7 Common Home Styles for Seattle

There are dozens of popular architectural styles across the United States of America. However, each city tends to lean towards a specific style or two (or even more). Will you be able to see a Colonial Revival in Seattle? Definitely yes - that is a style prevalent in the Pacific Northwest (where the city of Seattle is located). However, you will not see this style in the east or south. This is because the architectural styles of the houses in each region are dictated by the factors such as natural landscape, history, weather conditions, accessible materials, etc.

So, if you want to renovate or build your home right here in Seattle, you are in the right place. We have prepared for you a list of 7 common home styles for Seattle that you should consider.

1. Colonial Revival 

The most commonly seen architectural style in and around the city of Seattle is the Colonial Revival. These types of homes usually have ample square footage surrounded by a big yard with no fence. The yard, most often, has a green, catalog-looking lawn. The house itself is recognized by columns framing the front door, perfectly symmetrical facade, shuttered windows, and classy detailing. In front of the house, there is always a big porch. It protects the homeowner from the heavy rains that are very common in Seattle.

You can find Colonial Revival homes in almost all parts of Seattle, but they are most common in Seattle neighborhoods for families. And, there is a good reason for that. Namely, these homes have an open-floor concept on the first floor and plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms on the second - something all families want.

2. Craftsman 

The second-class workers used craftsman types of houses in the past. These homes were small; they had only one floor, one or two rooms, one bathroom, and usually no open-floor layout. Of course, nowadays, craftsman houses have grown as we have. Most of them have been renovated and 'upgraded', so it is not uncommon to see this kind of a house on two floors with an open plan.

The outside of the craftsman house is known for having natural materials and finishes, gable roofs, chimneys made of birch, small decks with a swing on them, etc. This type of house is perfect for a small family or somebody who enjoys smaller, almost native-looking homes.

3. Tudor Revival 

If you have wanted to live in a fairytale house for as long as you remember, then start looking for a professional moving company on bestlongdistancemovers.com right away - Seattle is where you will find homes with fairytale qualities. These houses are the so-called Tudors or Tudor Revivals. And, yes, you have seen these in Disney movies.

Tudor revivals have arched entryways, stucco facades, grouped narrow windows, steep-pitched roofs, and all the other romantic features you have always wanted. Inside the Tudor Revival house, you can find high walls, monumental stairs, arched doors, big rooms, and an open floor plan.

4. Rustic Cabin 

The Pacific Northwest is famous for having beautiful nature in and around it - miles of beautiful forests, plenty of lakes and rivers, and thousand-and-one outdoor activities - make this area suitable for nothing but rustic cabins. Of course, these Rustic Cabin houses were built to be retreats and holiday getaways in the past. But, nowadays, people seem to enjoy them everywhere across Seattle. Yes, believe it or not, it is a prevalent home style for Seattle.

Features that distinguish this type of house from all others are large common rooms, a stone fireplace, reclaimed and salvaged wood both on the inside and outside (facade, walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, etc. are all made of wood), and of course, a stone fireplace. So, if you want your home to resemble a cottage and to always have that winter-vacation feel, move to Seattle and pick a real estate agent (a local real estate agent) who will easily help you find a house of this kind. 

5. Modern 

This one is a no-brainer. We live in a modern world, so it goes without saying that we will have Modern houses pretty much everywhere in the world. Seattle, for example, is full of them. Modern architects love these types of homes because they offer flexibility in design. But, they usually all have some similar features - clean lines, no ornamentation, oversized windows, open layouts, etc.

Most of these homes share the materials too. For instance, what is trending now are maple cabinets, marble tiles, bamboo floors, and sometimes even the use of metal. Modern-style houses have a lot of industrial features paired with minimalism - everything should look clean, uncluttered, and of course, modern. 

6. Northwest Modern 

During the modernist movement in the Pacific Northwest, a new regionally-specific style emerged. That was the so-called Northwest Modern or just NW Modern. In design, it is pretty similar to the previously mentioned (just) Modern house style. However, some features set these two styles apart. For instance, NW Modern is famous for having extended roofs that cover the entire outdoor space all year round, a must when living in rainy areas such as Seattle.

Another difference is the materials. Unlike the Modern style, the NW Modern style uses more natural (local) materials such as wood and stone. These types of homes are the second most common home style for Seattle. So if you are relocating long-distance within Washington and you have your eyes set on a home that is modern but still in touch with nature, you won't be disappointed. As soon as you move to Seattle and settle down in this city, you will see houses of this kind on every corner. 

7. Houseboat 

We cannot talk about common home styles for Seattle without mentioning the famous Houseboats. Ever since the movie Sleepless in Seattle came out, Houseboats and Seattle have become synonymous. But, these Houseboats are not what you think they are. Trust us; they are more than just tiny, fragile, floating homes.

Houseboats are bigger than 'normal' boats; they are moored and designed very creatively and stylishly. The interior of this house, although very small, has pretty much anything you need - from a kitchen and bathroom to a bedroom and office. You can find these Houseboats not on the river or lake but rather floating adjacent to a pier. But, have a team of experts help you find one - finding a houseboat that will suit your needs and budget here in Seattle may not be as easy as it may seem.

Which style do you like the most?

Now that you know what the most common home styles for Seattle are, you can begin your search for a perfect home and find the one that suits your aesthetic preferences. One thing is for sure, this city, although rainy, will not disappoint you in any way.