A quick drive through Austin’s neighborhoods will demonstrate how vast our city’s home styles can range. Areas steeped in rich history such as West Austin and Hyde Park boat historic dwellings with styles to match, whereas neighborhoods that are still growing such as East and South Austin reflect more contemporary styles of recent decades. Below are a few of the most common, and iconic home styles found in Austin.
Queen Anne
Victorian architecture was popular throughout the united states from the mid-nineteenth century up until the early twentieth century. The American Queen Anne style can be found in homes scattered throughout Austin but is most notably seen in Hyde Park. The style is known for asymmetrical facades, prominent gables, covered porches, towers in a variety of shapes, a blend of different wall textures and treatments, and large bay windows.
Craftsman
In the late nineteenth century, the American Craftsman style of architecture and design began to emerge. Popular amongst the growing middle class, the layout of the home was opened up and simplified. Servant quarters and second kitchens were replaced by more open living and dining spaces and a singular, more functional kitchen. Craftsman style homes retained gables, dramatic rooflines, and low-hanging eaves all common in the Queen Anne style but in a simplified approach.
Bungalow
The bungalow was widely popular in the early 20th century and is synonymous with the early working-class suburbs. The style is characterized by having one or one and a half stories with front steps leading to a porch covered by extended eaves. The layout features spacious living rooms at the front of the house that flow into separate dining rooms.
Hill Country
With its origins in the homes built by the European craftsman who settled in the Hill Country, masonry is a common feature of Hill Country style homes. Often, these homes will incorporate limestone, wood elements such as timber siding and exposed beams, and use neutral color palettes. Over the years, the Hill Country style has expanded to include elements of Spanish Revival, Modern, and Contemporary elements but still manages to stay true to its Central Texas roots.
Mediterranean and Spanish
Spanish-style architecture has been synonymous with Texas before we even had a name. With inspiration coming from south of the border, the style focuses on stone and stucco, wide arches and verandahs, barrel tile roofs, courtyards, and excellent indoor-outdoor flow. This style is found throughout the city but can most notably be found along Lake Austin. Residents who first developed along the lake in the early 1900s were drawn to this style and location due to its likeness to Lake Como in Italy.
Contemporary
The Austin real estate boom has brought an explosion of new construction in the contemporary style. Contemporary homes are recognized for both their sleek beauty and function as well as their commitment to using green building techniques. These homes are thoughtful and sophisticated marriages of old and new design styles and often utilize their natural surroundings to shape their structure or key design elements. As the city continues to grow, contemporary homes can be found in almost every Austin neighborhood today.
Ready to make a move? Contact Roxan Coffman Properties to find your next dream home today.