A Tale Of Two Homes

By Lana Bingham

August 9^th celebrates Book Lover’s Day. What better time to curl up in a big, comfy chair in your reading nook, and lose yourself in a novel. An English professor may suggest reading Charles Dickens famous literary work, “A Tale of Two Cities.” However, for those who may be debating what type of custom home style would work best for them, a new home builder Tampa would recommend reading, “A Tale Of Two Homes.” This short story offers a comparison of two very different styles of Florida homes, inspired by two very different places.

Home #1: A Cozy and Inviting Key West Charmer

A Key West home creates a coastal style, which is light and breezy in design, with pops of playful colors. The exterior provides shady porches or balconies for relaxing and enjoying the view. Colorful shutters often adorn the windows. A defining characteristic of this style of home is the sloped metal roofing, which is beneficial for tropical climates, as it can reflect heat and reduce rain water accumulation. Landscaping typically includes giant palms and lush greenery, surrounded by bright colored plants and flowers. While the kitchen is usually light and open, other rooms may take on pastel seaside colors, such as, corals and light blues and greens. Hand-carved oak often lines the floors. The overall theme of the home says, “Set your clocks to island time.”

Home #2: A Sprawling Mediterranean Mansion

A Mediterranean home reflects Spanish style architecture, characterized by artistic elegance and intricate details. The exterior is stucco, with a barrel tiled roof, spacious patios and wrought-iron balconies. Shades of brown, cream and terra cotta can be found throughout the home in paint selections and natural stone flooring. A Mediterranean kitchen is a decorative masterpiece, with curved details, elaborate backsplashes and rich warm colors. Windows and door openings are typically arched and staircases are ornate, with iron balusters and hand-painted tiles. Dark toned woods flow throughout the home, reflected in the cabinets and exposed ceiling beams. It is the unique details and baroque design elements that define this style of home.

These are two very popular Florida style homes, with two very different design scopes. Other current home styles include Craftsman (or Bungalow) and Traditional (or Colonial). So how does one choose which type of home is right for them? Home builders in Tampa Florida suggest that your home should reflect you and your family’s unique personality and lifestyle. Building a custom home allows you to select your own size, style, and finishes, all with the guided assistance of a professional designer. If interested in learning more about the different options available, and how style can affect the cost of a custom home, visit our Online Get a Quote Function.