Choosing the Right Home Style: Craftsman, Farmhouse, or Modern?

One of the first decisions you'll make when designing a custom home is the architectural style. It affects everything from the exterior materials to the roofline, window placement, and interior layout. Here's a breakdown of the most popular styles we design at The Blueprint Co. — and what makes each one unique.

Craftsman

Known for deep front porches, tapered columns, exposed rafters, and natural materials like stone and wood, the Craftsman style is timeless. It emphasizes handcrafted quality and warmth. Inside, you'll often find built-in cabinetry, coffered ceilings, and open common areas. Craftsman homes are a natural fit for Idaho — they blend beautifully with mountain and forest settings.

Farmhouse

Modern farmhouse design has exploded in popularity, and for good reason. Clean white siding, black metal roofs, large porches, and simple geometric forms give it a fresh, timeless look. It's equally at home on acreage or in a subdivision. The farmhouse style tends to be budget-friendly because of its simple rooflines and standard material choices, while still looking high-end.

Colonial

Colonial homes are all about symmetry — centered front doors, paired windows, and classic proportions. With white clapboard siding and black shutters, they have a refined, traditional look that never goes out of style. Colonial floor plans tend to be formal and efficient, with clearly defined rooms. They're a great choice if you want a classic American look.

Barndominium

Barndominiums — or "barndos" — combine a metal or pole-barn structure with a finished living space. They're cost-effective, durable, and highly customizable. In Idaho, barndos are especially popular on acreage where you want shop space, RV storage, or a workshop attached to the home. Modern barndominiums can be styled to look sleek and contemporary, or warm and rustic depending on your taste.

Contemporary Modern

Flat or low-slope roofs, large expanses of glass, and clean lines define the contemporary modern style. These homes prioritize natural light, open floor plans, and a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. They're striking and high-end, but they require careful detailing and quality materials to pull off successfully.

European Cottage

For something with more charm and character, the European cottage style features steeply pitched roofs, arched doorways, stone and stucco facades, and rounded window shapes. These homes feel warm, inviting, and storybook-like. They're a great choice for homeowners who want something distinctive without sacrificing livability.

Which Style Is Right for You?

The best way to choose is to think about how you want your home to feel. Do you want warm and traditional? Craftsman or European Cottage. Clean and crisp? Farmhouse or Colonial. Bold and modern? Contemporary Modern. Practical with some acreage? A barndominium might be perfect.

The truth is, many of the best custom homes blend elements from multiple styles. During our design process, we'll help you find the style — or combination of styles — that fits your vision, your site, and your budget. Reach out to start the conversation.