Tag: architecture styles

Regional Lake Living: Pacific Northwest Styles – From Classic Craftsman to Sleek NW Modern

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Photo courtesy of HGTV

In our previous segment of Regional Lake Living, we explored the architectural styles of the Northeast, where charming bungalows and shingled Cape Cods dot the lake shorelines of this breathtaking region that stretches all the way up to the northern coast of Maine. Today, we turn our focus to the Pacific Northwest as we take a guided tour of some of the most notable architectural styles and how they came to be. So, grab a glass of your favorite regional wine, and relax on your breezy lakeside porch as we relish life amidst Washington state’s majestic mountains and all areas in between.

Classic Craftsman Style

Photo courtesy of HGTV

A harmonious mix of functionality and classic architectural beauty is what makes craftsman style an iconic favorite throughout the Pacific Northwest. Blending seamlessly with the region’s extraordinary natural landscapes, craftsman-style homes feature an abundance of locally sourced materials—predominantly wood and stone—for which the area is widely known.

Stone foundations, gable roofs, and exposed wood beams are some of the most noteworthy characteristics of this beloved style. Deep overhangs and spacious wraparound covered porches provide much-needed protection from the Pacific Northwest’s excessive rains. Expansive windows allow plenty of natural sunlight inside while also offering picturesque views of the surrounding lake scenery.  

Rustic Cabin Retreats

Photo courtesy of The Mandagies

What could be more charming—and visually appealing—than a secluded cabin tucked into a forested lakefront in the Pacific Northwest? At one with the mountains, trees, and sparkling crystal waters, these rustic retreats meld gracefully into their natural environments, offering inhabitants a comforting sense of peace and a deep connection to the great outdoors. Using an abundance of reclaimed and salvaged wood, along with other locally sourced materials, simple cottages and log cabins are built with ease throughout the region. These cozy hideaways are most commonly found in more remote and rural areas, which makes them all the more alluring if you’re looking for a quiet escape away from it all.

Floating Homes

Photo courtesy of Seattle Pi

For many of us, the romantic notion of living in a floating home—or houseboat—conjures memories of a beloved movie favorite, Sleepless in Seattle. The thought of living in a dwelling that sits atop the shimmering water amidst the sounds of waves lapping gently in the night is a wonderfully dreamy image and one that people in the Pacific Northwest continue to pursue.

Contrary to popular belief, floating homes do not drift but are moored and often float next to a pier. Their typically small spaces often offer unique opportunities to create innovative architectural and interior design solutions that most minimalists thrive on.

But this extravagant 1,750 square-foot residence expels the notion that all houseboats are tiny. Flooded with natural light and surrounded by the tranquil waters of Seattle’s Lake Union, this captivating two-story floating home features incredible custom built-in cabinetry throughout, a luxurious sauna, and a breezy roof deck from which to watch the area’s spectacular sunsets. In addition, this lavish dwelling boasts a huge kitchen/dining area, three bedrooms, two baths, and two decks from which to enjoy the best of alfresco lake living.      

Tudor-Revival Style

Photo courtesy of Seattle Pi

Gracefully arched entryways, steep-pitched roofs, and cottage-like half-timbered stucco facades give Tudor-style homes a castle-in-a-fairytale vibe. With origins in England, this beloved architectural style is popular throughout the country, specifically the Pacific Northwest. Both quaint and elegant, Tudor style lends itself to splendid lakefront properties with sprawling grounds and spectacular views. With a hint of English grandeur, Tudor-revival homes typically feature narrow windows grouped together, creating wide expanses that allow lots of natural light and maximize the views outside.

This stunning home perches pristinely over Seattle’s lovely Lake Washington and boasts majestic roof peaks, leaded-glass windows, elaborate archways, and ornate brickwork. Cozy fireplaces and lavish outdoor spaces make this dwelling just as inviting in summer as in the chilly winter months.

Modern Style

Photo Courtesy of Hammer & Hand

For those who love minimalist design, modern style—sometimes referred to as NW modern—is a perfect choice. With clean lines, spacious open floor plans, and a complete lack of ornamentation, modern style architecture intentionally blurs the lines between home and landscape. Unadorned exterior design incorporating natural materials and vast expanses of glass and steel windows give this genre an industrial vibe that’s also warm and livable. Extended overhangs provide protection from the region’s notorious rains while creating year-round outdoor spaces that can be used—rain or shine.

An offshoot of modern style, NW modern style takes on a distinctively Japanese aesthetic—think sleek bamboo and lustrous maple woods, light-filled minimalist spaces, and a deep connection to the natural landscape.   

If you’re eager to explore lake living options in the Pacific Northwest region—or anywhere else across the country for that matter—visit Lakehomes.com, select your desired state, and discover the beauty of life on the lake.  

Home Styles and Architectural Design

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Every home has a specific style. It’s important to know these home styles so you can tell your real estate agent what you are looking for in your search for a lake home. Below are six common home styles from around the United States:

HomeBungalow

This home is rectangular and narrow with one and one-half stories. It originated in the state of California. This style emerged in the 1880s in reaction to the decoration of the Victorian homes.

This style was then moved eastward into the Midwest during the 20th century and was booming until the Great Depression. They have low-pitched gabled or even hipped roofs. They also have small porches that are covered over the entryway.

Lake HomeColonial

America’s colonial time period includes a number of different housing styles and types. However, the colonial features will be similar. They are symmetrical and rectangular with bedrooms located on the second story.

This type of home normally includes double hung windows and will include small square panes.

Contemporary architectureContemporary

You can spot these types of homes by the odd sized and tall windows. They will typically have an unusual mixture of wall materials like brick, stone, and wood.

The architectural designs popped up between the 1950s and the 1970s. There were two types created, which have flat roofs and gabled roofs.

prairie architecturePrairie

This style emerged in 1893 when Frank Lloyd Wright designed the very first one. Wright is one of the most famous architects known. They come in two types; symmetrical and boxy or asymmetrical and low slung. The roofs are low pitched and have wide eaves.

The most common materials include clapboard or brick. Some other features include casement windows, large parch square supports, and floral geometric terra cotta or ornamentation surrounding the windows, doors, and the cornices.

ranch houseRanch

This style emerged in the 50s and 60s. This was due to the popularity of automobiles. This style includes some features from the Prairie and the Spanish Colonial styled homes.

Its pitched roof, one-story construction, built on garage, and the brick or wood exterior walls characterize it. It also includes sliding windows and doors that lead to the patios.

victorian architectureVictorian

This style dates back all the way to the 19th century when America was exploring new designs. It includes curved towers and porches that are spindled. They were typically built on the main streets in cities to add a beautiful appeal.