Trending Architectural Styles for Luxury Homes
In our 45+ years of custom home building, we’ve had the pleasure of working on numerous individual architectural designs. One thing we’ve learned when building a luxury home is that it’s good for clients to understand various architectural styles and the details that go into each one. When you find an architectural style you gravitate toward, it can help you explain to your architect and builder the vision you have for your custom home, one tailored to your personal taste and lifestyle. This month we’re sharing a few timeless and trending architectural styles for you to gather inspiration.
Mountain Modern
Inspired by the characteristics of mountain architecture, Mountain Modern has open floor plans that are utilized to create a sense of connection and spaciousness to allow natural light into the home. Detailed with exposed beams, a natural color palette using low maintenance building materials are typical in this style of home. Unobstructed views with expansive window walls are perfect for picturesque settings and bringing the outdoors inside. Clean and minimalistic aesthetic is a defining feature of this architectural style that is accentuated with expansive roof lines often angling to the sky.
Mediterranean
Mediterranean-style custom homes are known for their luxurious and exotic appeal, which is why they continue to be a popular choice for clients. The architecture of this style draws inspiration from various cultures, such as the Greeks and Romans. One of the key features of a Mediterranean-style home is the use of stucco walls, which provide a smooth and seamless finish to the exterior. The roofing material is typically red clay tiles, which not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also protects against the harsh Mediterranean sun, or in our case, Minnesota winters.
Mediterranean-style homes also incorporate a variety of accent colors, such as wrought-iron, to create a striking contrast against the stucco exterior. The interiors of these homes are designed to provide a sense of spaciousness and openness, and often feature high ceilings and arched windows and doors that allow natural light to flow in. The use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, also adds to the warmth and coziness of the space.
Cape Cod
A popular style originating in New England in the 17th century characterized by a symmetrical design, shingle siding, and a pitched roof. Named after the Massachusetts coastal region where it is most popular, Cape Cod architecture has simple, timeless silhouettes, with wood post and beam framing that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
The interior of the Cape Code home is cozy and inviting, warmed with wood floors and a natural color palette. Spaces are designed to be functional and uncluttered using natural materials such as wood and stone, further enhancing the connection to the outdoors.
Modern Farmhouse
Modern Farmhouse combines the comfort of traditional farmhouse design with contemporary elements such as clean, simple lines and open floorplans. The exterior often holds the shape of a traditional farm home while modernizing it with clean minimal elements. Inside, rustic materials are used in new contemporary ways such as accents to ceilings or natural wood floors.
The kitchen remains a focal point of modern farmhouse architecture in that the rest of the home is designed around. Large kitchens with open floorplans allow people to gather and are perfect for entertaining large groups with spacious center islands and multiple work surfaces.
Colonial
Despite the fact colonial architectural style started long ago in the 1600s, it’s made a resurgence today. The hallmark of this style is its symmetry and square or rectangular shape. The front entry door is centered with matching windows on each side, often dressed in shutters. These homes are usually two stories with bedrooms on the second level and maintain their curb appeal by placing the garage entrance to the side. Their modular shape also makes them easy to expand or add on to.
Modern
Modern architecture flourished in the early 20th century favoring clean lines, functional design, and open floor plans. Materials combine steel, concrete, iron, and glass with hints of wood, brick, and stone. Modern design with its large expansive windows focuses on the natural landscape bringing in natural light and a strong connection to the outdoors.
No matter which architectural style you choose, custom luxury homes reflect your own personality and style. Nor-Son Custom Builders has had the pleasure of working with some of the most renowned architects in the Minneapolis Metro area. Contact us today to begin planning for 2025!
