Different Types of Houses (& Complementary Landscaping Ideas)

Choosing between different types of houses involves more than square footage and price. Different home styles affect everything from curb appeal to how homeowners use their outdoor spaces. Understanding common home styles can help homeowners create outdoor spaces that complement the home's architecture.

Basic House Styles & Structures

Single-family Home

Also called:

• Detached home
• Standalone house
• Traditional family home

A single-family home is a freestanding residential structure designed for one household. These homes often include private outdoor spaces out back and front doors that face the street. Single-story and multi-story versions are both common, and architectural details can range from steep roofs and dormer windows to clean lines and modern homes with open space concepts.

Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners:

• Add colorful flower beds near the front porches
• Plant shade trees near large windows
• Incorporate natural materials

Multi-family Home (Duplex)

Also called:

• Duplex house
• Two-family home
• Side-by-side home

A duplex includes two separate living spaces within one structure, with some featuring side-by-side layouts and others split-level designs.

Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners:

• Use symmetrical landscaping
• Add privacy hedges between patios

Multi-family Home (Triplex)

Also called:

• Three-family home
• Triple-decker
• Three-unit property

A triplex contains three individual living spaces within one building. Triplexes became more common during the early 20th century in urban areas where housing density increased. These homes often maximize outdoor spaces through shared courtyards or compact patios.

Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners:

• Use raised garden beds to separate units
• Include decorative fencing for privacy
• Plant low-maintenance greenery along walkways

Condominium

Also called:

• Condos

A condominium is an individually owned residential unit within a larger building or community. Condo owners typically share common outdoor spaces and are often part of a homeowners' association.

Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners:

• Use container gardens on patios
• Add ornamental grasses for texture
• Include decorative stone accents

Townhouse

Also called:

• Townhome

Townhouses are narrow, attached homes that share walls with neighboring properties. Many townhomes include multiple stories, open floor plans, and private front doors that face sidewalks or streets.

Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners:

• Create vertical gardens to save space
• Use decorative planters near entryways
• Install compact patios for entertaining

Apartment

Also called:

• Flat
• Rental unit

Apartments are residential units within larger buildings that are typically rented instead of owned.

Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners:

• Use potted plants on balconies
• Use decorative outdoor seating

Tiny Home

Also called:

• Micro home
• Small house
• Compact home

Tiny homes focus on efficiency. These small structures often feature open floor plans and multifunctional living spaces.

Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners:

• Add multifunctional patios
• Choose drought-tolerant plants

Mobile Home

Also called:

• Manufactured home
• Trailer home
• Prefabricated home

Mobile homes are factory-built residences transported to a property site. Many newer models include modern home styles with clean lines, large windows, and open space layouts.

Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners:

• Add skirting with surrounding shrubs
• Include native plants for easy upkeep

Common Architectural Styles

Cape Cod Home

Cape Cod homes originated in New England during the 17th century and remain popular because of their cozy appearance and practicality.

Defining features:

• Steeply pitched roofs
• Dormer windows
• Simple roofline
• Compact living spaces

Bungalow

Bungalows became especially popular during the early 20th century because of their affordability and practical layouts.

Defining features:

• Single-story or one-and-a-half-story layouts
• Wide front porches
• Low-pitched roofs
• Exposed beams
• Open living areas
• Natural materials like wood and stone

Ranch-style Home

Ranch-style homes became one of the most recognizable American home styles during the mid-20th century.

Defining features:

• Single-story layouts
• Open floor plans
• Large windows
• Attached garages
• Long horizontal roofline
• Patios connected to backyards
• Low-pitched roofs

Greek Revival Home

Greek Revival homes were inspired by classical architecture from Greece and became highly popular during the 19th century.

Defining features:

• Large columns
• Symmetrical facades
• Decorative entryways
• Gabled roofs
• Stucco walls or painted brick

Mid-century Modern Home

Mid-century Modern homes emphasize functionality, simplicity, and connections to outdoor spaces.

Defining features:

• Clean lines
• Open floor plans
• Large windows
• Flat or low-sloped roofline
• Natural materials
• Open living spaces

Mediterranean Revival Home

Mediterranean Revival homes draw inspiration from Spanish and Italian coastal architecture.

Defining features:

• Stucco walls
• Courtyards
• Arched entryways
• Decorative iron accents

Tudor Home

Tudor homes combine medieval English influences with charming architectural details.

Defining features:

• Decorative half-timbering
• Tall chimneys
• Narrow windows
• Gabled roofs
• Brick and stucco exteriors

Colonial-style Home

Colonial-style homes remain one of the most recognizable traditional houses in America.

Defining features:

• Symmetrical facades
• Central front doors
• Multi-pane windows
• Formal layouts
• Steeply pitched roofs
• Decorative shutters

Victorian Home

Victorian homes became popular during the reign of Queen Victoria and are known for elaborate decorative details.

Defining features:

• Bay windows
• Decorative trim
• Towers or turrets
• Steeply pitched roofs
• Complex roofline
• Italianate influences

Contemporary Home

Contemporary homes focus on current design trends, energy efficiency, and flexible living spaces.

Defining features:

• Clean lines
• Open space concepts
• Large windows for natural light
• Minimalist design
• Mixed materials
• Open floor plans

No matter which house style homeowners prefer, landscaping plays a major role in tying the property together. At Poynter Landscape Architecture & Construction, we design customized outdoor spaces that complement a home's architecture, so you can enjoy your property to the fullest.