Early settlers in the rural South erected hall-and-parlor or I-houses that defined the Tidewater South tradition. Their full, wide porches kept the Southern sun and rains at bay.

General description:

• Two stories

• Simple box shape

• Central entrance

• One-story shed extensions

• Full front porch

Exterior features to consider in kitchen design:

• White clapboard

• Double-hung windows with shutters

Recommended kitchen design elements:

Cabinet Doors Type: Inset Style: Recessed panel Finish: Stain Wood: Maple or oak Countertops Laminate Soapstone Flooring Linoleum Ceramic Architectural Details Simple crown molding Dado board Chair rail

Popular in England during the reigns of the four King Georges, this house style was built in the United States in the 1700s and 1800s. Its appealing classic lines have made it a favorite in the suburbs.

General description:

• Two to three stories

• Large and formal

• Rectangular and symmetrical with classic lines and ornamentation

• Hip roof

• Gabled center entrance

• Two chimneys, one at each end

Exterior features to consider in kitchen design:

• Brick with corner quoins of stone; clapboard and shingle facing is less common

• Double-hung windows without shutters

• Center entrance typically with Greek columns and sidelights

• Palladian-style windows often found either over the front door or at each end

Recommended kitchen design elements:

Cabinet Doors Type: Lipped or full overlay Style: Raised curved panel Finish: Stain or paint Wood: Cherry, maple, or oak Countertops Laminate Soapstone Granite Flooring Linoleum Ceramic Wood Architectural Details Simple crown molding Dado board Chair rail

The Saltbox style evolved when a lean-to shed was added on to the rear of the house. The rear typically faced north to fend off cold winter winds. The name comes from the home's resemblance to the saltbox found in old general stores.

General description:

• Square or rectangular

• Steep gable roof that extends down to the first floor in the rear

• Large central chimney

Exterior features to consider in kitchen design:

• Clapboard or wood shingles

• Large double-hung windows with shutters and small glass panes

• Simple center entrance in front

• No windows above the first floor in the rear

Recommended kitchen design elements:

Cabinet Doors Type: Inset Style: Recessed panel Finish: Stain Wood: Maple or oak Countertops Laminate Soapstone Flooring Linoleum Ceramic Architectural Details Simple crown molding Dado board Chair rail

Popular in the East during the 1700s, this house style is also known as the Adam style. Many influences can be seen in this style of house from Georgian to Farmhouse.

General description:

• Two to three stories

• Large and formal

• Rectangular and symmetrical with classic lines and ornamentation

• Flat roof, balustrade, and belvedere

• One or more chimneys extending through the roof

Exterior features to consider in kitchen design:

• Brick or clapboard

• Double-hung windows with shutters and small glass panes

• Center entrance typically with columns and sidelights

Recommended kitchen design elements:

Cabinet Doors Type: Lipped or full overlay Style: Raised curved panel Finish: Stain or paint Wood: Cherry, maple, or oak Countertops Laminate Soapstone Granite Flooring Linoleum Ceramic Wood Architectural Details Simple crown moulding Dado board Chair rail

A name thankfully shortened from the 1925 French Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes, which introduced a new streamlined way of looking at architecture.


General description:

• One to two stories

• Stepped-back features

• Geometric and stylized details

• Flat roof

Exterior features to consider in Art Deco kitchen design:

• Irregular shape

• Geometric ornamentation

• Both horizontal and vertical banding

• Metal windows in various linear configurations

Recommended kitchen design elements:

Cabinet Doors Type: Full overlay Style: Flat slab Finish: Stain or paint Wood: Cherry or maple Countertops Laminate Granite  Flooring Linoleum Wood Architectural Details Banding