The Enduring Allure of the Craftsman Bungalow
The Craftsman style, a continuation of its early 20th-century popularity, remained a dominant force in the 1920s housing market. Characterized by its emphasis on handcrafted details, natural materials, and an honest expression of structure, the Craftsman bungalow embodied a rejection of mass-produced ornamentation.
Key Features: Low-pitched roofs with broad, overhanging eaves; exposed rafter tails; decorative knee braces; wide front porches with tapered columns (often square or round); double-hung windows with multiple panes in the upper sash and a single pane in the lower; natural wood trim (interior and exterior); and built-in cabinetry or seating.
Why it was popular: Their relatively small footprint made them affordable and efficient to build, appealing to middle-class families. The rise of companies like Sears Roebuck & Co. offering kit homes via mail order further democratized this style, allowing thousands of families to build their own homes with pre-cut lumber and detailed instructions.
Modern Appeal: Today, Craftsman homes are highly sought after for their timeless appeal, sturdy construction, and charming aesthetic.
Tudor Revival: A Nod to Old-World Charm
Drawing inspiration from medieval English cottages and stately manors, Tudor Revival homes offered a sense of history and European grandeur. These picturesque residences became a popular choice for those seeking a more distinctive and less utilitarian dwelling.
Key Features: Steeply pitched gable roofs; prominent chimneys (often with decorative brickwork); decorative half-timbering (exposed wood framing with stucco or masonry infill); tall, narrow windows, often arranged in groups (sometimes casement windows with small panes); and intricate doorways with archways or heavy wooden doors.
Why it was popular: The style evoked a romanticized vision of English heritage, appealing to a sense of tradition and permanence in a rapidly changing world. Its whimsical and storybook quality set it apart from other contemporary styles.
Modern Appeal: Tudor style homes retain their unique visual appeal, often becoming cherished landmarks in established neighborhoods.
The Humble and Iconic Cape Cod
Originally a dwelling type from colonial New England, the Cape Cod style experienced a significant resurgence in the 1920s, particularly due to architects like Royal Barry Wills who championed its simplicity and functionality. These compact, symmetrical homes were ideal for growing suburban developments.
Key Features: Steeply pitched gable roofs; a central front door flanked by multi-pane windows; often one or two dormer windows on the front roofline; minimal ornamentation; and a central chimney. They are typically one-and-a-half stories with bedrooms tucked into the attic space.
Why it was popular: Their efficient design and compact size made them highly affordable and quick to construct, perfect for the post-WWI housing boom. Their unpretentious charm and adaptability allowed for variations while retaining their core identity.
Modern Appeal: Cape Cod houses remain beloved for their cozy feel, classic proportions, and enduring American character, often favored for their efficiency and potential for expansion.
Colonial Revival: A Timeless American Classic
The Colonial Revival style was arguably the most popular architectural choice in the 1920s, reflecting a widespread nostalgia for America's early history and a desire for formal elegance. This style often blended elements from various earlier American periods, creating a harmonious and dignified aesthetic.
Key Features: Symmetrical facades; side-gabled or hipped roofs; a central front door with elaborate surrounding details (sidelights, transoms, pediments, pilasters); evenly spaced windows (often double-hung with multiple panes); often two stories; and a focus on balanced proportions. Materials typically included brick, wood clapboard, or shingles.
Why it was popular: Its classic, dignified appearance resonated with a broad segment of the population, symbolizing stability and traditional American values. It offered a sense of grandeur without being overly ostentatious.
Modern Appeal: Colonial Revival homes continue to be a staple in American residential architecture, admired for their timeless elegance and spacious layouts.
Dutch Colonial: The Distinctive Gambrel Roof
The Dutch Colonial style, easily recognizable by its unique roofline, provided another historical American option for 1920s homeowners. Named for the early Dutch settlers in the Northeast, these homes offered a distinctive profile.
Key Features: A prominent gambrel roof (a symmetrical two-sided roof with two slopes on each side, the lower slope being steeper than the upper); dormer windows that often extend through the eaves; often a central entrance; and sometimes a one-story porch along the front. Materials were commonly shingle or clapboard.
Why it was popular: The gambrel roof allowed for more usable space on the upper floor compared to traditional gable roofs, making them practical for expanding families without building a full second story.
Modern Appeal: Dutch Colonial homes stand out with their iconic roof, offering unique charm and often spacious interiors.
Mediterranean Revival: Sun-Kissed Elegance
While perhaps not as widespread nationwide as other styles, Mediterranean Revival homes surged in popularity in warmer climates, particularly California and Florida. This style evoked the sun-drenched villas of Italy, Spain, and North Africa, offering a taste of exotic luxury.
Key Features: Low-pitched red tile roofs; stucco exteriors (often white or light-colored); arched windows and doorways; wrought-iron detailing (balconies, grilles); decorative tiles; and often courtyards or fountains.
Why it was popular: It capitalized on the romantic allure of European coastal architecture, particularly appealing to those seeking a vacation-like aesthetic in their permanent residence. It suited the climate of the American West and South, providing cooling properties.
Modern Appeal: Mediterranean style houses continue to be popular in suitable climates, admired for their grand scale, intricate details, and resort-like ambiance.
Early Modernist Architecture: A Glimpse of the Future
Emerging as a more avant-garde counterpoint to the historically inspired styles, early Modernist homes in the 1920s represented a departure from traditional aesthetics. Influenced by movements like Bauhaus, these homes prioritized function, clean lines, and innovative materials.
Key Features: Flat roofs; smooth, unornamented wall surfaces (often stucco or concrete); large expanses of glass (ribbon windows, corner windows); asymmetry; and an emphasis on geometric shapes.
Why it was popular: It appealed to those with a forward-thinking sensibility, embracing new technologies and a streamlined aesthetic that reflected the era's industrial progress. It symbolized a break from the past.
Modern Appeal: Modernist homes from the 1920s are architectural treasures, showcasing the origins of contemporary design and often appreciated for their open layouts and abundant natural light.
The 1920s saw a fascinating blend of traditional and innovative home styles, each telling a story of American life and evolving architectural tastes. From the cozy Craftsman to the stately Colonial, these homes laid the groundwork for suburban development and continue to be cherished examples of timeless design.