Russ Armstrong: Goodbye, Ranch! America Has a New Favorite Home Style

The mid-century modern, single-story ranch home is no longer America’s favorite. According to a recent survey by real estate website Trulia, Millennials, who are buying their first homes, have tipped the scale in favor of the new winner: the craftsman bungalow. The craftsman came in first, at 43 percent, with the ranch home following at 41 percent and the colonial-style home at 36 percent.

As shown above, the ranch-style house is often spread out across one story. Mostly constructed during the Sixties and Seventies, many have a Mid-Century vibe to them. Image: Virtual Imaging

Craftsman bungalows range in size, but feature two or more stories, a porch, and plenty of curb appeal due to wooden siding details, ornate windows and doors, stonework, and rich landscaping. Image: The Bungalow Company

What’s interesting is the great architectural divide between younger and older Americans. More than half (52 percent) of surveyed Millennials, between the ages of 18 and 34, picked the craftsman-style home as their favorite, while 52 percent of participants aged 55 and up preferred the ranch style.

But coming across a craftsman bungalow isn’t so easy. According to Trulia’s data, “Colonial, ranch, Cape Cod, Victorian, and mid-century” homes make up most of America’s housing inventory, making the lovely craftsman house a commodity.

Craftsman bungalow style

Here are some beautiful examples of craftsman bungalows and what makes them unique. Some of the most popular elements include plenty of wood detail (especially in oak), hand-forged black iron hardware and lighting, and earthy color combinations.

Craftsman kitchens

An updated kitchen still keeps the traditional craftsman bungalow features, such as oak cabinets and floors. Image: Renewal Design + Build

Vintage details, such as a split Dutch door, rustic floors, a farmhouse sink and industrial elements, all work well with the craftsman style. Image: Max Houseplans

Although cabinetry is clean and simple, it features some detail, including glass panels and wood slat borders. Black hand-forged iron hardware puts the craftsman stamp on this kitchen. Image: Goforth Gill

Craftsman bungalow living rooms

An essential element in the craftsman style is the wood lattice detailing in windows and cabinet doors. Image: Kurmak Builders

Wood beams, built-in window seats and plenty of shelving makes the craftsman bungalow’s living room so inviting. Image: The Works

Craftsman homes often feature rooms that are partitioned with bookcases or columns instead of walls, allowing for intimacy yet plenty of light and flow. Image: Wysteria Design

The ornate fireplace is the central focal point of the living room, and often features tile or stone with wood. Image: Clites Architects

Craftsman exteriors and landscapes

The craftsman bungalow may arguably have the most curb appeal of all architectural styles. A clear path leads to the beautiful front door, flanked by a large porch or covered entry. Image: Moore Architects

Landscaping and trees play an important part in the style. Colors are often earthy and muted but complementary, with combinations like slate blue and olive green, or khaki and brick red. Image: Proyecto Build