While scrolling through old photos online, have you ever stopped to admire the classic American homes of the early 1900s? Some very specific design features made them unique at the time and make them easy to identify nowadays. Today’s homes, in contrast, are much more modern, but how did they get that way—and what are the main differences between homes of the past and homes today?
Let’s explore the evolution of American homes since the early 1900s, looking at a few important factors that influenced the changes.
The Key Features in a Classic American Home From the Early 1900s
The US experienced a boom in homes in the early 1900s. Two popular styles at the time were colonial and craftsman.
Colonial homes had a sense of elegance and a regal quality to them. They are described as having a salt-box shape with distinctive columned porticoes. The windows had shutters that added to the home’s design and served a function. Dormer windows were also an integral part of the design. The materials used were brick and stone, which spoke to what was available at the time in terms of materials.
Much like today’s open floor plans, a traditional colonial home was meant to feel open and airy. The excess of windows and doorways allowed for optimized airflow.
Craftsman homes were known for their sturdy columns, wide porches, and relatively low rooflines. They also used stone and wood throughout. These features and the design style are still popular today, even in new builds. These homes have a traditional feel to them, both on the outside and inside.
Inside a craftsman-style home, it was common to find exposed beams, fireplaces to heat the home, oversized and even double doors, built-in storage, and cabinetry with intricate detail and craftsmanship. Hardware also played a large role, with exposed hinges and latches being used.
A Change in Building Materials and Procurement
It’s not just the design that changed over the years; the materials and procurement of those items also changed. Stone and wood were the predominant materials in the early 1900s because that’s what was readily available. Today, those materials are still used, but so are other options that help make the house more durable, better insulated, more eye-catching, and cost-effective.
To put things into context, consider what else was taking place in the country and around the world at this time. Transportation methods, such as railways, canals, and even roads—all of which made transporting materials easier and faster—were being developed. And it wasn’t just the transportation routes, as the tools and equipment used for home construction also evolved. No longer did everything have to be made by hand. Machine tools ushered in a new era of construction.
Another popular material that was used during the early 1900s was steel. Known for being extremely strong, it made sense to find ways to use it.
There Was a Desire to Explore Different Designs
Fast forward to the mid-1940s, and another big change occurred in the house-building industry. The demand for housing increased and suddenly the idea of subdivisions was born. This changed the design of the homes, the yard, and the layout of towns and cities. The boom in demand caused these subdivisions to be built fast and all across the country.
Unlike the Victorian-era and craftsman-style homes, the new style was faster to construct. Known as the minimal traditional style, the floor plans were basic but functional. They were what every family wanted.
This trend fed into the next one, which was the large-scale production of detached homes. This is a trend that continued for several decades. What’s interesting now is that times have changed again, and now attached and semi-detached homes, condos, and apartments make more sense. The affordable housing shortage has forced architects back to the drawing board to modernize again.
Financing Today in Today’s Digital World Is Very Different
As discussed, everything evolves, from the style of our homes to the way we go about transactions. Where it used to be that you’d need to visit the bank in person, we can now access an easy method of payment from home with our digital devices.
In terms of housing, people can get pre-approved for a mortgage, use handy online calculators to figure out mortgage payments, and of course schedule automatic payments from their bank accounts. It makes the financial aspects of owning a house and paying bills much more convenient.
How the Landscape Is Expected to Change Over the Next Couple of Decades
While it’s impossible to predict what architectural style or details may be popular over the next couple of decades, a few assumptions can be made. Experts seem to agree that the next few decades will focus on homes that can better handle climate change, use sustainable materials, and harness green energy sources.
The cost of home insurance continues to rise at breakneck speeds across the country, with many states offering little to no home insurance options. Building stronger, more resilient homes that address the issues of today can be the answer.
For those who live in states where tropical storms, hurricanes, and tornados are common, the need for more resilient homes becomes even more important. That can involve changing building codes, materials, and even the way a property is designed.
It’s Only Natural the Classic American Home Design Evolves
Looking back at more than 100 years of home design paints a picture of changing times, skills, and needs. The classic American home isn’t so much one design; rather, it’s a sign of the times that it existed in. Let’s remember that trends and consumers’ wants and needs will also help to drive home design forward. The new build you’re in today will become the classic home of tomorrow.
