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Brick is ideal for recreating many period homesBy Metro Creative ServicesLet’s face it, the plethora of terms used by builders, architects and Realtors can be confusing at best, especially when you consider that many homes built today are a mix of several different styles. The guide below should help you identify some of the most popular styles, including Tudor, English Country, Craftsman Bungalows and Prairie style homes, which were recently named the top home styles in About.com’s Dream House survey. You’ll also find a “brick pick” — a suggested brick type that lends itself well to the individual home style. Because brick is so diverse in its color, texture, mortar and pattern options, it is a top choice for all the architectural styles listed below. Tudor and English Country — This cozy style is reminiscent of Medieval English cottages and manor homes and often include small, diamond-paned windows and exposed wood framing. Intricately patterned brickwork is also a hallmark of this period home. The Tudor was originally built from 1890 - 1940, but is seeing a resurgence as indicated by its No. 1 position on the Dream House survey. The English country or cottage style home is similar to the Tudor, though somewhat less grand and without the exposed beamwork. This picturesque style resembles a storybook cottage with cozy corners, quirky angles and other charming details. Brick Pick: Antique-look brick (also referred to as wood-mold, handmade or tumbled) in muted stone-like earth tones — buff, tan, charcoal gray or even a subdued red — with decorative patterning in accent areas. Craftsman Bungalow — A true American original, these homey bungalows featuring low-pitched roofs and exposed rafters were all the rage at the beginning of the 20th century, starting in California and quickly spreading to the rest of the country. The style’s popularity ended in the 1930s, but it is now making a comeback thanks, in part, to movements toward simpler living. Representing structural simplicity, efficient use of space and understated style, it was named the No. 2 style in the Dream House survey. Brick Pick: Understated and utilitarian, dark brown, extruded brick (very linear and consistent from brick to brick) is a perfect choice for this style. Dark green trim will accentuate the Craftsman look. Prairie — Frank Lloyd Wright pioneered this modern style in Chicago at the turn of the century. Low-pitched hip roofs make these homes look as though they are part of the earth, and the square, often symmetrical lines reflect strength and homespun values. Brick, which literally comes from the clay of the earth and is formed into modular, rectangular shapes, is a perfect fit for the Prairie style home. Brick Pick: A mixture of earth-tone brick (reds, browns and creams) blend seamlessly into the Prairie style home — the colors can be mixed or used in color blocks on different parts of the house. As with Craftsman homes, extruded brick works better than antique-look on the Prairie home. French Countryside — Originally popular in the U.S. from 1915 - 1945, this style includes French Provincial, Normandy and Eclectic designs. Normandy homes resemble miniature castles with arched doorways and round towers, while Provincial houses are much more square and symmetrical, resembling small manor homes with tall hipped roofs and window shutters (think Madeline’s “old house in Paris that was covered with vines”). French Eclectic borrows from both styles and other French influences for unique looks. Brick Pick: Cool grays work well on all of these sophisticated French styles. Light gray matching mortar between the smooth, extruded brick gives these homes clean lines that allow decorative brick accents like quoins to standout. Colonial — Another broad category, this genre includes popular Georgian and Federal style homes, introduced to the U.S. just before and just after the American Revolution, respectively. Both styles were the result of influences from across the pond and were popular with new Americans trying to re-create familiar icons of prestige. Though the two are often confused, the difference is in the details. While Georgian homes are square and angular, Federal style homes include more curved lines and decorative flourishes than their simpler Georgian counterparts. Brick Pick: Classic red brick is ideal for both of these traditional style homes. Choosing an antique variety enhances the Colonial period appeal. While it’s the look and feel of brick that makes it work in so many different home styles, once it’s in place, homeowners will reap many other benefits including a low-maintenance home, increased resale value (brick homes have a 6 percent higher resale value than their non-brick neighbors) and a feeling of security that comes from living in a home that protects against a variety of threats — from fire to mold to bullets. Once you’ve picked the style of home you like and have your house plans selected, visit your local brick distributor’s showroom to make your “brick pick.” They will be happy to help you find just the right match for your dream home — no matter what style or size home you’re building. Remember, even the grandest architectural styles can be adapted to fit the not-so-big home. To find a distributor near you, visit the Brick Industry Association at www.brickinfo.org or contact one of the regional associations listed below. 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