Picture yourself walking down a coastal road. You see a big house set against the sky, wrapped in weathered shingles that flow over walls and roofs. The roof dips and sweeps, reaching out to a long, shady porch. Maybe there’s a tower or a curve where you didn’t expect it. This is a Shingle Style home—a style that’s all about comfort, connection to nature, and a little touch of the unexpected. Let’s break down the key features, one by one.
1. Wood Shingles—From Top to Bottom
At first glance, the most striking thing about a Shingle Style house is, well, the shingles! Instead of bright paint or brick, these homes wear a “coat” of wood shingles, often cedar. The shingles wrap the walls and sometimes even the roof, giving the house a soft, natural look. Over time, the wood weathers to gentle grays and browns, blending the home into its landscape. This makes each Shingle Style house unique, as no two weather the same way.
But the shingles aren’t just for looks. They are flexible and can curve over corners, following the home’s rounded shapes and arches. This creates a smooth, flowing effect that you don’t see in most other house styles.
2. Asymmetry Is Everything
Forget about perfect squares or strict rectangles. Shingle Style houses love to break the rules. Their shapes are often irregular, with wings that reach out, bump-outs that jut in unexpected directions, and a general sense of movement. From the street, it may look like the house “grew” over time, adding new parts as needed.
This asymmetry isn’t just about looks. It makes the house feel relaxed and lived-in as if you could wander from room to room, always finding a new nook or cranny. It’s one reason why these homes feel so welcoming and real.
3. Complex, Sweeping Rooflines
The roof is another place where Shingle Style homes stand apart. Unlike simple peaked roofs, these houses boast long, low, and often complex rooflines. You might spot gables, hips, gambrels, and even little towers or turrets—all on one house! Some roofs gently curve over porches or windows, echoing the natural landscape.
This playful approach to roofing gives Shingle Style homes a certain drama and character. From some angles, they almost look like cozy castles, ready to shelter you from the world.
4. Porches That Welcome You In
What’s a great house without a great porch? Shingle Style homes almost always include a generous porch, often wrapping around at least one side. These porches are built for gathering with friends, sipping lemonade, or just watching the world go by.
The columns holding up the porch roof tend to be plain and sturdy, keeping the focus on the natural beauty of the wood and stone. Some homes even have stone bases or steps leading up to the porch, grounding the whole design in the earth.
5. Minimal Exterior Decoration
Many Victorian-era houses are famous for their fancy trim, brackets, and gingerbread details. Shingle Style homes take a different path. They keep things simple on the outside, skipping most decorative extras. Instead, they let the shingles, the shape, and the structure of the house do the talking.
This simplicity gives the style a timeless feel. The homes never look too busy or fussy. Instead, they project a quiet confidence, letting their natural materials and easy lines stand out.
6. Open, Flowing Interiors
Step inside a Shingle Style house, and you’ll notice something special. Unlike many old homes with closed-off rooms and long hallways, Shingle Style interiors often feel open and airy. Rooms flow into each other, and there’s usually a sense of connection between spaces.
You might find built-in benches, cozy window seats, or little alcoves tucked under stairs or in corners. There’s always a spot to curl up with a book, have a conversation, or just gaze out at the view. This “nooks and crannies” approach makes the home feel both grand and cozy.
7. Big Windows and Natural Light
Light is a big deal in Shingle Style design. The homes usually feature big windows, often grouped together. You’ll see bay windows, picture windows, and sometimes charming eyebrow dormers (small curved windows set into the roof). This love of windows lets the outdoors in, filling the house with sun and sky.
And because many of these homes are built near the coast, the windows often frame beautiful views—rolling lawns, dunes, or the ocean itself.
8. Harmony with Nature
Shingle Style homes don’t fight with their environment—they settle right in. The natural tones of the wood shingles blend with rocks, trees, and seagrasses. Many homes are nestled on rocky bluffs or wooded lots, designed to look like they’ve always been part of the landscape.
Landscaping is often simple and natural, using native plants and stone pathways. Some homes even feature stone chimneys or walls, further connecting the house to the earth.
9. Stonework and Rustic Accents
While shingles cover most surfaces, stone also plays a starring role. Many Shingle Style homes use rough-cut stone for their foundations, porch steps, or even outdoor fireplaces. This gives the homes a rustic, hand-built vibe that pairs perfectly with the natural wood above.
The stone adds visual weight and a sense of stability. It also ties the home to the landscape, making it feel anchored and solid—even on the windiest coastline.
10. Coastal and Suburban Settings
Shingle Style houses are closely tied to America’s favorite seaside destinations. The style became popular in New England coastal towns like Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. Today, you’ll also see Shingle Style homes in places like the Hamptons and along the Jersey Shore.
But you don’t have to live near the ocean to love this style. Many suburbs across the U.S. feature Shingle Style houses, drawn by their comfort, casual beauty, and connection to nature.
Final Thoughts
Shingle Style homes are more than just a pretty face. They offer warmth, comfort, and a deep sense of home. You don’t need to live at the beach to enjoy their charm. With wood shingles, sweeping roofs, and welcoming porches, these houses bring out the best in simple, American living.
