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WHAT’S YOUR HOME STYLE?
A MIDWEST LOOK AT 250 YEARS OF HOME DESIGN
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, it’s a natural time to reflect on how things have evolved over time — including the places we call home.
Home design has changed quite a bit over the years, but many of the styles we still see around the Miami Valley today are rooted in trends that go back generations.
Instead of diving into a full history lesson, we thought it’d be more fun to take a look at a few home styles you’ve probably seen — or maybe even lived in.
A Quick Look at Home Styles Over Time
From early farmhouses to mid-century suburban designs, many of today’s homes are influenced by styles that developed over the past 250 years — shaped by how people lived, worked, and built communities.
THE CLASSIC FARMHOUSE
Simple, practical, and built to last.
Farmhouses developed throughout the 18th and 19th centuries as functional homes for rural life, with layouts designed around daily work and family living.
- Large front porches
- Simple, functional layouts
- A focus on comfort over formality
Versions of this style are still common throughout rural areas and small towns across Ohio and Indiana.
THE COLONIAL
One of the most recognizable traditional styles.
Colonial homes date back to the 1600s and became popular again during the Colonial Revival movement in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
- Symmetrical design
- Brick or siding exteriors
- Centered front entrances
These homes appear in many established neighborhoods and continue to feel timeless.
THE CRAFTSMAN
Known for character and detail.
Craftsman homes became popular in the early 1900s as part of the Arts and Crafts movement, emphasizing quality materials and handcrafted elements.
- Covered front porches
- Wood accents and trim
- Built-in interior features
These homes are especially valued for their design details and strong sense of style.
THE RANCH
A true Midwest staple.
Ranch homes rose to popularity after World War II, offering simple, affordable designs that matched the needs of growing families and expanding suburbs.
- Single-story living
- Open layouts
- Easy access to outdoor spaces
They remain one of the most common and practical home styles in the region.
THE SPLIT-LEVEL
Designed with function in mind.
Split-level homes became popular in the mid-20th century as a way to maximize space and separate living areas within suburban neighborhoods.
- Multiple staggered levels
- Separation between living and sleeping spaces
- Efficient use of square footage
This style is still widely seen throughout Midwest suburbs.
So… What’s Your Style?
If you had to choose, which one feels most like home?
A LOOK BACK — AND AROUND US
Many of these styles can still be found throughout the Miami Valley today — in both older neighborhoods and newer builds inspired by these designs.
If you’ve been following along with our Ohio 250 coverage, you’ll notice a similar theme: the places we live are shaped by the history and communities around them.
Explore our Ohio 250 hub to learn more
Sources & Inspiration
This overview is based on widely recognized architectural styles across the United States and Midwest. For additional reading:
