exterior styles Archives - Arrow Hill Cottage

THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE AMERICAN FOURSQUARE HOME STYLE

Welcome to another installment in the ELEMENTS OF HOME series. Each month I showcase a different residential style here on the blog. It is my hope that this information will not only teach you a little something about the various styles; but also equip you if are designing or searching for a new house – by allowing you to determine which style(s) suit your lifestyle and preferences the most.

Today I will be over-viewing the American Foursquare home – including the history of the style and what makes it unique.

HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN FOURSQUARE STYLE

The American Foursquare style first came into recognition in the late 1890’s and was popular until the 1920’s. It is considered a ‘true American style’ and though it begins during the era when elaborate Victorian homes were popular, it tends to resonate more with elements of the Craftsman/Prairie movement – with more simple detailing and solid craftsmanship.

The essence of the design intent was to create the greatest amount of square footage possible on a standard city lot. This was achieved by utilizing a box like form, which typically included four rooms on the main level plus 4 rooms on a second story. A pyramidal roof, covering a half-story attic space, was a common feature, as was a large front porch.

Though ‘American Foursquare’ is the proper name for this house style, it is also widely known as ‘box house’ , ‘cube house’, or ‘Prairie cube.’

Because of the simplicity in lines and design, the American Foursquare was also a very popular kit home. In fact, at one point Sears & Roebuck offered some 15 different styles in their catalog. Check out the book The Houses that Sears Built for more information on kit houses. (this is an affiliate link)

MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE AMERICAN FOURSQUARE STYLE

LOCATION

Though popular throughout the country, the American Foursquare style is most notably concentrated in the Midwest. They were primarily settled in urban areas, on standard city lots, but were also popular in a country setting.

SIZE

The American Foursquare home is considered to be of ‘medium’ size. Though the original built homes were finished only on the main and second level, most also featured a full unfinished basement and a half-story attic above – which, if finished, could almost double the livable square footage. The homes are typically set a few feet above grade, making them look tall and large.

The Castleton was one of the many popular kit houses that were offered in the American Foursquare style.

EXTERIOR TRADEMARKS

BOXY SHAPE: The square footprint/ floor plan of this house style is further accentuated by the flat appearance of the elevations. Large double hung windows, grouped together, is commonly noted.
LARGE FRONT PORCH: The front porch is a hallmark that nearly ever home of this style exhibits. It extends the entire face of the front facade, providing shade and an element of ornamentation.
PYRAMIDAL ROOF WITH DORMER: Though exceptions exist, most American Foursquare homes feature a pyramidal or hipped roof, with a dormer on the front facade – allowing light into the attic space.

INTERIOR SPACES

The first floor of a traditionally built American Foursquare home usually contains an entry foyer (often with the stairs to the second floor), a living room, dining room, and kitchen. The second floor in the larger models has four bedrooms and a bath. Some smaller sized homes have 3 bedrooms and a bath. These interiors were so efficiently planned that minimal space was used as hallways or accessory spaces. Even today, the original Foursquare’s maintain the intent of their original floor plans – with perhaps a rear one story addition to accommodate a larger kitchen, and/or the finishing of the attic or basement space.

The interior styling is simple and handcrafted – with a focus on natural light, and finely crafted woodwork. Because every room in the home is essentially a ‘corner room’ – they receive light from two directions. Built-ins such as bookcases and window seats were popular enhancements; those building planbook or kit houses could order room-dividing colonnades and kitchen cabinets to accentuate the interior rooms.

COLOR SCHEME

Because the popularity of the American Foursquare spanned many years, it is hard to summarize the paint colors most commonly used – as the taste shifted tremendously during this time frame. The one thing that is consistent throughout is the basic nature of coloring utilized. Foursquare’s are meant to be simple and classic, not showy. Where Queen Anne Victorian homes of built in the same timeframe were adorned with multiple colors to accentuate each and every detail, the American Foursquare featured a refined look – utilizing only two to three main colors. Generally, more muted, ‘earthy’ and grayed colors were the most popular.

A typical two color scheme included the body of the home is painted one color, with the trim and other details painted another, possibly contrasting shade. For a Foursquare home, the trim is most commonly lighter than the body paint choice. When the roof was composed of a colorful asphalt product, it was sometimes used as a cue for the color scheme – oftentimes homeowners would match the roof with their trim color, for example.

For a more comprehensive look at the colors of an American Foursquare home, consider reading the book Bungalow Colors by Robert Schweitzer. (this is an affiliate link)

NOTABLE AMERICAN FOURSQUARE HOUSES

Hillrose | winner of the 1916 Sears Competition| popular kit house that costed $2,000 to build in 1916. A reproduction was $1 million to build in 2016!

G.C. Stockman House| 1907 Ladies Home Journal article | Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

D.C Passive House | 2011 | New construction designed to look like a classic American Foursquare, with energy saving techniques

INSPIRING AMERICAN FOURSQUARE STYLE HOMES FROM AROUND THE WEB

These classic homes showcase the American Foursquare style well. Take a closer look!

Left to Right: 1 | 2 | 3

*** side note: My husband and I were fortunate enough to own and live in a 1904 American Foursquare, and absolutely loved it’s simplicity and practicality. They truly are classic homes.***

I hope you have enjoyed learning a bit more about the American Foursquare style. Curious which residential style will be featured next month? Stay tuned!

And be sure to check out the previously showcased styles here.

THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE MID CENTURY MODERN HOME STYLE

Welcome to another installment in the ELEMENTS OF HOME series. Each month I showcase a different residential style here on the blog. It is my hope that this information will not only teach you a little something about the various styles; but also equip you if are designing or searching for a new house – by allowing you to determine which style(s) suit your lifestyle and preferences the most.

Today I will be over-viewing the Mid-Century Modern home – including the history of the style and what makes it unique.

HISTORY OF THE MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

This style received it’s name partly because of the time period in which the homes were being built. Mid-Century. Mid 20th century to be exact. There is a bit of discrepancy on which years are included; But generally speaking, the Mid-Century Modern style comprises houses built from the years 1935 to 1965.

This was a tumultuous time in history. In the mid 1930’s, the threat of the second World War was looming and various architects, including the pioneers of the Bauhaus Movement – Walter Gropius, Marcel Breuer, and later Meis van der Rohe, fled Germany for America. These men were aiming to unite art and industrial design.

At the same time, American designers were highly influenced by the simplicity and integration with nature that was prevalent in Brazilian and Scandinavian architecture.

At the end of the war, as Veterans were returning to America, the need for affordable and quickly constructed houses arouse. These soldiers were looking to settle down and start their families. While architects designed stunning homes in the Mid-Century Modern style, it was real estate developer Joseph Eichler who is credited with bringing it to the masses – through his tract home development.

MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

LOCATION

Typically, these homes were constructed in suburban settings. The first Mid-Century Modern homes started to take root on the West Coast. They became popular in California and then on the East coast. Slowly, the style began to spread sporadically throughout the country.

SIZE

During the Baby Boom, Americans were looking for spacious, open homes that they could entertain in. The Mid-Century style lent itself well to the desires of suburban families. Homes were designed to be between 1,500 and 2,500 square feet – only slightly smaller than 2017’s home average square footage (2,687).

EXTERIOR TRADEMARKS

VARYING ROOF LINES: Creative roofs were popular at mid-century. Among those utilized most frequently were flat roofs with deep overhangs, saw tooth roofs, and the most beloved ‘butterfly roof’ – which got it’s name from the shape the gables take on as they connect at midpoint and extend upward.

ONE LEVEL DESIGN: Generally, Mid-Century Modern homes are one story structures.

SPACE FOR AUTOS: This era of design was the first to begin offering shelter for automobiles. Many homes include attached garages or carports.

CONNECTION: Connection to nature was of utmost importance to the designers of the Mid-Century Modern style. As such, these homes feature a wonderful collection of indoor/outdoor spaces – such as large covered patios, enclosed courtyards, and entire walls that open up to allow access to the yard.

INTERIOR SPACES

Whereas homes built before this time period were composed of smaller compartmentalized rooms, the Mid-Century modern home employed the ‘open floor plan’ approach. This was accomplished, for the first time, partly because of improved construction techniques. Heavy/solid bearing walls were replaced by posts and beams.

Typically these open spaces had a fireplace focal point.

These homes were also the first to employ bi-level floor plans – including sunken living rooms, for example.

COLOR SCHEME

The colors used in the Mid-Century Modern style are warm and earthy. The tones are derived from the materials used, such as stone grey and rich auburn wood. There is also a generous use of graphic black and white that accompanies this style.

Other popular colors during the period when these homes were constructed include muted jewel tones – turquoise, emerald and mustard yellow, for example.

COMMON FEATURES

Of course, no two houses are exactly alike; But there are design elements that are seen again and again in Mid-Century Modern styled homes – such as these statement features:

PRIVATE FRONT FACADES: The entrance to a Mid-Century home is generally understated and private. These homes are typically oriented so that the backyard entertaining areas receive the mid-day sun.

CLEAN LINES: One of the primary goals of this design style is honesty of materials – where the sole ornamentation comes from the materials themselves. The creative and streamlined use of stone, block, glass and wood is prevalent.

FLOOR TO CEILING PANES OF GLASS: Continuing with the desire to create a connection with the outdoors, many Mid-Century Modern homes employ large panes of glass – offering stunning views and an abundance of daylight.

INTERIOR DECOR

Generally, the Mid-Century Modern decorating style could be considered sparse. The simple lines of the architecture are mirrored in the furniture pieces; and the furniture market during the Mid-Century era had a life all it’s own. The new materials of the day including plastics, resins, composites, laminate and fiberglass opened up an entire new range of possibilities.

The furnishings best suited in these homes are clean and sleek, with minimal ornamentation.

Walls, ceilings and floors also showcase simple materials. The juxtaposition of different, and sometimes contrasting, materials is common.

FAMOUS MID-CENTURY MODERN HOUSES

You may already be familiar with these stunning examples of residential Mid-Century Architecture. They are classic, and adored by many.

The Philip Johnson Glass House | Architect: Mies van der Rohe | 1949

The Stahl House |Architect: Pierre Koenig | 1960

Neutra VDL Studio + Residence | Architect: Richard Neutra|1932/ rebuilt 1964

INSPIRING MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE HOMES FROM AROUND THE WEB

These homes showcase the Mid-Century Modern style well. Take a closer look!

Left to Right: 1 | 2 | 3

I hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about the Mid-Century Modern style. Curious which residential style will be featured next month? Stay tuned!

And be sure to check out the previously showcased styles here.