Tudor Style (1485-1603)

These houses were quite popular and easily recognisable due to the half timbering technique that gave them their contrasting black and white exterior. 

Some of these early architectural styles were named according to the monarchs who were in power at the time. This style was named after the dynasty of the House of Tudor.

Elizabethan Style (1558-1603)

The Elizabethan era is often referred to as the ‘golden age’ in English history by some historians. During this time, Britain’s economy flourished and there was a building boom called the ‘Great Rebuilding’ wherein many developments to Tudor buildings took place. 

The Elizabethan style that emerged was inspired by a mix of the Italian Renaissance, French castles and Flemish strapwork buildings. English craftsmen used motifs from foreign books about these as decoration.

Stuart/Jacobean Style (1603-1714)

The most notable out of these being the Jacobean style (1603-1625) that followed on from the Elizabethan style. The exteriors were usually bare brick in contrast to the richly decorated interiors.

Inigo Jones was a prominent architect during this period. Influenced by the works of Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, he founded the English classical tradition of architecture. Foreign artisans that focused on detailed ornamentation helped define this style.

Georgian Style (1714-1837)

This style came about under the reign of the kings from the House of Hanover. The architectural styles of influence during this period were Baroque, Palladian, Rococo, Neoclassical, Greek Revival and Italianate.

As the cities grew, there was a need to accommodate new homes into small areas. This is when terraced houses started to become popular.

Regency Style (1811- 1820)

There were two architectural styles that were quite popular – a continuation of the Greco-Roman traditions from the Georgian style and Gothic Revival which would continue well into the Victorian period.

John Nash was a notable architect during this period and worked in many architectural styles, from Gothic to Italianate, Palladian, Greek, and Picturesque. He popularised the Regency row houses that were sometimes configured in the crescent shape.

Victorian Style (1837-1901)

The Victorian era saw many overlapping architectural revival styles. Regency classicism and the Italianate style continued on from the Georgian era. Gothic Revival brought back features of mediaeval architecture such as decorative patterns and finials. While the British Queen Anne Revival style and the Arts and Crafts movement became prevalent by the late Victorian period.

Other Revival styles included Elizabethan, Jacobean, Renaissance Revival, Neo-Grec, Romanesque Revival, Second Empire, and Scots Baronial.

British Queen Anne Revival Style/Domestic Revival Style (1870-1910)

Richard Norman Shaw, a prominent architect during this time sought after the original Queen Anne Style buildings built during Queen Anne’s reign (1702-1714). Thus English vernacular buildings of Tudor and Jacobean times as well as Dutch and Flemish buildings acted as the main sources of inspiration.

The return to vernacular architectural traditions matched well with the Arts and Crafts movement.

Arts and Crafts Style (1880-1920)

It came about as a reaction to the over ornamentation of Victorianism and the negative effects of industrialisation. The Arts and Crafts Style rejected rigid symmetry portraying a more rustic, natural and simple style. The inspiration came from the barns, farms and cottages of rural England.

Vernacular styles, regional materials and textures were utilised to create picturesque cottage-like aesthetics.

Edwardian Style (1900-1918)

The exteriors were still decorative but much more subdued than the Victorian style. The main focus was on handmade crafts and using locally sourced materials.

Advancements in technology led to domestic improvements during this period. A building boom resulted in small terraced, semi-detached, and detached two storey villas becoming popular.

Addison Style (1919 Onwards)

The Arts and Crafts movement was a major source of inspiration for these homes. It resulted in the creation of comfortable houses with simple decoration that resembled rural cottages.

Today, Addison homes are still popular among homebuyers and can often be found in ‘garden estates’ in the suburbs.

Art Deco Style (1920- 1940)

The houses in this style were experimental, innovative, and embraced modernity alongside fine craftsmanship. There were a wide range of influences, some of which included Moorish, Mayan and Egyptian designs.

New materials and technologies were embraced. Concrete reinforced with steel became a popular construction choice.

1930’s Style

The houses were usually terraced or semi-detached and classic or chalet style bungalows became popular.

Airey Style (1943-1950)

The primary frame structure was made of prefabricated reinforced concrete. The secondary structure consisted of a series of shiplap style concrete panels being tied to the columns.

Today these houses are listed in the Housing Defects Act 1984 and considered risky and unmortgageable.

1950’s Style

Due to this, simple methods of construction and cheaper materials were used. Houses became smaller and a lot of space saving furniture like trolleys, sofa beds, ironing boards and more came into existence.

Architects experimented with different layouts, styles, straight lines and a brighter modern living. 

1960’s and 1970’s Styles

Houses were typically terraced, semi or detached. Link-detached houses that were joined by the garages were popular.

1980’s, 1990’s and 2000’s New Build Styles

New build houses were mainly semi-detached, terraced and 3-storey townhouses.

1980’s, 1990’s and Noughties New Build Styles

Natural lighting and material choices are prioritised.