House Styles 100 Years Ago
**All photos via Apartment Therapy
1920 was quite a long time ago-- 100 years, to be exact. At the time, Jay Gatsby was living his best life in his mansion during the Roaring 20s, which were also known as the Jazz Age days. We’ve just entered this new century’s twenties, and surely by the time it ends, we’ll have our own trends and 2020 nicknames that come out of it. One thing both will probably have in common are the architectural or house styles, as many of today’s most desired homes were also the most desired of the 1920s! Apartment Therapy highlighted the seven most popular home styles from the 1920s, so using their list, we’ll take a look at these homes ourselves. Notice any similarities to today’s most popular homes?
Craftsman
With its charming symmetry and that front porch that anyone who enjoys coffee and morning air would love, it’s no wonder that craftsman style homes are still in style! This kind of home debuted well before the 1920s, but its popularity definitely peaked during this time. These quaint homes were on the smaller side and mostly affordable, so they were widely desired by middle class homeowners.
Tudor Revival
At least down here in Florida, you probably don’t see a lot of Tudor revival homes anymore! These Medieval-like cottages were especially popular in England, and their popularity quickly spread to the U.S. shortly after World War I. They’re not the most popular among architects and designers anymore, but if you’re into stone and woodwork exteriors, it may still suit your taste!
Cape Cod
Similar to the craftsman style homes, the symmetrical Cape Cod style emerged in-- yes, you guessed it-- Massachusetts. With their much-needed chimneys during the winter months and those adorable attic windows, Cape Cods defined the New England housing market style.
Colonial Revival
Symmetry and balance seemed to be two major trends when it came to 1920s housing styles, and that still bodes true for today, too. As noted in “A Field Guide to American Houses” by Virginia Savage McAleester, around 40% of houses built between 1910 and 1930 were colonial revival homes. The columns and some of the Victorian-era touches can still be seen today in homes in mostly wealthy areas.
Dutch Colonial
Though they were both technically “colonial” styles, the Dutch colonial couldn’t be more different than the colonial revival. Different from what the title tells, these homes didn’t actually originate in the Netherlands, but rather in the northeastern United States by Dutch colonists. These were a staple among many suburbs in the northern U.S. and are probably not seen much down in south Florida.
Modernist
We sure do have modern homes in today’s day and age, but our definition of modern is starkly different than the 1920s definition! The characteristics of this style include rounded corners, flat roofs, smooth walls and no-nonsense decorating. Modernist homes were inspired by a modernist art school in Germany called the Bauhaus.
Mediterranean
With the huge Spanish-style influence we have here in south Florida, Mediterranean homes are still all the rage down here. We see that similar trend of symmetry as in the other 1920s homes, but Mediterranean homes are undoubtedly more lavish. Lots of ironwork and unique tile patterns define this style of home, as well as lush landscaping around the perimeter.