Modern home styles

Mid-century modern is considered modern with its own twist. Characteristics of this retro style include sharp angles and boxy shapes, flat, angled roofs, floor-to-ceiling windows and emphasis on integrating the outdoors. Wide-open floor plans are a hallmark of mid-century modern homes, as with most modern styles.

One of the oldest styles in the United States, classic colonial is simple and rectangular. Colonial-style is traditionally two- to three-story, with a front door in the center of the home and balanced window placement. To modernize colonial homes, Better Homes & Gardens recommends a fresh color palette along with front porches or sunrooms to connect the indoors and outdoors and boost available living space.

The classic American craftsman home has been popular since the mid-1800s. This quaint design is characterized by low-pitched rooflines, covered front porches with an entryway lined with columns, overhanging eaves and wide dormers. Modern style craftsman homes retain these same exterior features but may be updated on the inside with open floor plan living and ample natural lighting. Designing Idea lists other features of modern craftsman homes such as open-concept kitchens, calm neutral colors and large, spacious rooms.

According to homes.com, the modern farmhouse is the most favored home style in the United States and can be found in cities as well as the country. This type of home architecture is a blend of modern and traditional, with horizontal siding, metal roofs, dark shutters and wraparound front porch. Interior elements include vaulted ceilings, an open kitchen which is the heart of the home and lots of natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows.

Dating back to its widespread appearance in the suburbs from the 1940s, Dwell declares this style of home to be "one of America's most important contributions to residential architecture." Modern style ranch homes are typically single-story, rectangular, U- or L-shaped with open layouts. They were inspired by the Spanish-style homes of the 19th century found on the ranches of the West. Outdoors, ranch homes often utilize outdoor space with patios, pools, porches and large driveways.

Tudor style goes back to the 15th century in England. This type of British architecture includes steep pitched roofs and gables, brickwork and decorated half-timbering-meaning wooden boards with stucco or stone in between them. The modern twist on the classic English Tudor features traditional elements such as decorative timber facades on the second story. To add the Tudor storybook look and feel to a modern home, Bob Vila recommends adding elements such as roof gable dormers, tall windows with multiple panes and a neutral color palette.