Take this Quiz to Discover Your Home Exterior Style

From curb appeal to functionality, exterior style and structure deserve your attention, whether purchasing a new home or updating the one you have. But what is your style? Take our quick quiz to determine your favorite façade.

Take the Home Exterior Style Quiz

1. Which piece of art speaks to you?

A. Greek, Roman and Neoclassicism
B. Renaissance
C. Impressionism 
D. Cubism 
E. Op Art and Pop Art 
F. Postmodernism

2. How would you describe your ideal front entrance?
A. Symmetrical with a prominent front door and columns
B. Arched entryway with a decorative door
C. Elaborate porch with intricate details and decorative railings
D. Cozy and inviting porch with a swing or rocking chairs
E. Combination of different entry elements for a unique look
F. Minimalist entrance with clean lines and glass elements

3. What color palette most appeals to you?
A. Neutrals!
B. Any two contrasting colors
C. Soft pastels
D. Earth tones, more green the better. 
E. Is brick a color?
F. Everything white!

4. Which of the following characteristics is a must-have for you? 
A. Symmetry
B. Moodiness
C. Ornamental
D. Simplicity 
E. A low profile 
F. Defying gravity

5. What feature is top priority in your house? 
A. As long as there is a stairway in the middle of the house, I am good. 
B. Symmetry
C. Elaborate trimwork
D. A front porch is most important.
E. I want everything on one level.
F. Open it up! I’d live in a warehouse if I could. 

Key
Mostly A’s – You’re a Traditionalist
Mostly B’s –  Reigning from the Tudors
Mostly C’s – Just call you Queen Victoria 
Mostly D’s – Comfort-level Craftsman
Mostly E’s – You’re lounging as a Ranch
Mostly F’s – Keeping it Ultra-modern

THE FACADES

Traditional – Originated: 1600s

Originated: 1600s
Cape Cod, Colonial, Federal, Georgian or Greek Revival are the most common names for traditional builds in America—and they’re everywhere. “They typically are very symmetrical,” says Jessica Flake, RA, RID, architect and interior designer, Copper Sky Design + Remodel. “People love them for their centered doors, windows that are aligned vertically and horizontally and an overall look that is classic.”
Update Idea: Update your brick by exploring color options (we challenge you to something other than white!) or bring in more light without compromising the exterior character by focusing on the back of the home, adding windows or a glass sliding door.

Tudor – Originated 1800s in America 

The Tudor style lends itself to darker and moodier hues, according to Micaela Quinton, RID, director of design, Copper Sky Design + Remodel. Tudor homes are found in many intown Atlanta neighborhoods and are often identifiable by their decorative elements and Old-World charm. Although timbering (built from wood) is one of the most noticeable details of the Tudor style, favorite feature points include tall chimneys or fireplaces, arches above doorways, porches and windows with a diamond pattern. 
Update Idea: Push the Tudor style even further, adding more arches, painting the varying style elements all one color or upgrading to steel windows with larger openings.

Victorian – Originated: late 1800s in America 

Romantic Victorian, or the similar Queen Anne, homes are easy to love for their gabled roofs and spacious porches featuring spindle work and decorative balusters, turrets or cupolas. Often two stories, these homes feature ornamentation from top to bottom and their asymmetrical plan allows for a high level of individuality. 
Update Idea: “Celebrate the style of a Victorian home by painting the exterior using a colorful, playful paint palette,” said Quinton. “Pastel colors work well, but don’t be afraid of pinks, greens, baby blues and peachy tones.” She also said that decorative architectural elements can preserve and elevate this style. The porch is a good place to start, including porch railing, balusters and columns.

Craftsman – Originated: Early 20th century

Craftsman homes make the most of their simplicity. They often feature a front porch supported by square columns, rooflines with enclosed eaves and exposed rafter tails. Dormers are prominent and the roofline pitches up in the back. These homes are an ideal fit for a homeowner who likes pared-back style with a palette that nods to nature. 
Update idea: Craftsman homes are great for mixing different materials, such as a shingle roof with a metal accent, wood accents or different siding styles. Cover half of the front columns in stacked rock or go moody, choosing darker colors for the exterior.

Ranch – Originated: 1930s

Ranches gained popularity during the post-WWII era with the growth of suburbs, which is why you see so many in Atlanta built in the 50s and 60s. They’re still loved today for an easy, horizontal layout that traded the small rooms of previous styles for sprawling, open spaces. Their low profile is adorned with wide eaves and a simple façade and builders are getting creative with the definition today, playing up those classic features. 
Update idea: Bring more style to the front by adding a front porch and stacked rock elements. Paint the brick façade, replace existing shutters with rustic wood, add board and batten siding or build eyebrows with a metal roof over windows. With a simple canvas to begin with, the options are endless!

Ultra-modern – Originated:  20th century 

“Less is more” is the sentiment behind most ultra-modern builds. They allow builders to maximize tight spaces and they often benefit from rooftop decks that offer expansive views. Form follows function, omitting details that are not part of the structure. Minimal materials are used in varying textures, such as stone and brick in combination with, of course, a lot of glass.  
Update Idea: “Ultra-modern doesn’t have to be cold,” Quinton said. Wood features are sometimes added to the exterior to warm it up, such as staved wood with concrete or stucco. A big pivot door is an attractive way to update the front of a modern house.