What architectural style is my house

Terry
by Terry
I am beginning to think about outdoor lighting and landscaping and I am having a very difficult time determining what style my house is so that I can treat it appropriately. In looking at web resources, I think it may be craftsman or bungalow but I'm still not convinced. It was built in 2003 and is on a road with mostly ranch style homes.
  49 answers
  • Dori Urban Dori Urban on Jul 17, 2013
    I'm leaning more toward ranch, but could very well be wrong, Sorry not much help
  • Kimberly Barney Kimberly Barney on Jul 17, 2013
    Many homes built recently are combinations of different styles of homes and are therefore not one type of home. However, your home does not have the characteristics of a craftsman home. However, I do not see where the style of this ranch home would affect your landscaping choices as all of those home styles would have generally the same landscaping. I see where you have accented your door with color and added some white wicker furniture pieces to the front patio which is definitely a good start. The garage door is off-centered which will add to some challenges which I am not prepared to provide any suggestions for at this time. I would start the landscaping with some evergreen bushes that would remain low in front of the patio. I would layer in some color with other plants. I cannot suggest specific plantings not knowing your gardening skill or the lighting in that particular area. If you will share for details in regard to these things, I will gladly make some suggestions. Lovely home.
  • Terry Terry on Jul 17, 2013
    Thanks for your suggestions Kimberly. My gardening experience thus far is with vegetable gardening but I am not at all afraid to experiment or to learn new things. The front of the house faces east and gets full sun until about 1 in the afternoon. I was thinking of doing a flowing curved bed from the edge of the driveway all the way around to the side of the house. You can see in the picture where I have already dug a border for it (all the rain here is preventing me from completing it - perhaps a good thing) but I'm not sure that I like it. I was thinking of putting in a purple (mainly because that was my mom's favorite color) crape myrtle tree in the left side (where there is currently a garden post sticking out of the ground) then fill in with some flowers and shrubs here and there. I was thinking some taller things would be better on the right side since the house is on a slope. I am still open to suggestions as I have no experience with landscape design and I would warmly embrace any suggestions that you have. I just rode around one day and looked at what other people were doing and I kind of like the flowing garden beds that some people around here have. I just want the front to look warm and welcoming. As a side note, I have a pink pampas grass planted on either side of the driveway. Sorry for rambling so much but wanting to get this project done is a big source of stress right now (I tend to obsess over the smallest details, it comes from being a programmer) and it was good to get it all out.
  • Kimberly Barney Kimberly Barney on Jul 17, 2013
    Terry, thank you for providing more details. I work in financial management and contracts and my greatest skill is organizing so obsession over the smallest details is understood and appreciated. I love crape myrtle trees. The pink and purple them will be attractive. You may wish to add a touch of red either in flowers or lawn decor to bring the door color into the yard. It could be as small as some annual flowers or a garden structure (i.e. gazing ball which can be made from a bowling ball). I have several Stella Ora Lillies planted in my front garden and there is one that is red. I have pampas grass in the back garden bed and love it until it comes time to cut it down for the season. It will cut you in a second. Lamb's ear is a soft dusty green colored plant that will stay year-round which would play well off of the pink and purples. It also transplants very easily and can be grown by even a black-thumb. I definitely agree with the curved garden beds. You should use mulch (mulch heavy for weed control) the first year keeping it away from the base of the house. I find pine straw easier to distribute after the first year. Salvia is another plant that you may wish to check out along with knock-out roses. Roses scare alot of people but knock-out roses are pretty forgiving and easy to maintain. I hope that this helps. Enjoy!!
  • Carol King-ricca Carol King-ricca on Jul 17, 2013
    This looks like a ranch style to me.
  • Kristine Fiddelke Kristine Fiddelke on Jul 17, 2013
    Sort of a Country Ranch :)
  • Renea Hildreth Renea Hildreth on Jul 17, 2013
    It's what we call ranch style. It's the most common in my area. Texas
  • Concetta Payne Concetta Payne on Jul 17, 2013
    I also believe it is a ranch style home.
  • Dorti Larti Dorti Larti on Jul 17, 2013
    with a country flair
  • Sandra C Sandra C on Jul 17, 2013
    It is a ranch style, and by the way a very nice home :)
  • Lori Choman Lori Choman on Jul 17, 2013
    Welcome to the Ranch. :)
  • Terry Terry on Jul 17, 2013
    Thanks everyone. It looks like I have a ranch home. Does anyone have any recommendations about styles of lighting that would look good? I want to put a light on either side of the garage. Right now, I'm looking at this one: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Hampton-Bay-Port-Oxford-Post-Mount-1-Light-Outdoor-Oil-Rubbed-Chestnut-Lantern-HD492396/202536469#.Ueck-FO9yUs
  • Wendy Wendy on Jul 17, 2013
    Ranch and it's Beautiful:-) Good luck with your new home..
  • Cher D Cher D on Jul 17, 2013
    ranch
  • Kathy Kathy on Jul 17, 2013
    I like your plan for the flower beds. With your porch it might be nice to also add a small water feature. I have one by my front door and the sound of running water is very relaxing. I have a small pond, but you can also have pondless water features It also helps attract birds to your yard if you want them.
  • It looks a little like what we call low country ranch here in South Carolina.
  • Kim Morgan-James Kim Morgan-James on Jul 17, 2013
    I like the style of lights you picked but I would go with black, to tie the shutters in and match the red and gray.
  • Marilyn Marilyn on Jul 17, 2013
    Ranch with attached garage.
  • Sandy Simpson Sandy Simpson on Jul 17, 2013
    I think that light looks more of a craftsman style...whatever you use...do use a black fixture...I like your home
  • Deborah M Deborah M on Jul 17, 2013
    Ranch
  • Kim Kim on Jul 17, 2013
    Hi Terry I like your house especially the stone ! I wouldn't put a crape myrtle where you suggested they can get pretty big and it would obstruct your view of the driveway, that said I would put it about the same distance from the house on the opposite corner , it would eventually add symmetry to the house. To give you an idea of size, our crape is about 9 ft tall and about six ft wide .
  • I agree with the ranch style. Also, those lights are nice, but are Craftsman. A coach light style would be nice, more in keeping with the ranch style, and in black. Something like this: http://www.lampsplus.com/images/landing-pages/outdoor-lighting-n/patio-lights.jpg
  • David David on Jul 17, 2013
    Regarding your lamp choice- With all respect, I'm not seeing any definite architectural style. I get a faint vibe of colonial and a little Cape Cod. With the help of a professional, you could probably add some architectural and decorative details to push it solidly in one direction or the other. For now, tho, I think you're dealing with a "contemporary ranch". So... I would avoid adding details that seem to be too clearly from a particular style until you are ready to commit to one and "go all the way." So, as much as I like your craftsman-style lamp choice, I don't see any of that in your house at all, and don't think that's the way to go. Certainly, once all the plantings are in, it's not going to stand out a whole lot. Still, I wouldn't go that direction. I would add trellises for vines or some hanging flower pots on each side of the garage, and perhaps some decorative architectural detail over the door so that side is as interesting as your porch will be. Otherwise (not knowing what the garage door looks like when closed), you've got this big blank space that deserves some love too to tie it to the rest of the house. Think about a fast-growing tree about ten feet out and three or four feet over from the drive. That will help, and will also give shade for when you park there. For your landscaping, don't worry about what style your house is. Concentrate instead on a nice mix of colors and textures, shrubbery, perennials and annuals that are right for your planting zone. I like a natural look that doesn't look too stiff. I think that would suit your house well too! Good luck and enjoy!
  • Carol S Carol S on Jul 17, 2013
    I for one would like to see photos of the side and back of the house - I was a plain & simple ranch - the over sized garage and lovely porch look they where added on. The peak at the center of the roof now looks out of place and of no value - Maybe you could a Vent to match the one on the garage. I like your landscaping plan - thus far. You may concider building a raized bed on the far side of the porch. Best of luck ------ I hope you don't get too much rain out there.
  • Bonny McDaniel Bonny McDaniel on Jul 17, 2013
    Sort of a country ranch style. The garage is very overpowering and a large tree or crape myrtle on the side opposite the garage might help balance it. And the Craftsman lights wouldn't look as good as black coach lights, in my opinion. A nice flower bed where you planned it would help, with some red in it...continue a shrub and flower bed on the other side of the walk to the door to help balance that garage (in front of the porch and next to, and under, the tree I mentioned.
  • Jan200590 Jan200590 on Jul 17, 2013
    Country Classic
  • Sia@South 47th Sia@South 47th on Jul 17, 2013
    Nice home! Looks like a 'Modified Ranch', with an over-sized garage. I would turn the entire front yard into an Edible plus Cutting Garden. With an Arbor, DIY'd pavers (with gaps for planting thyme). Eco friendly fence (or not), that ties in with the arbor AND your existing deck railing.. Looks like you are on a slope? Maybe add a 'Micro Vineyard' on the slope side. Or rows of Lavender (purchase at the minimum 10 gallon plants). Some hanging plants on the porch as well as the steps. Maybe a fountain where the dirt is now to the left of the concrete entrance. And perhaps stain all of the concrete (acid stain, it can be costly though). Over-sized House Address Numbers on the right side of the garage would lend some balance as well, in a complimentary color. I wouldn't plant shrubs unless you wish to prune them. And what will they GIVE you in return? Nothing. As far as trees? If they are Fruit or Nut etc. planted in that back area that I see then I'd say yes go for it. However they would shade and therefore ruin any chances of having a productive beautiful edible/cutting garden in the front. Not to mention the root damage (depending on the tree selection) Crape Myrtles are lovely, and they can be a pain to care for. (I do love them though). LOVELY HOME you have with what looks like a GREAT sized piece of property! Fabulous Potential!!!
  • Terry Terry on Jul 17, 2013
    Everyone is having such wonderful suggestions. I really appreciate it. I am not opposed to coach light but I want something that isn't very bright so I need something with a honey glass or similar to prevent light from scattering all over the place. I have been looking at some of the dark sky lights and wondered if you guys think any of them will fir the style of the house. I don't see any black ones but a couple of hours and a can pf spray paint can fix that. What about this one: http://www.wegotlites.net/Bayport-Collection-Dark-Sky-1-Light-15-Bronze-Outdoor-Post-Light-31336-BZ_p_54936.html
  • Sia@South 47th Sia@South 47th on Jul 17, 2013
    Is that a basement that you have? If so, you have a bungalow. Oh and sorry I went on and on with the landscaping bit. xo
  • Terry Terry on Jul 17, 2013
    No problem. I appreciate everything. No basement under this house.
  • Lisa G Lisa G on Jul 17, 2013
    ranch
  • Carol M Carol M on Jul 17, 2013
    My first thought was Ranch, but I think you can make it whatever you like..
  • Brooke Brooke on Jul 18, 2013
    I think it's a Cape Cod style bungalow. the garage appears to be large, which confuses the style a bit.
  • Lori Choman Lori Choman on Jul 18, 2013
    @Terry Knowing that you are in Covington GA and that the favorite style of house around here built in the last 30 years is ranch...You have a modified Ranch. Here's a link...click on Ranch and if you look towards the bottom there is a house similar to yours. Do you remember what the listing said? OR you can always input your address into zillow.com and see what kind of house IT says you have! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_house_styles
  • Lori J Lori J on Jul 18, 2013
    You might consider an element like a trellis over the garage with some vining uo to if rom the left side of the garage. I don't know that I would light both sides due to asymmetric placement of your door. http://www.flickr.com/photos/42072247@N07/3885785378/in/set-72157626430605824/
  • Pat Dareneau Pat Dareneau on Jul 18, 2013
    rancher
  • Laura James Laura James on Jul 18, 2013
    Definitely a Ranch on a crawlspace or slab. Before I do anything I would run 4" black corrugated pipe underground from all of your downspouts and get that water away from your house and foundation before you start having problems or erosion issues. Georgia clay can hold water underground for years and years. If you're on city or county water I would consider putting in an underground cistern and direct all of your roof water to it for a second and backup water source. Not too sure about the wood enclosing the bottom of the porch that goes right to the ground. This is an invitation to termites and rotting. Especially if you don't get the water away from the house. I like the trellis above the garage door idea someone suggested but only if that's Hardy Plank siding. If it's vinyl I would say forget it. Need a feature tree/shrub at the corner of the drive and walkway and also at the front outside corner with some nice landscape beds with good curves to soften up the hard lines and angles of the house. Large rock or boulders are nice to use in your landscaping also. Lots of potential.
  • SHOWCASE REMODELING SHOWCASE REMODELING on Jul 18, 2013
    Rancher for sure.....I would use white lights http://smartbuildingdesigns.blogspot.com
  • SHOWCASE REMODELING SHOWCASE REMODELING on Jul 18, 2013
    We don't have many houses like yours in Philly , but I like it http://showcaseremodeling.blogspot.com
  • It looks a bit eclectic in style, but I don't see the architectural features that you'd see on the craftsman or bungalow styles. I see a ranch (lower pitched roof, one story) that was designed with traditional features - it sort of has a one story farmhouse look to me. A true ranch style typically has modern (in terms of style) building components, but your double hung windows are traditional in style - a true ranch style house doesn't have double hung windows. The steeper garage roof is definitely in the traditional style - maybe it was an addition, added after the house was built (?). ~M
  • Avery Crain Avery Crain on Jul 18, 2013
    The property is really quite nice, and indicative of Ranch/country style...but the overwhelming garage really throws the visual weight off. Continuing the rock around the front of garage, midway up would soften the look. A small rock corner round-wall on the right side of house would look nice too...with a 9' blue spruce would compliment the rock facade. Nice house!!!
  • Paula Bedard Paula Bedard on Jul 18, 2013
    What style? All yours. =) I love the open floor plans of ranch style homes. I grew up in a raised ranch with a basement. Large open rooms even with a LR, DR, eat in kitchen and 3 bedrooms upstairs, large FR, large laundry, and 2 bedrooms downstairs. Lots of wonderful memories in a Ranch. =)
  • Kathleen Glasscock Kathleen Glasscock on Jul 19, 2013
    The deep porch and low roof lend itself to a Craftsman but it's really more of a ranch/country style. As far as lighting goes, simple is best...like the Mission style...clean lines...Your front yard has all the beginnings of something beautiful....You're lucky to be in GA were the climate gives you so many options, camellias, tea trees, gardenias, magnolias...
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Mar 30, 2014
    Garage overwhelms very nice, cosy-looking home. If you have $, I'd lower the garage roof. Otherwise, I agree with A. Crain about breaking up garage's visual mass. I'd continue the dark grey from house across the garage at the same level. I'd also put in a fake window to right of garage door to help visual balance and help unify it with the house. Think I'd curve the walk and keep it a bit out from the garage. Laura J had a good point drainage while landscaping. I'd plant a tree or two to right of house to help balance height of garage. I'd curve a bed from the right side of house from around the tree(s) to the walk, and plant bushes to hide bottom part of the porch with plants in front. What about a post lamp in black aluminum to left of the garage with some more bushes/plants to help draw the eye downward. Ah, advice is cheap!!!
  • Lisa Schneider Lisa Schneider on Sep 22, 2014
    Here in Michigan it would be called and L ranch.