How Many Architectural Styles Can You Identify From an Image?

By: Kennita Leon
Estimated Completion Time
2 min
How Many Architectural Styles Can You Identify From an Image?
Image: Interior Design Magz

About This Quiz

Have you ever built a house? Worked construction? Maybe you're an HGTV junkie and spend hours upon hours watching people take broken down old houses and turn them into million-dollar architectural and design showpieces?  If so, this quiz is right up your alley! Let your inner Frank Lloyd Wright out to play and tackle our architectural styles quiz!

In this quiz, you'll be asked to identify what style a house or building is based on a single picture and a hint, if you need to have one. What does that house with the big, white columns holding up a gabled roof represent?  Of course, you can probably guess that the house that looks like a giant golf ball is a geodesic dome, but does your design knowledge go a little deeper than that?

How many of these styles can you pick out?  What's the style of the house with the low, sloping roof, the tapered four-sided porch pillars, and the big porch?  Can you tell a Gothic from a Victorian from an American ranch style?  Some of these will leap out at you right away, but some of them require some specialized knowledge to figure out.

So, hitch up your tool belt, grab your roll of blueprints and tackle our architectural styles quiz!

Contemporary 1
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Plantation
Italianate
Contemporary
Contemporary architecture is a modern architectural style used today. Most often, contemporary buildings are designed to fascinate and impress and thus many feature unusual, twisted and asymmetrical shapes covered in glass. With the advanced technology of the 21st century, the structures are first created virtually using 3D design systems. This architectural style is commonly used in museums, concert halls and towers.
Ranch Style
Tudor 1
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Romanesque
Shingle Style
Tudor
Originating in England during the Tudor period, this architectural style was first used in the early 17th century. Modern buildings adapted this architectural style during the late 19th century and are therefore referred to as "mock Tudor" in the United Kingdom. Tudor buildings most commonly feature a symmetrical structure with several windows, multiple gabled roofs and half-timber frameworks.
Cape Cod
Victorian 1
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Art Deco
Victorian
Victorian architecture refers to architectural styles which emerged during the reign of Queen Victoria during the 19th century. Gothic revival, Queen Anne and Italianate are all Victorian styles. Built for beauty, homes styled in Victorian architecture have a complex asymmetrical design with intricate trims and bright colors.
Craftsman
Mediterranean

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Suburban Colonial
Shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Greek Revival
Colonial
Colonial architecture is a style that came about during the 1700s when European settlers erected houses to mimic those left behind in their home countries. As a result, there are many variations of colonial architecture which include but are not limited to Dutch Colonial, French Colonial, Spanish Colonial and British Colonial. A popular feature of colonial structures are symmetrical builds with a centered front door and evenly spaced windows and pillars.
Italianate
Modern
Mid-century Modern 1
WCCO - CBS Minnesota
Which architectural style is this?
Mid-century Modern
Emerging from a post-war era, the Mid-century Modern architectural style was born; this architectural style was very popular during the second half of the 20th century. The new industrial building materials, plywood, and steel, created after World War II, were the primary materials used for the construction of Mid-century homes. Introducing a new style of thinking, these houses were built with flat planes, flat roofs, low-lying windows and large glass doors to allow for a better view of nature.
Prairie
Neo-classical
Pueblo Revival
Neo-classical 1
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Ranch
Neo-classical
Used in the 20th century for universities and government buildings, neo-classical architecture was derived from architectural styles used in Greece and Rome. Residential homes designed in this architectural style usually belonged to those of the upper class, as the design signified wealth. Neo-classical structures are usually symmetrical with tall columns and highly detailed entrances.
Victorian
Cottage

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Oriental 1
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Townhouse
Ranch style
Oriental
As the name suggests, Oriental architecture originates from the Oriental countries like China, Japan and Korea. This architectural style stemmed from Chinese architecture and was adopted by Western countries. Its key characteristic is a large roof which stretches out past the walls. Oriental homes also feature a bilateral symmetry which signified balance to the Chinese.
Prairie
French Provincial 1
Sotheby's International Realty
Which architectural style is this?
Cottage
Mediterranean
Romanesque
French Provincial
French Provincial homes were first built in the French countryside in the 1600s during King Louis XIV's rule. These homes or manors were often built quite large, with steep rooftops, symmetrical portions and a brick exterior.
Craftsman 1
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Greek Revival
Plantation
Pueblo Revival
Craftsman
The American Craftsman or American Arts and Craft movement is an architectural style developed in the late 1800s. Influenced by the British movement, this architectural style focuses on the use of natural material and handcrafting. These homes are typically made of wood, stone or brick and feature low-pitched roofs and wide front porches.

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Contemporary 2
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Neo-classical
Contemporary
Contemporary architecture is a modern architectural style used today. Most often contemporary buildings are designed to fascinate and impress and thus many feature unusual, twisted and asymmetrical shapes covered in glass. With the advanced technology of the 21st century, the structures are first created virtually using 3D design systems. This architectural style is commonly used in museums, concert halls and towers.
Shingle Style
Ranch
Pueblo Revival 1
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Art Deco
Modern
Italianate
Pueblo Revival
Influenced by the homes of ancient Pueblo Indians, this architectural style became popular in the 20th century. These homes are built of natural materials such as adobe, mortar, wood and stucco. Pueblo-style structures have low, flat roofs and inside courtyards resembling the original Pueblo homes.
Gothic Revival 1
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Oriental
Gothic Revival
Gothic Revival was first introduced in the 1700s, copying styles from Gothic architecture used for medieval churches. The first Gothic Revival home was built by English writer Horace Walpole at Strawberry Hill, England. This architectural style showcases steeply pitched gables and decorative pointed windows.
Cape Cod
Craftsman

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Georgian 1
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Georgian
The most common of the colonial architectural style, the Georgian architecture trend coincided with the reign of kings George I, II, III and IV between the 1700s and 1830. The use of symmetrical shapes and proportions, as well as decorative entrances, can be seen in Georgian styled homes.
Ranch Style
Adobe
Transitional
Tudor 2
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Art Deco
Tudor
Originating in England during the Tudor period, this architectural style was first used in the early 17th century. Modern buildings adapted this architectural style during the late 19th century and are therefore referred to as "mock Tudor" in the United Kingdom. Tudor buildings most commonly feature a symmetrical structure with several windows, multiple gabled roofs and half-timber frameworks.
Mediterranean
Prairie
Mediterranean 1
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Greek Revival
Romanesque
Townhouse
Mediterranean
Named after its place of origin, this architectural style mimics the haciendas of the Spanish regions. This style became very popular in the 1900s in areas with a warm Mediterranean-like climate. Mediterranean-style architecture makes use of red tiles, stucco plastered walls and ornamental details.

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Cape Cod 1
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Cape Cod
Cape Cods were first built by English settlers in America in the 1600s. Designed with English thatched cottages in mind, the Cape Cod homes were slightly altered to withstand the harsh winters. Most homes of this style feature a central chimney and steep cedar-shingled rooftops.
Pueblo Revival
Ranch
Victorian
Art Deco 1
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Cottage
Art Deco
Art deco, derived from "Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs" (a showcase for new inspiration), was an architectural style popular from 1925 to 1940. Art Deco was most commonly used for public and commercial buildings rather than for residential homes. The buildings were rectangular in shape and well embellished with art pieces, sculptures, ornaments, and handmade decorations. Another common feature was rounded edges.
Modern
Neo-classical
Modern 1
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Transitional
Italianate
Modern
Very often confused with Contemporary architecture, Modern architecture is quite different and refers to an architectural style introduced in the first half of the 20th century. After the rejection of the neo-classical style, Modern architecture became the dominant architectural style using new construction materials such as steel, glass and concrete. The key features of Modern structures are open floor plans and functionality.
Craftsman

Advertisement

Oriental 2
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Oriental
As the name suggests, Oriental architecture originates from the Oriental countries like China, Japan and Korea. This architectural style stemmed from Chinese architecture and was adopted by Western countries. Its key characteristic is a large roof which stretches out past the walls. Oriental homes also feature a bilateral symmetry which signified balance to the Chinese.
Plantation
Greek Revival
Cape Cod
Mediterranean 2
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Townhouse
Mediterranean
Named after its place of origin, this architectural style mimics the haciendas of the Spanish regions. This style became very popular in the 1900s in areas with a warm Mediterranean-like climate. Mediterranean-style architecture makes use of red tiles, stucco plastered walls and ornamental details.
Art Deco
Oriental
Craftsman 2
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Pueblo Revival
Ranch
Craftsman
The American Craftsman or American Arts and Craft movement is an architectural style developed in the late 1800s. Influenced by the British movement, this architectural style focuses on the use of natural material and handcrafting. These homes are typically made of wood, stone or brick and feature low-pitched roofs and wide front porches.
Shingle Style

Advertisement

Pueblo Revival 2
Home Design Ideas
Which architectural style is this?
Storybrook
Cottage
Modern
Pueblo Revival
Influenced by the homes of ancient Pueblo Indians, this architectural style became popular in the 20th century. These homes are built of natural materials such as adobe, mortar, wood and stucco. Pueblo-style structures have low flat roofs and inside courtyards resembling the original Pueblo homes.
Mid-century Modern 2
Hometowns And Heroes
Which architectural style is this?
Mediterranean
Romanesque
Prairie
Mid-century Modern
Emerging from a post-war era, the Mid-century Modern architectural style was born; this architectural style was very popular during the second half of the 20th century. The new industrial building materials, plywood and steel, created after World War II, were the primary materials used for the construction of Mid-century homes. Introducing a new style of thinking, these houses were built with flat planes, flat roofs, low-lying windows and large glass doors to allow for a better view of nature.
Victorian 2
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Victorian
Victorian architecture refers to architectural styles which emerged during the reign of Queen Victoria during the 19th century. Gothic revival, Queen Anne, and Italianate are all Victorian styles. Built for beauty, homes styled in Victorian architecture have a complex asymmetrical design with intricate trims and bright colors.
Ranch Style
Art Deco
Adobe

Advertisement

Colonial 2
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Oriental
Victorian
Neo-classical
Colonial
Colonial architecture is a style that came about during the 1700s when European settlers erected houses to mimic those left behind in their home countries. As a result, there are many variations of colonial architecture which include but are not limited to Dutch Colonial, French Colonial, Spanish Colonial and British Colonial. A popular feature of colonial structures are symmetrical builds with a centered front door and evenly spaced windows and pillars.
French Provincial 2
Designing Idea
Which architectural style is this?
Greek Revival
Plantation
French Provincial
French Provincial homes were first built in the French countryside in the 1600s during King Louis XIV's rule. These homes or manors were often built quite large, with steep rooftops, symmetrical portions and a brick exterior.
Cape Cod
Gothic Revival 2
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Ranch
Italianate
Gothic Revival
Gothic Revival was first introduced in the 1700s, copying styles from Gothic architecture used for medieval churches. The first Gothic Revival home was built by English writer Horace Walpole at Strawberry Hill, England. This architectural style showcases steeply pitched gables and decorative pointed windows.
Craftsman

Advertisement

Georgian 2
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Transitional
Georgian
The most common of the colonial architectural style, the Georgian architecture trend coincided with the reign of kings George I, II, III and IV between the 1700s and 1830. The use of symmetrical shapes and proportions, as well as decorative entrances, can be seen in Georgian-styled homes.
Shingle Style
Storybrook
Modern 2
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Modern
Very often confused with Contemporary architecture, Modern architecture is quite different and refers to an architectural style introduced in the first half of the 20th century. After the rejection of the neo-classical style, Modern architecture became the dominant architectural style using new construction materials such as steel, glass and concrete. The key features of Modern structures are open floor plans and functionality.
Romanesque
Pueblo Revival
Townhouse
Oriental 3
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Oriental
As the name suggests, Oriental architecture originates from the Oriental countries like China, Japan and Korea. This architectural style stemmed from Chinese architecture and was adopted by Western countries. Its key characteristic is a large roof which stretches out past the walls. Oriental homes also feature a bilateral symmetry which signified balance to the Chinese.
Ranch Style
Mediterranean
Prairie

Advertisement

Tudor Revival
Shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Victorian
Tudor
Originating in England during the Tudor period, this architectural style was first used in the early 17th century. Modern buildings adapted this architectural style during the late 19th century and are therefore referred to as "mock Tudor" in the United Kingdom. Tudor buildings most commonly feature a symmetrical structure with several windows, multiple gabled roofs and half-timber frameworks.
Colonial
Craftsman
Contemporary 3
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Adobe
Victorian
Contemporary
Contemporary architecture is a modern architectural style used today. Most often contemporary buildings are designed to fascinate and impress, and thus many feature unusual, twisted and asymmetrical shapes covered in glass. With the advanced technology of the 21st century, the structures are first created virtually using 3D design systems. This architectural style is commonly used in museums, concert halls and towers.
Cottage
Cape Cod 2
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Modern
Art Deco
Italianate
Cape Cod
Cape Cods were first built by English settlers in America in the 1600s. Designed with English thatched cottages in mind, the Cape Cod homes were slightly altered to withstand the harsh winters. Most homes of this style feature a central chimney and steep cedar-shingled rooftops.

Advertisement

Art Deco
YouTube
Which architectural style is this?
Ranch
Greek Revival
Art Deco
Art deco, derived from "Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs" (a showcase for new inspiration), was an architectural style popular from 1925 to 1940. Art Deco was most commonly used for public and commercial buildings rather than for residential homes. The buildings were rectangular in shape and well embellished with art pieces, sculptures, ornaments, and handmade decorations. Another common feature was rounded edges.
Victorian
Cape Cod
Shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Townhouse
Cape Cod
Cape Cods were first built by English settlers in America in the 1600s. Designed with English thatched cottages in mind, the Cape Cod homes were slightly altered to withstand the harsh winters. Most homes of this style feature a central chimney and steep cedar-shingled rooftops.
Shingle Style
Neo-classical
Georgian Colonial
Shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Pueblo Revival
Craftsman
Ranch Style
Georgian
The most common of the colonial architectural style, the Georgian architecture trend coincided with the reign of kings George I, II, III and IV between the 1700s and 1830. The use of symmetrical shapes and proportions, as well as decorative entrances, can be seen in Georgian-styled homes.

Advertisement

Gothic Revival 3
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Romanesque
Gothic Revival
Gothic Revival was first introduced in the 1700s, copying styles from Gothic architecture used for medieval churches. The first Gothic Revival home was built by English writer Horace Walpole at Strawberry Hill, England. This architectural style showcases steeply pitched gables and decorative pointed windows.
Adobe
Prairie
Mid-Century Modern
YouTube
Which architectural style is this?
Art Deco
Cape Cod
Mid-century Modern
Emerging from a post-war era, the Mid-century Modern architectural style was born; this architectural style was very popular during the second half of the 20th century. The new industrial building materials, plywood, and steel, created after World War II, were the primary materials used for the construction of Mid-century homes. Introducing a new style of thinking, these houses were built with flat planes, flat roofs, low-lying windows and large glass doors to allow for a better view of nature.
Italianate
Mediterranean
Shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Mediterranean
Named after its place of origin, this architectural style mimics the haciendas of the Spanish regions. This style became very popular in the 1900s in areas with a warm Mediterranean-like climate. Mediterranean-style architecture makes use of red tiles, stucco plastered walls and ornamental details.
Plantation
Modern
Oriental

Advertisement

Neo-classical 2
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Cape Cod
Neo-classical
Used in the 20th century for universities and government buildings, Neo-classical architecture was derived from architectural styles used in Greece and Rome. Residential homes designed in this architectural style usually belonged to those of the upper class as the design signified wealth. Neo-classical structures are usually symmetrical, with tall columns and highly detailed entrances.
Craftsman
Victorian
Victorian
Shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Cottage
Townhouse
Victorian
Victorian architecture refers to architectural styles which emerged during the reign of Queen Victoria during the 19th century. Gothic revival, Queen Anne and Italianate are all Victorian styles. Built for beauty, homes styled in Victorian architecture have a complex asymmetrical design with intricate trims and bright colors.
Ranch
Contemporary
Shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Pueblo Revival
Shingle Style
Cape Cod
Contemporary
Contemporary architecture is a modern architectural style used today. Most often, contemporary buildings are designed to fascinate and impress and thus many feature unusual, twisted and asymmetrical shapes covered in glass. With the advanced technology of the 21st century, the structures are first created virtually using 3D design systems. This architectural style is commonly used in museums, concert halls and towers.

Advertisement

Modern
Shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Neo-classical
Modern
Very often confused with Contemporary architecture, Modern architecture is quite different and refers to an architectural style introduced in the first half of the 20th century. After the rejection of the neo-classical style, Modern architecture became the dominant architectural style using new construction materials such as steel, glass, and concrete. The key features of Modern structures are open floor plans and functionality.
Ranch Style
Prairie
Colonial
Shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Tudor
Colonial
Colonial architecture is a style that came about during the 1700s when European settlers erected houses to mimic those left behind in their home countries. As a result, there are many variations of colonial architecture which include but are not limited to Dutch Colonial, French Colonial, Spanish Colonial and British Colonial. A popular feature of colonial structures are symmetrical builds with a centered front door and evenly spaced windows and pillars.
Craftsman
Mid-century Modern
French Provincial
YouTube
Which architectural style is this?
Modern
Cape Cod
Craftsman
French Provincial
French Provincial homes were first built in the French countryside in the 1600s during King Louis XIV's rule. These homes or manors were often built quite large, with steep rooftops, symmetrical portions and a brick exterior.

Advertisement

Neo-classical 3
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Neo-classical
Used in the 20th century for universities and government buildings, Neo-classical architecture was derived from architectural styles used in Greece and Rome. Residential homes designed in this architectural style usually belonged to those of the upper class as the design signified wealth. Neo-classical structures are usually symmetrical with tall columns and highly detailed entrances.
Art Deco
Ranch Style
Mediterranean
Oriental 4
shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Romanesque
Oriental
As the name suggests, Oriental architecture originates from the Oriental countries like China, Japan and Korea. This architectural style stemmed from Chinese architecture and was adopted by Western countries. Its key characteristic is a large roof which stretches out past the walls. Oriental homes also feature a bilateral symmetry which signified balance to the Chinese.
Plantation
Greek Revival
Gothic Revival
Shutterstock
Which architectural style is this?
Cape Cod
Shingle Style
Gothic Revival
Gothic Revival was first introduced in the 1700s, copying styles from Gothic architecture used for medieval churches. The first Gothic Revival home was built by English writer Horace Walpole at Strawberry Hill, England. This architectural style showcases steeply pitched gables and decorative pointed windows.
Italianate

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