When designing a new two-story home, there are many factors to consider from layout and flow to exterior finishes and roof lines. The past few years have seen some exciting new trends in two-story home design that maximize livable space while blending seamlessly into the landscape. Below are 37 of the top new two story house designs that offer style, functionality and curb appeal.
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New Two Story House Design
1. Modern Farmhouse
The modern farmhouse combines the charm and simplicity of traditional farmhouse aesthetics with clean, contemporary lines. These homes feature welcoming wraparound porches, metal or wood roofs, hardy siding materials like wood or brick and eye-catching black framed windows. Inside, the open concept floor plan emphasizes airy, light-filled spaces with cozy finishes like shiplap walls, antique lighting and distressed wood beams.
2. Craftsman
Craftsman style homes are known for their tapered columns, stone or brick exterior details, exposed rafters and an abundance of windows that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces. As a two-story design, the craftsman style allows for stunning two-story great rooms with dramatic vaulted ceilings surrounded by simpler, intimate spaces like cozy nooks and private balconies overlooking gorgeous views.
3. Modern
If you prefer a more contemporary look, the modern two-story home highlights sleek, geometric lines for a stylish, city chic feel. These homes make use of floor-to-ceiling windows, metal paneling with clean lines, monochromatic color schemes and flat or shallowly pitched roofs. The minimalist aesthetic continues inside with floating staircases, polished concrete floors and tech-savvy smart home features.
4. European Eclectic
This design style combines ornate Old World European architectural details with the simplicity and functionalism of modern aesthetics. European eclectic homes feature stone, brick and stucco facades, colorful shutters, towering light-filled windows, charming balconies and intricately tiled roofs. Inside, the homes balance airy, vaulted common rooms with cozy library nooks and master suites.
5. Coastal Cottage
Ideal for lakefront or seaside plots, these breezy waterfront homes maximize airy, carefree spaces meant to take full advantage of the outdoor views. Whitewashed plank siding, standing seam metal roofs and stacked stone foundations lend these homes a casual, beachy look. Wrap around porches, dormer windows and boat shed style garage doors further the coastal vibe.
6. Prairie
Prairie style architecture is known for its simple, low profiles and harmonious fusion with the natural landscape. These homes sprawl out rather than up to embrace their surroundings with small roof overhangs, native stone and wood accents and bright exterior colors. Inside, the homes emphasize clean sightlines from room to room aided by pocket doors, streamlined built-ins and decorative stained glass door panels.
7. Ranch
The versatile ranch style home has long been popular for its comfortable, informal and family-friendly spaces. The single-story layout is swapped for a two-story design with sprawling master suites, open dining rooms and bright U-shaped kitchens wrapped around a towering stone fireplace or atrium. The ranches embrace simple details like wood cladding, paneled doors and shuttered windows.
8. Mediterranean
Mediterranean homes are best known for their terra cotta tiled roofs, stucco wall finishes and ornate wrought iron balconies. The two-story adaptation of this style allows for gorgeous formal living rooms with spiraling staircases, sunny interior courtyards and sprawling master suites with opulent baths. Exposed wood beams, intricate tilework and painted tiles further bring the colors and textures of the Mediterranean coast to life.
9. Colonial
Both stately and traditional, the colonial style two-story home exudes tailored refinement. A symmetrical shape with strong lines is dressed with a crisp white or black facade accented with painted shutters and decorative crowns over accent windows and garage doors. Inside, the centrally located front door opens onto a two-story foyer flanked by elegant dining and living spaces all finished with chair rails, clean paneling and hardwood floors.
10. Farmhouse Vernacular
The farmhouse vernacular style balances the cozy, welcoming feel of a traditional farmhouse with regionally specific accents inspired by local geography and architecture. These homes embrace indigenous building styles and materials like river rock, reclaimed wood barn beams, rusted tin paneling or limestone. At the same time, charming farmhouse trademarks like welcoming front porches, exterior shutters and gabled roofs help the home feel familiar.
See also:
- Double Story Small House Design
- Two-Story Modern House Front Porch Designs
- One Story House with Porches
- Mid Century Modern House
New Modern Small 2 Story House Design
When starting construction on a new home, the design possibilities are endless. Whether your tastes run towards the sleek and modern or the charmingly antiqued, brand new trends in two-story home construction allow you to strike the perfect balance of design and functionality. Consider how these popular new styles can be adapted to accentuate your home’s unique footprint and surroundings to create a personalized, creative living space that stylishly meets all your needs. With some thoughtful planning during initial design, your new home can become a beautiful and comfortable sanctuary to enjoy for years to come.
