North Carolina offers an eclectic mix of residential architectural styles that are heavily influenced by European designs. The rich architectural history of different home styles has continued to be a foundation for modern upgrades whether in the Tar Heel State’s coastal region, the Piedmont area between the Atlantic Ocean and the Appalachian Mountains, or its majestic Blue Ridge Mountains.
From elegant and timeless colonial and Georgian styles to a stunning mix of modern and contemporary, homes in North Carolina are just as unique as the people who inhabit them.
Modern Architecture
Modern homes are one of the most celebrated architectural styles today. Frank Lloyd Wright designed one of the first modern-style houses in the early twentieth century. The forward-thinking architectural style embraces geometric lines (straight and angled lines; flat roofs), open space, large glass windows and multiple elevation changes, all integrated with nature. These homes are distinguished by their clean lines, minimal ornamentation, stark interiors and greater use of exposed steel and concrete.
Using only the highest quality materials such as marble, stone, wood flooring and paneling, Modern homes embrace the minimalist aesthetic of today’s tech-hungry homeowner. You’ll find the largest concentration of Modernist style homes in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and the rest of the Research Triangle.
The townhouse pictured above is For Sale and you can virtually tour this home on Offerpad.com.
Contemporary Style
Often confused with Modern architecture style, Contemporary styles focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, open floor plans and plenty of natural light. This popular architectural style emphasizes more wood and vaulted ceilings, along with floor plans that feature movable exterior walls to combine indoor-outdoor living spaces. Guiding principles of these modern dwellings include a huge emphasis on natural and sustainable building materials such as bamboo flooring and granite countertops. Many newly constructed homes in the greater Charlotte area incorporate a “contemporary” look that freely borrow elements from a host of historical styles, mixing them up to create a unique look and feel.
The house pictured above recently went under contract with Offerpad but you can view similar homes for sale in Charlotte on Offerpad.com!
Ranch-style House
The iconic Ranch architecture is known for its open, single-story floor plans, L or U-shaped layouts, attached front garages, sliding glass doors and low rooflines. With its traditional low and horizontal orientation, the Ranch home’s linear profile reflects a relaxed lifestyle featuring an open floor plan with the kitchen as the focal point.
The house pictured above recently went under contract with Offerpad but you can view similar homes for sale in Raleigh on Offerpad.com!
The Georgian Colonial Revival
The Georgian-Colonial home design is one of the most popular designs in North Carolina. Dating back to the early 1600s in America, these homes are well-known for their old-world charm, central doorways, ornamental and grand entryways, gambrel or gabled roofs and symmetrical window placement. For the exteriors, brick, wood shake and clapboard sheathing remain staples of the Colonial style. The interiors generally feature fireplaces and lots of woodwork. Colonial architecture today draws on both classic and contemporary concepts and materials to create highly personalized designs that serve the present while paying tribute to the past.
The house pictured above is For Sale by Offerpad and you can virtually tour this home right now!
Farm House
Found throughout much of the country, these American home styles pertain to practical homes with a classic look. Commonly found in rural locations, the homes are often built on rectangular foundations with additional rooms added on either side of the property. With simple lines, narrow windows, large porches, wood siding and sometimes even a metal roof, Farm House homes easily appeal to the simpler side in all of us.
The house pictured above is For Sale and you can take a virtual tour on Offerpad.com:
Mediterranean Style
Mediterranean Revival architecture draws inspiration from many cultures, specifically Italian Renaissance and Spanish Revival. Often found in Southern California, Mediterranean style homes capture the charm of tropical getaways by bringing the look and feel of a seaside villa to suburban neighborhoods. They have a luxurious appeal that often features tiled roofs, plaster walls, wrought-iron-enclosed patios, lively color palettes and patterned tiles, wood beams and an extended outdoor area with courtyards or verandas.
The house pictured above is For Sale and you can take a virtual tour on Offerpad.com:
Bungalow
The early 20th century brought the cozy and homey Bungalow style living to North Carolina. With their open floor plans, wide porches, overhanging eaves, balconies and gardens, the bungalows share a common style with Craftsman, Rustic and Cottage home designs. A lot of the older bungalows are currently being renovated into more modern bungalows. Bungalow homes for sale are often available in North Carolina historic districts such as Montford or Grove Park.
The house pictured above is For Sale by Offerpad and you can virtually tour this home right now!
Condos/Townhomes
The condo pictured above is For Sale and you can take a virtual tour on Offerpad.com:
With all the beautiful locales available throughout the state, from its coastline beaches to famed Blue Ridge Mountains, you’re sure to find the perfect home to fit your lifestyle, with easy access to North Carolina’s many natural wonders. Start your search here on Offerpad.com to find the style that fits yours in Raleigh and Charlotte.