When we think of modern home design, it’s easy to imagine a crisp, newly built home with fresh paint, open floor plans, and clean lines. But many of the design elements we use today have deep roots that stretch back hundreds, even thousands, of years. From classical European influences to the sturdy sensibility of early American homesteads, today’s homes often reflect the heritage of global architecture. At W.L. Martin Home Designs, many of our house plans carry forward these timeless elements, offering designs that appeal to developers looking for reliable, regional-friendly styles that are both practical and appealing.
Colonial Style Homes: A Classic Design That Endures
Take, for example, the Colonial style. Originating from the 1600s, Colonial homes were first built by settlers in New England, drawing heavily from British architecture. Symmetrical facades, central chimneys, and gable roofs were all hallmarks of the style and are still widely used today, particularly in the Northeastern United States. You’ll find that W.L. Martin offers a number of compact and mid-sized home plans that include these traditional characteristics, though updated for modern living with open interiors and improved energy efficiency.
Craftsman Style Homes: From British Roots to American Neighborhoods
Another long-standing influence is the Craftsman style, which can be traced back to the British Arts and Crafts movement in the late 19th century. The style gained popularity in the United States in the early 1900s, especially in California. Today, Craftsman homes remain popular across much of the country, especially in the Midwest and Northwest, thanks to their charming curb appeal and functional layouts. The deep front porches, low-pitched roofs, and exposed rafters seen in Craftsman homes are featured in several of W.L. Martin’s plans, which are tailored to developers seeking classic American styling with wide regional appeal.
Spanish and Mediterranean Home Designs in Warm-Weather Regions
Further south, the Spanish Revival and Mediterranean-inspired homes dominate in states like Florida, Texas, and parts of California. With origins in Spain, Italy, and other parts of the Mediterranean, these styles are known for stucco exteriors, red tile roofs, and arched windows and doorways. Their design fits naturally with warm climates and often emphasizes indoor-outdoor living. While W.L. Martin’s core collection leans more toward conservative and versatile layouts, we do incorporate certain Mediterranean elements in our warmer region home plans to meet regional developer needs without straying too far from traditional preferences.
Ranch Style Homes: American Simplicity with Historic Roots
The Ranch-style home is another distinctly American design that actually owes a debt to Spanish colonial architecture as well. These single-story homes with long, low profiles became wildly popular in the post-WWII era and are still favored throughout the southern and western U.S. for their simplicity and ease of access. At W.L. Martin, we continue to offer a variety of ranch and ranch-influenced home plans, especially in the 1,200 to 2,000 square foot range, perfect for developers building in suburban and rural markets.
Small Footprint Homes: Drawing Inspiration from Historic Efficiency
Even smaller footprint designs—those under 1,000 square feet—have historical roots. The classic Shotgun house, common in the South and originating in New Orleans in the 19th century, features a narrow profile and rooms laid out one behind the other. While modern tastes have shifted toward more open floor plans, the efficient use of space in small homes continues to influence how we design compact houses today. W.L. Martin includes several small home plans ideal for infill lots, accessory dwelling units, and budget-conscious developments.
Regional Appeal and Conservative Design for Today’s Developers
What makes many of W.L. Martin’s home plans stand out is their ability to blend these historical inspirations with practical, regionally sensitive design. We tend to focus on styles that are conservative—not flashy or overly trendy—but ones that work well in a variety of neighborhoods and climates. Developers across North America find value in designs that respect traditional forms while still accommodating the expectations of modern homebuyers.
From time-tested colonial symmetry to Craftsman warmth and the casual feel of the American ranch, today’s homes are built on a legacy of global architecture. At W.L. Martin Home Designs, we honor those roots by offering house plans that reflect history, function, and regional sensibility—all with the flexibility builders need to bring them to life.
Let us help you find the perfect plan that fits not only your project but the community it’s meant for.
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