It is important for designers to recognize house styles in order to coordinate interior styling with exterior design. It would be inappropriate to style the interior of a mid-century modern home with pieces referencing Georgian design, or to use French country furniture in a Mediterranean home. Below is a comprehensive description of many of the house styles found in the United States. 

Many of the house styles listed below overlapped with each other timewise, in the periods of their popularity, so the order they appear below is not strictly chronological.

Historic American furniture styles are extremely varied and diverse. They were influenced by a wide range of European settlers who immigrated here and brought their own stylistic heritage, as well as by designers who shaped trends with their unique American sensibilities. 

European Stylistic Influences across North America

During the 1500s, and 1600s, early Spanish settlers conquered and occupied what is now Florida, Texas, Arizona, Southern California, and Mexico. The Spanish strove to impress native populations and to demonstrate their superiority with construction techniques. Delve more into Spanish-influenced architecture in North America here. 

The French did not occupy as much of the Americas during this colonization period as the Spanish, but they did settle in northeast Canada, across the Midwest, and down to Louisiana. The most lasting impacts of early French settlers in architecture and design can be seen in Louisiana, along the Mississippi River, and in southeastern Canada, as described here. 

The Dutch (from the Netherlands, previously known as Holland) settled along the eastern seaboard, particularly in New Jersey and New York. German migrants settled in what is now Pennsylvania. Their legacy in architecture and design is explored here.  

The Spanish, French, Dutch, and Germans were not the main nationalities to settle in colonial America. It was the  BRITISH who were the most predominant settlers. They came not only to explore the new world, but also to flee political and religious upheavals in Europe. Learn more about their architectural and furniture traditions here.

Frank Gehry, one of the most remarkable and creative talents in the history of American architecture, died on December 5th, 2025, at the age of 96. He will be remembered for his awe-inspiring, hugely memorable buildings, and for the simple fact that he challenged the most basic and long-standing premise in building construction throughout the ages: that walls should be straight and perpendicular to the ground. 

Spanish design and architecture are important to understand because the Spanish people have influenced not only their home country of Spain but also many other parts of the globe. During the Renaissance in Spain, beginning about 1490, Spanish explorers conquered large parts of what is now Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, the Virgin Islands, Mexico, South America, and the Philippines, as well as the southern and western United States. So, knowledge of Spanish design means that one also understands the architectural influences that can be seen in all of these varied locales

In central European countries, such as Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark, the period of the Renaissance was delayed and not as long-lasting or influential as elsewhere in Europe. Even before that, these countries were not highly prominent within architecture and design as other parts of Europe. But there are several later periods when these countries were very much at the forefront of stylistic architectural and furniture innovations. This post focuses on several notable 19th- and 20th-century periods where important design innovations emerged from these central European countries.

Architecture from Ancient Rome

When broaching the topic of historic architecture in Italy, it is necessary to go allllllllll the way back to the ancient Roman Empire, which existed for nearly 1000 years, from 509 B.C. to 476 A.D.

It is astounding to consider that this civilization, which began over 2500 years ago, is still considered to have been one of the greatest political nations ever to exist on Earth. 

The Roman Empire was considered a period of enlightenment. 

• There was a quest for knowledge and beauty. 

• It was a period of wealth and prosperity. 

• There were great advancements in language, art, architecture, literature, law, and democratic government.  

How, so very long ago, were these people able to be so advanced politically, socially, and culturally??? 

Well, not everything in this culture was so dignified and venerated. These were the same people whose idea of a fun family outing was to go to the Colosseum to watch gladiators fight to the death, or a condemned criminal being brutally eaten alive by a wild beast. 

Fun times!!

When considering the historic architecture of Great Britain, Harry Potter’s Hogwarts school—with which we are all familiar—is not a bad starting point! The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was, of course, fictional and was never actually built (except in parts as movie scenery and theme park attractions). 

In the movies, images of how Hogwarts looked reveal both Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. The set designers for the movies likely modeled Hogwarts Castle after various actual historic buildings in Great Britain. 

Romanesque architecture was a style used throughout Europe in the 11th and 12th centuries. Features used in ancient Roman buildings were emulated—thus the name Romanesque—such as half-round arches, barrel vaults, and decorative arcading. The overall appearance of Romanesque buildings is heavy and sturdy…

France and French culture are known for many notable contributions, including cuisine, fashion, wine, art, and more. But a visit to France uncovers centuries of unique and beautiful architecture to behold. A full summary of architecture throughout the many centuries of French history would be extensive, so only the most notable are highlighted here.

Rather than going all the way back to the beginning of civilization in France, let’s begin with the Gothic style, which was very prevalent in France from about 1150 to 1500. This was the Middle Ages, when life expectancy was a mere 31 years; while most of the population lived in extreme hardship, poverty, and constant danger from foreign invaders.