Texas is rich in history, and many architectural styles reflect this. When searching for a new home in Texas, you will see many different cultural influences in the architecture. Many early settlers’ traditions are still present in modern-day Texas architecture. And, while the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metro area has grown to be one of the largest urban cities in the United States, many of the homes in the suburbs reflect the history and culture of Texas. Here are the top ten architectural styles you will discover when searching for a new home in DFW.

DFW Architectural Styles 

Mediterranean Revival

Texans love Mediterranean-style homes, particularly in the luxury home market. Reminiscent of seaside houses and palazzos in Italy, France, and Spain, you will feel like you are always on a coastal European vacation if you purchase one of these beautifully designed homes. The balmy summer temperatures and mild winters in DFW are also similar to the Mediterranean climate!

The Mediterranean Revival style of architecture became popular in the United States and Texas during the 20th century. These homes are usually designed with white stucco exteriors and red clay tile roofs. They may feature tall arched windows and wrought-iron balconies. You may also find beautiful Romanesque columns and pergolas and a central courtyard. The look unites the indoors and the outdoors.  

You will find this style of home throughout DFW, particularly in the Highland Park, Cedar Hill, and Southlake neighborhoods. 

French Provencal

The French Provencal style of architecture is also referred to as French Country. The look is inspired by the cottage-like homes in Provence, France, or the southernmost region in France. This look originates in rural parts of France and combines a charming chateaux design with a rustic farmhouse look. It pairs well with a heavy use of Texas stone and the larger lot sizes you will find in luxury home neighborhoods. 

Today, the French Country look is recognized by a high-pitched roofline, French pale blue wooden shutters and exterior accents. Light-washed colors, distressed wood, and antique accents complete the look. Inside, you will see stone fireplaces and exposed wooden beams. 

American Colonial

The American Colonial style of architecture dates back to the 1600s.  The first thirteen American colonies on the east coast inspire this look throughout the nation. This style has been popular throughout the centuries, both in residential and commercial real estate properties. The look we now know as Colonial was popular in the 1800s. 

Today’s Colonial homes typically include flat facades and central doorways surrounded by symmetrical windows and gabled roofs. These homes are almost always two or three stories rather than a single story. You may find brick exterior or horizontal siding. In DFW, the Colonial-style homes have an added roofed porch on the front to shield the front of the house from the Texas sun.

Tudor Revival

The traditional Tudor design home dates back to the 1400s, but this style became popular in new homes built in the 1970s and 1980s. The exposed half-timbered wood exterior is the most noticeable feature of a Tudor Revival home. They also feature steeply pitched roofs and overlapping gables. White herringbone brick or creamy stucco facades accentuate the architecture with the exposed wooden frames, creating a cozy charm. 

In DFW, you will often see Tudor Revival-style homes in Greenland Hills and Hollywood Heights. 

Contemporary

The clean, crisp lines of Contemporary architecture appeal to those who like a modern and sophisticated look. It’s often minimalist in design. With open floor plans, glass, and steel materials, you will have a lot of natural light within the home. 

You will find Contemporary homes throughout Dallas, particularly in Oak Lawn, Turtle Creek, and Northwest Dallas. It is becoming more common to transform older traditional homes in Dallas into a remodeled contemporary design.  

Ranch Style and Texas Vernacular

Ranch-style homes are not just for the country. Urban areas and luxury home developers love them, too. These single-level homes are perfect for those who don’t want stairs. The floor plans are usually open and easy to navigate. You will see ranch-style architecture with combined materials such as stucco, brick, stone, and wood. They often have overhanging eaves and large windows that bring in natural light. With plenty of access to the backyard, you can create a beautiful landscape to enhance the look of a ranch-style home. These are commonly found in North Dallas.  More recently, Texas Vernacular style homes have been very popular in DFW.  An Austin influence from early immigration days, Texas Vernacular homes feature a palatial, rectangular design with projected porches, stone facades, exposed wooden beams and brackets, then finished with a metal roof.

American Craftsman

This style was created by the British Arts and Craft Movement in the 1920s, often compared to the “California Bungalow.” This style of architecture is laid back, classy and comfortable. These homes have a low-pitched roof, a wide front porch with exposed wooden beams, and horizontal siding exteriors. The design emphasizes craftsmanship, so many of these homes will feature decorative eaves, handcrafted stonework, and exposed woodwork. The floor plans are often centered around a fireplace, creating a welcoming atmosphere for gatherings. American craftsman homes exist in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Victorian

The Victorian era in England introduced this architectural style in the late nineteenth century. Queen Anne Victorian homes are known for their decorative trim, often resembling gingerbread houses. Victorian architecture is also present in hillside mansions in DFW. You will recognize this style by its asymmetrical shape, large wrap-around porches, and steep towers. Many times the exterior is painted in bright colors in two or three colors to accentuate the features of the home. 

Mid-Century Modern

During the peak of the 20th century, architecture shifted toward a streamlined and modern look. This style increased in popularity between the 1930s and 1960s. Frank Lloyd Wright was a popular architect during that time. The John Gillin Residence is the only Dallas home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, but his legacy remains in DFW. 

The mid-century modern style consists of abstract lines, minimalist interiors, exteriors, and open floor plans. North Dallas and Northeast Dallas areas feature many mid-century modern homes. 

Dallas Eclectic

Finally, we have the Dallas Eclectic architecture style. It’s a spin on the French Eclectic style, only bigger and better. These homes are often built with grand proportions. They are known for their deep-pitched roof, creating an elongated silhouette. The Dallas Eclectic style borrows from the Beaux-Arts movement with highly detailed sculptural elements. It differs from the French Provencal architectural style, which resembles more of a country cottage. The Dallas Eclectic designs are perfect for Dallas’ large lot sizes and luxury home buyers looking for monumental mansions with French design. 

What is your favorite architectural design? Contact us today so we can help you search for the perfect home.