The sky is the limit when it comes to architectural styles as we live in an era where anything is possible. Materials and resources are endless to the right buyer and architects and drafting companies often make their mark by creating the unthinkable.
However, most people build and design within safe boundaries as they realize they may one day have to sell their custom home and find another family with wants and needs similar to their own.
With the warmer climate, an abundance of sunshine & vacation mentality, Florida seems to thrive around the following architectural styles:
#1. West Indies
While this type of architecture started in the British Caribbean islands during the 18th and 19th centuries, it’s made quite the impact in the US.
Characteristics of the West Indies home include:
- The trademark stucco/siding combination with the first floor typically finished in stucco and the second floor with siding.
- The West Indies home also includes outdoor living areas, columns, louvers, covered porches with railings, shutters, and an abundance of windows & sliding glass doors.
- Other character traits include a metal roof repair and replacement, large wooden verandas, vaulted ceilings, and tongue and groove roof decking.
#2. Craftsman
The designers of the Craftsman believed in simplicity. They believed natural materials, high quality, functional and aesthetically pleasing homes led to a healthier, comfortable and productive way of life.
Characteristics of the Craftsman home include:
- The Craftsman style is distinguished by fine details and excellent workmanship.
- This style also includes:
- Covered front porches with large battered columns
- Hammered copper and bronze metalwork
- Double-hung windows
- Low-pitched gabled roofs with broad eaves and exposed rafters
- Exposed wooden structural elements
- Houses are typically 1-1½ stories of wood construction, including built-in cabinetry
#3. Modern
The Modern home was developed in the 1920s by descendants of the International style of architecture.
Characteristics of the Modern home include:
- Simple, open floor plans with clean lines
- An abundance of natural light and windows
- Flat roofing or shallow-pitched roofs
- Large outdoor living and dining areas
#4. Key West
With the diverse heritage of Key West and the challenging demands of the environment, it’s no wonder the Key West architectural style has a wide range as well.
Characteristics of the Key West home include:
- Cheerful pastel colors
- Structures set on piers, above ground
- Deep, covered front porches
- Second-floor windows under an overhanging porch roof
- Louvered window shutters
- Metal roofing
#5. Modern Farm House
Two words. Fixer Upper. If you’ve ever watched an episode of Fixer Upper with Chip & Joanna Gaines, you know the Modern Farmhouse.
Characteristics of the Modern Farmhouse include:
- Perhaps the most recognizable trait is the gable roof
- Lap siding is typically used for the exterior
- Solid white exteriors that utilize a monochromatic color palette
- Open porches
- Double-hung windows
- Straight, simple lines & modest ornamentation
Whatever architectural style you want to use, Start to Finish Drafting & Design can help. For more information or for your free initial consultation, email jason@stfdd.com or call 941.342.9401.
