7 Residential Architecture Styles I Love Right Now

Menlo Park real estate has so many attractive features for buyers. Located within the beautiful San Francisco Bay area, Menlo Park provides easy access for commuters heading to the city. Menlo Park has also been recognized as an essential part of Silicon Valley, with numerous technology companies located here. Those looking to escape their busy work days have nearby Bedwell Bayfront Park and the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge available to hike, bike, or jog. Fine dining and shopping enthusiasts will also find a variety of options to choose from in Menlo Park. Once you decide to move to Menlo Park, one of your next steps will be determining which style of architecture you prefer for your new home.

Menlo Park, and the San Francisco Bay Area, offer a broad range of residential architecture to suit almost any lifestyle. Here are some of the most sought-after styles to consider.

The Spanish Colonial Revival style of architecture is also known as the Mediterranean. These one- to two-story homes feature white stucco walls inside and out, with red tile roofs. Expect to see a signature wooden door gracing the front, with decorative carvings and metal accents. Inside, Spanish Colonial Revival homes often feature an interior courtyard and intricate wrought iron details on balconies. Thick walls, minimal windows, and tile or stone floors keep rooms cool on hot summer days. This traditional style became popular in the 1970s and can now be found throughout the state.

Another popular residential architecture style in Menlo Park is the mid-century modern home. These homes are characterized by rectangular shapes with sleek lines and geometric interest. Some mid-century modern homes are split levels, with a few steps leading to different rooms throughout. Some offer sharply angled roofs with a minimalist aesthetic on the exterior. Expect open floor plans and large, floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the view. Fans of the mid-century modern home may also want to explore the signature Eichler homes in the Bay Area. Eichlers feature a central courtyard, with the bulk of the living spaces grouped in the back of the home.

If you are looking for a home with a warm, cozy feeling, you may want to check out the Craftsman style of architecture. These homes have low ceilings, archways, and signature fireplaces anchoring the living rooms. Expect one to two stories, with each room flowing easily to the next. Craftsman homes have wide roof overhangs covering large front porches with columns, perfect for setting up a rocking chair or two. Wood, stone, and brick cover the facades, while exposed rafters, beams, and decorative wood details shine throughout the interior. These homes often feature rustic hardwood floors and plenty of functional space for their residents.

The Modern Farmhouse style will likely appeal to those who like a mix of traditional with contemporary. This home also comes with large covered front porches leading to a simple front door painted in a neutral color. Expect white siding, either horizontal or vertical, with black accents for contrast. This extends to the garage, which typically features carriage doors resembling the old-style barns. Modern farmhouse homes boast large windows and vaulted rooms for a feeling of spaciousness. Wooden touches, including wide plank floors, reclaimed wood accents, and exposed rafters, add warmth to the open, flowing floor plans.

Don’t be surprised by the number of Cape Cod-style homes available in Menlo Park real estate. Although this style originated on the east coast, the shingle wood siding, classic shutters, and gabled roofs evoke the feeling of a beach retreat. Cape Cod homes are symmetrical but come in half, three-quarters, or full styles based on the number of windows surrounding the front door. They can either be one story or offer a partial half-story set onto the back half of the house. A large open living space dominates the center of the home, usually with a central fireplace. Cape Cods offers homeowners functional living in wide spaces without a lot of ornamentation.

The Victorian home stands in sharp contrast to the Cape Cod. These homes are known for their decorative touches, often including verandas, balconies, turrets, and scrollwork. Victorians are typically large and asymmetrical in appearance, rising two to three stories high. Ceilings are high inside, but rooms are dedicated and distinct from one another. Queen Anne Victorians also feature a wide porch wrapping around the home, while the Italianate Victorian brings to mind the sun-soaked chateaus of their namesake country. Victorians offer homeowners a lot of character, often invoked through a variety of paint colors to showcase their distinctive features.

The California Bungalow is a popular option for those looking for a smaller home. While they offer less square footage, their open floor plans and large porches are easy to like. This home style is also characterized by the special details included, such as the use of stained glass, wainscoting, chair railings, and decorative ceiling touches. You might even find exposed rafters and wood beams offsetting the high ceilings. California Bungalows often feature built-ins, such as floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and cozy window seating. Often one to one-and-a-half stories, bungalow-style homes provide residents with highly functional and enjoyable spaces.

These seven types of residential architecture provide a broad array for potential buyers to choose from. There is truly something for everyone, whether you are drawn to the decorative details of the Victorian, the sleek, geometric lines of the mid-century modern, or the warm, cozy appeal of the Craftsman. If you are ready to check out potential homes in the Menlo Park area, contact a real estate agent with a passion for the area. I have over twenty-nine years of experience with buying and selling Menlo Park and Silicon Valley real estate. My extensive resources and connections within the industry will provide you with the utmost real estate experience. Contact me to get started with your home search today.

_{*Header photo courtesy of Katherine Hunt}