As the second-largest state in the US, it’s no surprise that Texas has diverse terrain and varied climates, from humid subtropical in the east to arid desert in the west. So it’s not surprising to see a wide variety of house styles across the state. So if you’ve just secured your FHA loan in Dallas or Austin and are wondering which house plans will suit your location and needs the most, here are some ideas to guide you in your choice:
Colonial
Houston and Dallas enjoy a subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. For this reason, the all-red-brick Colonial house plan is a popular choice among locals. The brick provides added insulation that keeps the house cooler and stabilizes internal temperature than buildings with lightweight structures. Plus, building a brick house would easily get you a permit in Texas.
Farmhouse
The farmhouse style is an American classic with its clapboard siding, window shutters, simple trim, and classic gable roof. Modern farmhouse designs also employ reclaimed wood, barnboard details, big and plush furniture, and wrought iron accents. With its open and big layout, the farmhouse is perfect for growing families in Austin or Texas Hill Country.
Contemporary Modern
While classic house plans are popular throughout Texas, it doesn’t mean locals don’t appreciate contemporary to ultra-modern homes. In Austin, in particular, homeowners’ tastes lean toward ultra-modern. If you prefer a modern house, it’s best to have your architect design a home suited to your plot, surrounding area, and microclimate.
Craftsman
The Craftsman house plan is ubiquitous in the US, particularly in suburbia. It’s typically a bungalow or one-and-a-half-story house with a covered front porch and tapered columns. The Craftsman movement is a direct reaction to elaborate Victorian homes, which means this house style is meant to be simple and modest.
Mediterranean
Texans adore the Mediterranean style, mostly for its aesthetic appeal and coastal European vibe. But there are also structural elements that make it a perfect year-round Texas home. These include stucco exterior walls, cool floor tiles, tiled roofs, wooden accents, and a breezy central courtyard.
Tudor
In some places in Texas, you’d find neighborhoods that bring you back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Quaint Tudor homes with lush landscaping, ornate doorways, and steeply pitched gable roofs would pop up here and there as if you’ve teleported to the Middle Ages. But what makes the Tudor house plan so iconic and timeless is that it accommodates cold, rainy climates, making it suitable for the northern panhandle of Texas.
Mid-century Modern
The mid-century modern house style has been an American classic, but there’s also a growing interest in Texans. It’s easy to love this house style’s clean lines, geometric shapes, eclectic furniture, and minimalist elements. Plus, these homes usually have flat or angled roofs, large glass windows and sliding doors, and open and flowy floor plans. In simple words, they bring the outside in and let you immerse in the Texan flora and fauna.
Ranch
Ranch-style homes almost seem like they are built for the Texas landscape, thanks to their low, bungalow-style construction, low-pitched roofs with wide-eave overhangs, large picture windows, and sliding glass doors. Plus, the asymmetrical U- or L-shaped floor plan is perfect for Texans because people don’t have to worry about space. With plenty of land to build on, homeowners can simply expand to add more rooms and features like expansive patios.
Southwestern
Nearly 14 million acres of southwest Texas is desert, so it’s no surprise that locals prefer home styles suited to dry, warm climates and cold nights and winters. Also popular in Arizona and New Mexico, Southwestern-style homes feature clay roof tiles, stucco exteriors, square pillars, and arched corridors, all of which are meant to keep inhabitants cool and comfortable.
Victorian
As the name suggests, a Victorian home is reminiscent of the era’s elaborate and extravagant whimsies. These house plans are the stuff of storybooks with their steep Mansard roofs, turrets and towers, bay windows, and ornate front porches and gables. And it’s not just the exterior that’s ornate. Inside, it’s common to see elaborate wall moldings and an explosion of colors and patterns.
Whether you’re buying a home or building one from scratch, there are many house plans and architectural movements to draw inspiration from. You can either stick to one style or mix up different elements from different periods to create your dream Texas home. Whatever you choose, the important thing is it fits you and your family’s needs and makes you proud to call it home.
