Symmetry is a popular architectural element for a reason. Because of the visual harmony of symmetrical homes, they tend to be one of the most popular and appealing options on the market. However, even if a home isn’t perfectly symmetrical, elemental balance is still essential. Here’s what you need to know.

Taking off in 1840 as “Federal” style faded into the background, the Italianate Style – with its decorative brackets and square towers – became the most popular architectural design in the U.S. until 1885. The style was primarily seen in grand country mansions and urban townhouses around the U.S.

Described as a “triumph of simplicity and classically refined ornament,” the Federal style was influenced by Robert Adam, the British architect who was inspired by ancient Greek and Roman forms. Considered America’s first national style, Federal architecture dominated the landscape from 1780 to 1840, an exciting time when the fledging American Republic was forging its identity.

Buildings should look to the nature that surrounds them and partner with it, enhance it, in order to create spaces for human dwelling. Or so said American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. His Organic Architecture movement was (and is) all about combining form and function to create harmonious homes.

Just as stunning as the homes of the wealthy in the Hamptons, Cape Cod, and Martha’s Vineyard, the 19th century Great Camps of upstate New York are spectacular sprawling family cabins built in the rustic and primitive-looking design of Adirondack Architecture. We explore their elements, characteristics, and origins.

Virginia is a special state in that it’s one of the 13 original colonies – and it’s at the crossroads of the North and South in terms of culture, history, and architecture. The types of homes available in the state are extremely varied in design, as might be expected. We take a look.

With its pure symmetry, order, simplicity, and balance, Neoclassical architecture struck a chord among mid-18th century U.S. architects and designers who were looking for an alternative to the Baroque and Rococo styles. Here’s a close look at the style and its impact on early and contemporary American architecture.

Forget about football and oil wells! Oklahoma – the Sooner State – is also a hotbed of intriguing, historic, and varied architectural styles. From the pre-historic Spiro Mounds to primitive log cabins, extravagant mansions, contemporary homes, bungalows, and Craftsman and Prairie styles, Oklahoma’s landscape is filled with lots of architectural gems.

Famous for its straight, rectilinear lines, use of concrete and steel, and spartan interior with minimal embellishment, the Bauhaus architectural style created Modern architecture as we know it. These buildings do seem to favor function over fashion, but to some, that’s what makes them so great. Do you agree?

Influenced by French-speaking Canadian immigrants as well as Spanish, Latin American, and Caribbean traders, the U.S. coastal section along the Gulf of Mexico features a number of intriguing vernacular, classical, and contemporary house forms. Here’s a guide to Gulf Coast residential styles from the late-18th century to the present.