Scandinavian style
The most popular over the last few years has been the Scandinavian style, which is based on naturalness and closeness to nature. Even frame houses are built here only from eco-friendly materials. Such houses have historically been built in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and even the Netherlands. Scandinavian simplicity has also won the hearts of our compatriots.
A house in this style will necessarily be made of natural wood or glued laminated timber. The style does not tolerate excessive ornamentation; everything should be restrained and natural. Only carving is acceptable.
Colors for houses in the Scandinavian style are taken from nature. Beige, brown, and terracotta predominate: Scandinavians tend to strive for the sun, hence warm colors. But there is also room for cool colors, especially blue or white.
The roof can be flat, but most often it is sloping. The material is tiles.
It is important to create the right context for the house. Since everything in this style is inspired by nature, it should be left as untouched and natural as possible. A deliberately designed, neat landscape is not the best neighbor for such a house.
Irish style
This direction stems from the same premises as the previous one, and is characterized by simplicity and functionality. Nature is treated with respect, without disturbing its natural beauty. Natural colors are welcome, especially green.
The house should embody reliability and be "obviously sturdy." Therefore, cottages and townhouses are often built in this style.
The house itself can be stone or brick. The roof is usually sloping, made of tiles. It often has a complex shape – for example, multi-level. The most common option is essentially several small roofs on one house.
Fachwerk
This direction came from Germany, where as early as the 15th century they began to build houses using special frame structures of horizontal, vertical, and beams tilted at different angles. The beams are not just the basis of the structure; they are not hidden, but on the contrary – put on display. And it is these beams that became the highlight of the Fachwerk style.
The frame itself is filled with clay (formerly mixed with straw or reeds to prevent crumbling), clay brick, or natural stone. The main condition is that the walls should be light, and the beams dark and noticeable.
Many construction companies now offer houses à la Fachwerk with panoramic glazing, but one should understand that the original style does not imply this.
Chalet
This type of house is especially often found in Alpine resorts. And this style is close to our fellow citizens, because we too are accustomed to spending a lot of time among snow. Natural materials are used in construction, which should create a feeling of warmth.
Real chalets are built from coniferous wood and stone: stone is used in the foundation and basement floor, wood on the upper level.
An essential element is a sloping roof that should noticeably overhang the walls. On the one hand, it is convenient to clear snow from such a roof, on the other hand, it sort of shelters the house.
In a chalet, there is usually a fairly spacious terrace: ideally, around the entire perimeter of the house. If that is not possible, there should be at least a balcony.
Mediterranean style
This style, it would seem, is not so close to us, since such houses are built in warm countries – Greece, Spain, Italy, as well as on the coasts of France. But precisely because of the love for vacations in these countries, the style has gradually begun to come to our country.
There are two main features. First, a flat roof, which is often used as a summer veranda. Second, the lightest possible color scheme for the facade.
In modern Mediterranean-style houses, one can often find panoramic glazing or simply windows larger than average. A good addition for such a house would be a body of water on the plot, since the style is originally marine – an artificial pond or pool would do. Ideally, the pool should adjoin the house to create a feeling of the seaside at home.