New York, “the Empire State,” is home to some of the most iconic cities, historic landmarks, and picturesque countryside on the East Coast. From the bustling streets of New York City to the charming towns of the Hudson Valley, New York has a diverse range of landscapes, attractions, and home styles. So if you’re looking to buy a brownstone in Brooklyn or a Colonial home in Rochester, there are plenty of New York style homes to choose from.
To help you out, we at Redfin, have gathered a list of the most common New York home styles you’re likely to find in cities throughout the state. While home styles vary from city to city, there are 11 popular styles in the state. So let’s explore some quintessential New York-style homes.
1) Brownstone
While brownstones are also found in metros across the East Coast, like Boston, they’re most well-associated with New York City, specifically Brooklyn. Brownstones are a type of row home that features a brown sandstone façade. These homes are often connected to one another, lining a single street block. Depending on the architectural style you may see a variety of ornate details, window arrangements, large stoops, and high ceilings.
2) Art Deco
One of the many New York style homes you’ll find is Art Deco. Distinctive for its visually striking design elements, zigzag or chevron shapes, or symmetrical patterns, Art Deco homes are truly unique. These homes feature luxurious materials like marble, chrome, and glass, while the exterior has a streamlined design aesthetic, with clean lines. Another notable feature of these homes are the interior color scheme, like gold and deep jewel tones. Decorative elements like floral and sunburst motifs, and tiered shapes work together to create a truly unique and sophisticated architectural style.
3) Colonial
Dating back to the early 1600s, Colonial homes are among the oldest home styles in the US. Despite variations in architectural styles, these homes share common features. They have a two-story design, steep gable or gambrel roof, and centrally-located fireplace or two fireplaces on either side of the home. Exteriors of Colonial homes are usually made of stone, wood, or brick, and with symmetrical windows on both stories. Colonial style homes often have formal living and dining rooms on the main floor with bedrooms located on the upper level.
4) Co-ops
Co-op, short for housing cooperative, is an alternative to home or condo ownership. The co-op owns the building with residents owning shares of the co-op. They come in a variety of housing styles like apartment complexes, townhouses, and single-family homes.
5) Contemporary
Contemporary homes are an increasingly popular choice for homebuyers in New York. These homes are designed with a simple and functional aesthetic. Homes have clean lines and a minimalist design that maximizes natural light and open space. You’ll find mixed-materials like metal, glass, and concrete. Contemporary homes are a great option for those who want to embrace a modern lifestyle while still enjoying the natural beauty of the New York landscape.
6) Modern architecture
Homes with modern architecture have a significant presence in the New York housing market, with many architects experimenting with innovative designs and materials. These homes typically feature clean lines, flat or low-pitched roofs, and an emphasis on natural light and open spaces. Many modern homes in New York also incorporate sustainable design features such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. Inside, you’ll often find high ceilings, open concept layouts, and minimalistic furnishings that allow the architectural design to take center stage.
7) New construction
New construction homes in New York offer a wide variety of architectural styles, from sleek modern designs to traditional Colonial and Victorian styles. These homes often feature open-concept living spaces, high-end finishes, and modern amenities such as smart home technology. Energy efficiency is also common, with many homes featuring Energy Star-rated appliances and other green features.
8) Ranch
Ranch homes, also known as rambler style homes, are a popular housing style across the US housing market, New York included. They’re typically single-story and have a long, low profile, simple design, and open floor plan. In New York, ranch homes are often have a brick or stone exterior. They may feature large picture windows to take advantage of scenic views. They’re often found in more suburban or rural areas and may have ample outdoor space for gardens, patios, or outdoor activities.
9) Row home
Row houses are an iconic New York style home. They’re uniform, low-rise buildings, often between two and five stories. The homes share one or both walls with neighboring homes, with windows on the front and back of the house. Depending on the city or neighborhood, there are plenty of architectural styles like Federal, Georgian, Italianate, Romanesque Revival, and more. Inside, the living room is typically in the front of the home. The kitchen and dining space are located at the back, with bedrooms are often located on upper levels.
10) Tudor
If you’re searching for a home in New York, with a unique and charming aesthetic, you might want to consider a Tudor-style house. These homes are known for their brick exteriors with white stucco and half-timbering details, inspired by the architecture of England’s Tudor period. Inside, you’ll find exposed beams and rounded doors. You’ll see a variety of window styles, including oriel, diamond-shaped panes, and tall, narrow windows. Whether you’re looking for a two-story family home or a cozy cottage, Tudor-style houses are sure to catch your eye with their romantic and slightly medieval design.
11) Victorian
Victorian homes rose in popularity during the late 1800s and early 1900s, particularly in urban areas like New York City and Brooklyn. The most common styles of Victorian homes found in New York are the Italianate, Second Empire, and Queen Anne styles.
Italianate homes feature tall, narrow windows, low-pitched roofs, and decorative brackets. Second Empire homes have a characteristic mansard roof with dormer windows. Queen Anne homes, on the other hand, are have intricate detailing, wrap-around porches, and asymmetrical facades. Many of these homes have been preserved and restored, attracting those who appreciate historic architecture or are looking to buy a historic home.
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