Florida has a distinctive type of architecture, thanks to the geographic features and pleasant weather. With many Florida transplants coming from the Midwest and Northeast, common architecture often combines historic styles with modern island-style. Many Florida homes also have large outdoor living areas so the home owners can enjoy the mild weather all year. These five styles are the most commonly found as new homes in Groveland, FL, and around the rest of the Sunshine State.
Coastal Contemporary
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The coastal contemporary features large windows, open floor plans, and tall ceilings. Coastal contemporary homes tend to have clean horizontal lines, either straight or curved with minimalist details. They often have large outdoor living spaces that fit seamlessly with the interior features. With floor-to-ceiling windows, coastal contemporary homes bring the outside in with beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean. These homes also have flexible interior and exterior living spaces, mostly with views of the deep blue sea.
The coastal contemporary architectural style has several distinctive interior features by combining the styles in the Caribbean Islands and in Key West, but without having the bright colors and small spaces. Coastal contemporary homes often have warm tropical softwoods on the floors and walls. While the style is modern, there’s nothing harsh and stark. Gentle white colors are juxtaposed with dark woods, glass, and natural materials that make the homes relaxing, comfortable, and contemporary simultaneously.
Mediterranean Inspiration
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Florida has a strong European influence on its architecture, with Mediterranean homes featuring prominently around the state. Mediterranean and Spanish architecture have many similarities, especially the stucco walls and accent tiles. However, Mediterranean architecture has low-pitched roofs and caps on the tiles. Door surrounds have ornate details that Spanish architecture does not.
This style has large facades with plenty of arches and clean lines made of natural elements. Architects often add Mediterranean designs to contemporary homes with natural features like wood and tile. True Mediterranean homes also have balconies and windows decorated with wrought iron features.
On the inside, Mediterranean-inspired homes often have stucco walls painted white with wrought iron features around doors and windows. The interior features also include arched doorways and fireplaces. For added fun, families living in these homes can add eclectic decor features with rustic finishes.
Classic Spanish Style
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Spanish style homes are especially popular in places like Miami and Orlando, as well as in the Groveland area. Some of the Spanish-style details are reminiscent of the arts and craft movement with rich textures and natural elements. Many of the older coastal homes feature Spanish styling with balconies, Roman arcades, flat roofs, clay tiles, and plenty of terracotta.
Spanish-style homes are popular because of the stucco finish on the main walls. The material performs well against the heat and humidity, and is easy to repair when problems arise. This style is reminiscent of old Florida, especially along the Gulf Coast and near St. Augustine.
Floridian homes with Spanish style are often one-story homes with minimal ornamentation with small windows that open and let fresh air inside. The homes built in Florida should use coquina rock, as most Spanish homes have indigenous materials. A prominent feature in all Spanish homes are the wooden support beams covered in dark stain. They should have a courtyard, but Spanish homes built on a budget have patios instead.
Bahamian-Victorian
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As a part of the British Empire, the Bahamas has a unique architectural style that combines Victorian elements with coastal styling. Thanks to its proximity to the Bahamas, Florida also has plenty of Bahamian-Victorian homes. No place has more Island Victorians than Key West.
The beautiful homes have gingerbread details on the porches along with smaller windows, high-pitched roofs, and plenty of gables. What makes Bahamian-Victorians different from other Victorian houses are the bright paint colors, as many are covered in bubble-gum pink, violet, and sky blue along with white contrast trim.
In the Caribbean, this home style is often called “Conch” in reference to the Conch Republic and the iconic shell. You’ll find the original homes in Miami and Coconut Grove, and many were built by carpenters who honed their craft building ships. Today’s Conch homes are often two stories with gabled roofs. They often had wrap-around porches, and most were built on posts or piers to let air circulate in the Florida heat.
Timeless Ranches
Ranches are popular all over the United States, and many exist around Florida. They are easy for elderly residents who struggle with stairs, and they are easy to renovate. Many timeless ranches have covered swimming pools, open floor plans, and large windows to take in the lovely Florida flora and fauna.
Timeless ranges often have a rectangular, U, or L shape with large windows and large eaves. For added living spaces, they might have finished basements and many have attached garages.
