People in the southern United States have been living in traditional home designs for centuries. These homes are often characterized by large front porches, gables, and tall ceilings. While there are many different types, here are seven of the most popular Southern home designs if you’re looking to renovate your home:
1. The Farmhouse
One of the most classic and timeless southern home designs is the farmhouse. Farmhouses are known for their wrap-around porches, tall ceilings, and large windows. The farmhouse style is also characterized by its simplicity and functionality. Color palates in farmhouse-style homes are usually neutral, with pops of color added through decor and accessories.
If you want to renovate your home into a farmhouse style, you’ll want to create a cozy and welcoming space. Consult an LVT flooring guide to choose the perfect natural-looking floors to complete your inviting farmhouse aesthetic.
2. The Bungalow
Bungalows are another popular type of southern home. These homes get their name from the Hindi word “Bangala,” meaning “of Bengal.” The style originated in India but made its way to the southern United States in the early 20th century. Bungalows are usually one or one-and-a-half stories and feature low-pitched roofs and large front porches.
Bungalows are often cozy and inviting, perfect for families or those who love entertaining. If you are considering renovating your home into a bungalow, focus on creating a warm and welcoming space. Use soft colors and comfortable furniture to create an inviting atmosphere.
3. The Southern Living Idea House
The Southern Living Idea House is a popular type of southern home design. This style got its name from the popular home magazine Southern Living. The homes are also usually designed to take advantage of the beautiful scenery in the south. and are characterized by natural materials like wood and stone. Southern Living Idea Houses also often feature large porches and outdoor living spaces.
To renovate your home into a Southern Living Idea House, focus on using natural materials to create a warm and inviting space. You’ll also want to take advantage of the beautiful scenery in the south by adding large windows and outdoor living spaces. Keep your colors neutral to create a calming atmosphere.
4. The Plantation Home
Plantation homes are another popular type of southern home design. These homes are usually large and luxurious, and their columns and porches often characterize them. Plantation homes were originally built on plantations in the south, but they can be found worldwide today.
To achieve the plantation style, focus on creating a luxurious and inviting space. Use rich colors and luxurious materials to create an opulent atmosphere. You’ll also want to add stately columns and porches to capture the plantation style.
5. The Cape Cod Home
The Cape Cod style is characterized by its symmetrical design, steep roofs, and large windows. Cape Cod homes were initially built in New England but made their way to the south in the early 20th century. They are a neighborhood favorite because of their charming design and cozy atmosphere.
To achieve the Cape Cod aesthetic, consider installing large windows to let in natural light. Focus on adding as much symmetry to the design as possible. For example, add similar doorways on either side of the home or use symmetrical rooflines. Choose a neutral color palette to create a calm and inviting space.
6. The Colonial Home
Colonial homes are identified by their formal design and traditional architecture. This style originated in Europe but has been an integral design in the southern United States since the colonial era. Colonial homes are usually two or three stories and feature symmetry and balance.
If renovating your home into a colonial style, focus on creating a formal and inviting space. Use traditional furniture and decor to capture the colonial aesthetic. You’ll also want to add symmetry and balance to the design. For example, add a central staircase or use similar materials on either side of the home. Check out an LVT flooring guide for inspiration with choosing the perfect floors to match the home’s feel.
7. The Cottage Home
Cottage homes are known for their coziness, simplicity, and charming design. This style is often used in beach areas because of its easy and relaxed vibe. Cottages are usually one or two stories and feature small windows and porches.
If the cottage look is your goal, focus on creating a cozy and inviting space. Use soft colors and comfortable furniture to capture the cottage vibe. You’ll also want to add small windows and porches to the design.
8. The Tudor Home
Tudor homes are characterized by their half-timbered design and steep roofs. Half-timbered refers to the wood beams exposed on the home’s exterior. The English Tudor home look made its way to the United States in the early 20th century. Tudor homes are usually two or three stories and often feature ornate details.
To achieve the Tudor aesthetic, consider adding exposed wood beams to the exterior of your home. You’ll also want to focus on adding ornate details to the design. For example, add carved woodwork or leaded glass windows. Choose a neutral color palette to create a calming space.
Final Thoughts
Southern home designs are popular because they’re charming, cozy, and inviting. No matter where you live in the world, the charm of southern designs can be captured in your home. If you’re considering renovating your home into one of these styles, focus on creating a space that feels like home. Use simple colors and furniture to create a relaxed atmosphere. You’ll also want to add charm and character to the design with details like porches and large windows.
