 – 1920)
At the turn of the century, the Prairie style was developed by Frank Lloyd Wright and a group of architects in Chicago. Wright became a master at the Prairie style, desiring to create a design that complemented the terrain of the mid-western prairies and bore no resemblance to previous revival style homes. The result was a low, broad structure with clean, horizontal lines, frequently emphasized by rows of casement windows. Low-pitched, hipped roofs, overhanging eaves and broad, covered porches are also common characteristics of the Prairie style. Natural materials such as wood and stone are most often used for construction. The interior features an open floor plan and built in cabinetry.
3. Craftsman Bungalow (1905 – 1930)
Craftsman style homes were inspired by the work of California architects, Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene. Their designs were largely influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement, which was part of the larger Progressive Movement, criticizing large business and placing emphasis on the “do it yourself” approach. These events coincided with the popularity of the Craftsman home, and plans were distributed in books and magazines across the county. Sears sold build-it-yourself kit houses during this time, and the style quickly spread across the US. Craftsman homes are low structures with an emphasis on horizontal lines. Underneath their wide, overhanging eaves, exposed rafters can be seen. A wide staircase leads up to a deep front porch with large square or tapering pillars. Thin, slatted woodwork is used in windows, doors and for porch rails.
4. Spanish Revival (1915 – 1940)
The Spanish Revival building trend began shortly after the Panama-California Exposition in 1915. This style is most common in Florida, Texas and Southwestern states. It is sometimes referred to as Spanish Eclectic, whereas it is influenced by traditional Spanish architecture as well as Moorish, and Gothic styles. These homes are exceptionally ornate with intricate tilework and wrought iron grillwork. Windows and doors form rounded arches, and the front entrance often includes a triple-arched focal window. Many feature covered porches and arcaded walkways. Towers, columns and cantilevered balconies are also common. Exteriors are usually constructed of stucco over adobe brick, and interior walls are made of plaster.
5. Art Deco (1925 -1940)
Art Deco is one of the most recognizable building styles, since its sharp geometrical design elements distinguish it from earlier revival styles. The style first appeared when Finnish architect, Eliel Saarinen, entered an Art Deco design in a Chicago Tribune competition in 1922. While it wasn’t chosen, the design received a great deal of public attention. In 1925, the Art Deco style was further promoted at the Exposition des Arts Decoratifs in Paris. The style is characterized by sharp geometrical forms, zigzags and chevrons. Buildings usually have a smooth wall surface and a recessed façade. Reeding and fluting around doors and windows is also common. Few Art Deco residences exist, since the style was used almost entirely for commercial buildings and apartments.
6. Mid-Century Modern (1930 – 1965)
The Mid-Century Modern style became popular following World War II, and its earliest forms can be found in the works of Gropius, Florence Knoll, Le Corbusier and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The style is most recognized for its ability to visually remove the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. An open floor plan and the use of expansive glass create multiple views and access points to the outdoors. Flat roofs are most common as are changes in elevation. The interiors often feature partial walls or shelves of different heights to produce depth. Aluminum and steel are frequently employed as decorative trim around windows, doors and railings.
7. Ranch Style (1930 – 1980)
The first Ranch style homes were influenced by Spanish Colonial architecture and based on the design of homes constructed by ranchers who lived in the plains and mountains of the Southwest. These homes have an open floor plan, and the absence of walls provide flexibility and make them inexpensive to build. Following World War II, Ranch style homes became the predominant housing type and spread to suburbs across the nation. Ranch style homes are characterized by their asymmetrical design. They are typically built in an “L” or “U” shape and have a horizontal façade that faces the street. These homes have minimal ornamental features and are built with natural materials such as wood and stone.
2 Point Highlight
The 20th century was a period of transition, whereas building trends were influenced significantly by new construction techniques and materials.
If you’re wondering, “When was my house built?” you may be able to establish the time frame from the style of the home.
