The Top 5 Architectural Home Styles in Austin, Texas
Explore the Most Popular Austin Home Styles by Neighborhood
Austin is one of the most popular Texas cities to live in, attracting thousands of new residents every year thanks to a growing job market, outdoor recreation, and a thriving music & arts scene. In 2022 alone, over 100,000 people moved to the Austin area. If you’re considering moving to Austin, you might be wondering what to expect when it comes to finding your dream home. Our Austin architects have worked on new build and renovation projects across the city. So, we know a thing or two about the top architectural home styles in Austin and where to find them. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular neighborhoods and architectural styles here in Austin.
Austin Architecture is as Diverse as the City Itself
Austin home styles are unique as the city itself. Ranging from contemporary to Craftsman, there is no shortage of architectural designs to choose from. If you are moving to Austin from a different city or state, you might want to find a property that reminds you of home. Or, you may be ready for a completely different experience. Each Austin neighborhood has its own unique feel and architectural style to match, so you are sure to find a house that reflects your style.
The Top 5 Home Styles in Austin
Contemporary & Modern Homes: East Austin
Contemporary Home Remodel by DK Studio
East Austin is home to bars, music venues, and trendy restaurants. It has a younger, more millennial feel and new contemporary homes to reflect that. The area's old 1900s bungalows are giving way to modern townhomes designed with metal facades, high-contrast color palettes, and boxy lines. Be careful, though, because newer doesn’t always mean better. Our Austin architects notice a lot of modern design mistakes in East Austin homes. If you want to go contemporary and build new, make sure to trust your design with architects who understand the style. It should be clean, sleek, and functional — not clunky and confusing.
Eclectic Homes: South Austin
South Austin upholds the promise to “keep Austin weird.” This laidback neighborhood is home to Barton Springs and South Congress, known for its unique art galleries, coffee shops, and restaurants. Compared to other fast-paced sections of Austin, this area offers more trees and a relaxed hippie feel. The homes here are more eclectic, and you can find everything from charming bungalows to Hansel and Grettle-style cottage homes. Typically, these homes are painted in bright colors, decorated with trim, and feature big shady trees in the front yards.
Ranch Homes: North Austin
Ranch-style homes can be found everywhere in Austin. However, they’re most plentiful in the suburban North Austin area. Areas like Northwest Hills offer a more residential, family-oriented atmosphere with larger lots and bigger homes. Our Austin architects recently renovated a ranch-style property to expand the footprint while preserving the strong horizontal lines and limestone front that make the style so classically Texan.
Hill Country Homes: Austin Suburbs
If you go outside Austin city limits and into neighboring suburbs, you’ll discover the Texas Hill Country and the vernacular style that goes along with it. Hill Country homes are known for their two-story construction, limestone facades, wood accents, and tall ceilings. For many people, this is what they imagine their dream Texas home to look like. While there aren’t many Hill Country-style homes in Austin itself, there are plenty just a short drive out of the city.
Traditional Homes: Central Austin
Texas Transitional Kitchen Remodel by DK Studio
You might be surprised to find rows of charming traditional homes not far from the towering modern skyscrapers of downtown Austin. Central Austin is home to many period properties dating back to the early 1900s. In Hyde Park, you’ll find Craftsman and Queen Anne homes with well-preserved charm and character. These houses feature period details like front porches, columns, and trim. A few blocks over in Tarrytown or Old Enfield sit rows of traditional and transitional homes with stately facades and welcoming front lawns. Purely traditional homes may feature brick facades, while transitional remodels might have white stucco and high-contrast black metal window packages. As lovers of traditional architecture, these are some of our team’s favorite neighborhoods in Austin.
Building and Renovating Traditional Homes in Austin
Historic Home Remodel by DK Studio
In a constantly growing city, it can sometimes feel like contemporary architecture is taking over, especially in areas like East Austin. However, Austin home styles are as unique as the people who live here, and there is truly an architectural style for everyone. You just have to find the right spot in the city!
At DK Studio, we believe in “design for the spirit.” It’s our way of saying that your home’s style should directly reflect your personality, whether that’s a contemporary new build or a period renovation in one of Austin’s charming historic neighborhoods.
Pascal Lane Transitional Home Remodel by DK Studio
Recently, our team has connected with some homeowners who are passionate about traditional style homes. Some of our recent projects include renovations of Cousteau Lane and Pascal Lane. If you’re looking for a period renovation or a traditional new build in Austin, we’re your team!
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