6 Popular Architecture Styles in Palm Beach

As you travel throughout Palm Beach, you will notice a variety of beautiful architectural styles in the various homes. Several are revivals of classic styles, while others were developed here in the United States.

If you take some time to learn about these types of architectural styles, you will find yourself admiring the details and intricacies of Palm Beach real estate every time you go out. From a call-back to the days of Spanish Missions to Art Deco homes based on the popular artistic movement, Palm Beach is home to a plethora of architectural designs that give this town a unique history.

Popular prior to the Great Depression, Mission Revival is a popular architectural style in Palm Beach real estate. Stucco walls, red-tiled roofs, and arched ground-level windows and doors are easy-to-spot characteristics of this architecture style. Small roof overhangs with exposed rafters are also featured prominently in Mission Revival homes. Although similar, these characteristics make Mission Revival easily distinguishable from Spanish Revival architecture. You will often see one or two square towers on properties built in this style, calling back to the days of mission bells.

The Mediterranean Revival style became popular in the 1920s and 1930s as the tourism industry began to take off. As more resorts were being built up, developers wanted to provide vacationers with warm, exotic styles that showcase the area’s relaxing atmosphere. Though it started out as a popular style for seaside resorts, Mediterranean Revival became a favored style for family housing as well.

Mediterranean Revival is similar to Mission Revival, but it does have its own defining characteristics. Drawing inspiration from the Italian Renaissance, Mediterranean Revival architecture often features arches and columns in the most luxurious Palm Beach real estate. In more modern homes built in the Mediterranean Revival style, you will find open floor plans, large kitchens, and indoor-outdoor living spaces, which bring the feeling of resort living into your Palm Beach real estate.

Georgian Revival is an interesting architectural style that is also one of the most popular styles of Colonial architecture. Usually two or three stories tall, these homes are typically symmetrical. The entry is in the center of the home, but the rooms on either side of the entryway do not necessarily mirror one another. Within these homes, you will find elaborate doorways and combination windows. The Georgian Revival homes built in the 1920s are often seen as some of the country’s best architectural examples. These homes tend to be well built, with a keen eye given to detail and the use of high-quality materials.

 

Art Deco architecture is derived from the artistic style that emerged in Europe in the 1920s. It is a lavish mix of several styles and was embraced by the post-war bourgeoisie. As it evolved, the style became more moderate and sober and began incorporating more industrial materials, like steel and concrete. This style is easily recognized due to its use of rounded corners, which became prominent due to technological advancements that allowed the creation of rounded corners in buildings. In Art Deco architecture, things tend to be built in threes. You may see three windows, three steps, etcetera. Other indicators that you’re looking at Palm Beach real estate made in the Art Deco style include portholes, etched glass, neon, geometric forms, and machine-age symbols.

 

Monterey Revival is one of the few architectural styles that began in America. With its roots in California, Monterey Revival offers a combination of Spanish Colonial style and New England Colonial style architecture. They are often two-story buildings with balconies on the second-story or two-story front porches. Simple roofs may be covered in clay tile or wood shingles. Windows are long, stretching from the top of the story to the ground. If there are any adornments on the window, they will be simple Colonial-style features. You will know this style in Palm Beach real estate by its simplicity. There are not typically embellishments or adornments. Intricate designs will be an exception on one of these buildings, not the rule.

 

The simple, affordable design of American Four Square became popular in the early 1900s. As the name implies, these buildings are symmetrical and either square or rectangular in shape. The rooms on the inside are symmetrically laid out in fours, but you don’t need to go inside to recognize this architectural style. These homes will often also include a wide one-story porch.

American Four Square was a direct reaction to other, more complex architectural styles of the times. American Four Squares were often sold as prefabricated houses out of mail-ordering catalogs. While American Four Square homes haven’t been built since the 1930s, there are still many around today. They often draw amateur restorers who want to ensure the architectural design of the early 1900s remains in good condition into the future.

Now that you know the details of the architecture of Palm Beach real estate, you’ll be able to admire the styles you see all around you in Palm Beach. With a plethora of architectural styles to choose from, you are sure to find a house in Palm Beach that you consider your dream home. Whether you like the simple, symmetrical design of American Four Square or the luxurious additions of Mediterranean Revival, there is a piece of Palm Beach real estate for you.

When you’re ready to seek out your dream home in Palm Beach, you need to work with a real estate agent who is passionate and knowledgeable about South Florida real estate. You will find all of that and more with the Jessica Gulick Group. The Jessica Gulick Group is made up of talented, tenacious women who will provide you with exceptional service throughout your home buying journey. With their savvy negotiation skills and ability to streamline the real estate process, they will provide you with the service you deserve throughout the search for your dream home in Palm Beach. Reach out to the Jessica Gulick Group when you are ready to find a home that is right for you.