Foursquare Homes Come Full Circle in U.S. Architecture

Popular in the USA from the 1890s to the 1930s, the straightforward American foursquare home was made in reaction to elaborate Victorian architecture. Having an easy, boxy design, hip roof, centre dormer and front porch, American foursquares were efficient and economical to build.

Their straightforward floor programs have been typically quartered, as in, two rooms deep by two rooms wide on both tales. The exterior’s cubic shape and the inside’s simple floor plan spoke to the masses, however homeowners got hand-crafted detailing and architectural charm. In reaction to this, many builders began to integrate characteristics. You’re likely to find foursquare homes all over the U.S., each with its economical floor plan, front porch, symmetrical facade and understated nature.

PC, moore Architects

This historic Virginia foursquare home received an addition and a restoration that concentrated on preserving its classic proportions and characteristics.

Tarl LaRocco Designs

Partial-width front porches are a frequent exterior characteristic of foursquare homes. This Nashville home also has Craftsman characteristics such as stone pedestals, a three-panel front door and square-tapered columns.

First Lamp

Foursquare homes have eaves with exposed rafter tails.

Carla Aston | Interior Designer

An offset front entrance in an otherwise symmetrical front facade is quite common on American foursquare-style homes that lack a formal foyer.

Brooks Ballard

This house pays homage to the Craftsman influence of the foursquare. Historical characteristics include the house’s dormer, brick porch pedestals, Prairie-style window muntins and ribbon driveway.

Ron Brenner Architects

A rabbit weather vane provides a crowning touch to this classic American foursquare in Minneapolis.

Beaconstreet Builders, Inc..

Symmetrical American foursquare style incorporates elements of Craftsman style, for example square-tapered columns.

Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc..

Foursquares feature an easy floor plan that is typically quartered. They’re most often two rooms deep by two rooms wide, with a conventional dining area and living area at the front of the house, separated by a foyer and stairs.

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

The kitchen is always found in a rear quarter of their first floor, leading to a backyard. You’re also likely to find push-button light switches in authentic foursquares.

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