Top 10 Residential Architectural Styles of Los Angeles
Cape Cod
New construction Cape Cods have been super popular the past couple years. Characterized by the stark white exterior, conservative ornamentation, a wide porch and moderately-steep gabled roofs. You’ll also see mounted exterior lighting from the gables.
2. Spanish | Spanish Colonial Revival
Traditionally single-story homes found all over Los Angeles, these can be characterized by their low-pitched red tile roofs, white stucco walls with rounded corners, courtyards and painted tile. Some feature wrought-iron accents and large arched windows and doorways.
3. Mid-century Modern
In response to the post-WWII LA housing shortage, architects responded by developing a style of home that could be built relatively quickly. These houses are characterized by clean lines, open floor plans, post-and-beam construction, and walls of glass.
4. Craftsman
Distinguishing traits of Craftsman bungalows are gabled or hipped roofs, tapered, square columns supporting the roof, and extensive woodwork. You can also expect to see partially-paned doors, double-hung windows, and large shaded porches.
5. Tudor
Tudor homes can be characterized by their steeply pitched gable roofs, embellished doorways and decorative half-timbering (exposed wood framework with masonry or stucco spaces in between) and groupings of windows.
6. Victorian
Common features of Victorian houses are typically towers, turrets, dormers and wide wrap-around porches. They also include decorative railings and ornate trim work around the porches.
7. Ranch
Typically a single-story home that is wider than it is deep. Almost always situated with an L- or U-shaped floor plan with low-pitched roof and moderate or wide-eave overhang. They are very popular in the San Fernando Valley, west of the 405 freeway. They are often situated on large lots (some as large as 20,000 sq ft) and have a detached garage or “pass-through” garage.
8. Tuscan
Tuscan inspired architecture typically features extensive masonry work, a low-slope roof with terracotta flat or barrel tiles; stucco or stone walls and wrought-iron detailing. The front door is often a focal point with grand sweeping entrances and arched doorways.
9. Modern
Modern architecture is characterized by clean lines; linear masses with very little ornamentation; large oversize glass doors and windows. They are often energy-efficient and considered “smart homes” with built-in technological features to control everything from the lighting and temperature to the locks on the doors.
10. Traditional
A traditional home is a mix of many classic, simple designs with common features such as simple roof lines, little ornamentation, symmetrically spaced windows. Building materials include wood siding, brick or stucco.