Definition:

What do we mean when we say "house style" or "architectural style"? Why do we call some houses "Cape Cod" and others "Bungalow"? Is "Victorian" a style? Do some buildings have "no style"?

If you've ever tried to define the style of your own home, you know that "style" is a vague and confusing term. Architects, home builders, and real estate professionals often don't agree on what they mean when they describe a style.

In general, however, style is the vocabulary we use when we classify buildings according to their appearance, structure, materials, and historic period. Buildings are said to belong to the same classification (or style) when they share many of the same characteristics. Here's a quick checklist:

• roof shape and pitch
• building size and number of stories
• window size, shape, and placement
• door shape and placement
• decorative details such as brackets and cornice trim
• construction materials such as brick, stucco, or wood
• footprint and floor plan
• historic period

Homeowners often become frustrated when trying to identify the style of their houses. This is because most buildings are actually a combination of several styles. Modern-day homes are often called Neo-eclectic, meaning they are an eclectic mix of details borrowed from many times, places, and building traditions.