A lot of Realtors are obsessed with the Architectural Style of homes and I would like to help with common misconceptions.  Style is derived by elements within the architecture:  the massing, scale, proportion, character derived from nature of building materials, details, and special distribution.  Type, on the other hand, is usually defined by the use and floor plan:  Bungalow, suburban four-square, saltbox, etc.

Unfortunately, a lot of today’s architecture has no specific style, but a lot of elements from a particular era. American Architecture has evolved into a very eclectic compilation of European styles.

Even the so called RANCH – comes from Spanish Colonial “ranch” type architecture, usually with a U-shaped plan with a covered portico – not at all what we envision when we say ranch or rancher today.

Spanish Mediterranean, very popular in South Florida, is a compilation of elements from Spain, France, Morocco and other Mediterranean countries.  This so called “style”, is a modern American concept that was very popular in the 1920’s and can be found in Coral Gables, Miami Shores, Morningside and other South Florida historic districts.

My suggestion, if you are one obsessed with including architectural style into your listings’ descriptions, is to buy a couple of books about Architectural Styles, make sure they are illustrated, and make mention of the predominant style elements in a home.  It is better to say “with neoclassical elements” or “Tudor Inspired” than to make a statement you are not sure about.

It’s also helpful to know column types (orders: Doric, ionic, Corinthian) – types of windows (awning, single-hung, casement), and materials (types of brick, marble and granite).  Please do some research before you make false statements about elements and style of architecture.

This should be an easy test for eveyone, can you tell me what type of column is the one in the photo?