Driving through Midwest neighborhoods will show you a variety of conventional home styles. We’ve put together this guide to aid if you’ve ever wondered what kind of houses you might find in Ohio and Michigan. There are many famous architectural house styles in the region, from the traditional to the modern.

While there are beautiful Michigan lake houses to get inspired by, there are several things that you should know about before you imitate the design. Scroll down to look into the designs of popular homes in Ohio and Michigan and to know more about the Michigan lake house exterior styles. 

Ohio has a mix of contemporary and traditional architecture, similar to the Michigan lake house exterior style homes. Where you live in the area will determine what you see; however, Ohio may have these types of homes:

1. Colonial Style Homes Like Michigan Lake House Exterior

Colonial Style Homes Like Michigan Lake House Exterior
  1. Double-storiedColonial homes are ideal for big families because they’re designed to feel stately and have the height of an upper story.
  2. Symmetrical architecture Simple symmetrical patterns give off an amazing vibe. The interior of these houses is also symmetrical.
  3. Elegant Entrance A Colonial home’s entrance exudes a sense of grandeur that matches the home’s overall design. Beautiful front doors, covered areas, and other elements can be seen as one can find in Michigan lake house exterior designs.
  4. Colonnade Facade This ornamental feature frequently holds an extension above the entrance door. It offers enduring functionality and style.
  5. Sloping Roof The roof keeps the structure’s neat, symmetrical appearance. From the middle, it gently sloped toward the front and rear of the home. This type of roof is also seen in Michigan lake house exterior style homes.

2. Craftsman Style Home As Seen In Michigan Lake House Exterior Homes

Craftsman Style Home As Seen In Michigan Lake House Exterior Homes
  1. Front PorchWith the enclosed front porches that are often included with a Craftsman home, enjoy a place to relax in the shade just like in the Michigan lake house exterior homes.
  2. Tapering ColumnsColumns in Craftsman homes typically have a tapered appearance rather than the homogeneous forms you would find in a Colonial home. Instead, they become narrower as they ascend, becoming wider at the base.
  3. Detailed and Exposed Rafter Tails These elements are both useful and fashionable. These are frequently handcrafted elements that sustain the roof and offer fine detail.
  4. Overhung Roof Eaves Craftsman homes have overhanging eaves that expose the building’s rafter tails. That adds a little more breadth and depth like Michigan lake house exterior homes.
  5. Single but Large Dormers on the RoofsA window is usually present in a dormer, which protrudes from the rooftop to add character to the roofline.
  6. Muted Tone of EarthA Craftsman-style house usually has green tones or muted brown unless it has just had the paint redone. These hues make the architecture pop as in Michigan lake house exterior-style homes.

3. Industrial Loft-Style Homes

 Industrial Loft-Style Homes
  1. Transformed Factories Old factories now house a variety of residences. They have wide windows and square, brick exteriors.
  2. Freeform LayoutAn open floor plan is possible in an industrial loft because of the huge space in old industrial buildings. They are similar to Michigan lake house exterior homes.
  3. High CeilingHigh ceilings and an open design combine to make the space feel vast. As a result, there is space for sleeping just above the ground floor.
  4. Exposed Brick Work To keep the factory aesthetic, exposed brick as well as other materials from the exterior is maintained inside as we will see in Michigan lake house exterior homes.

4. Contemporary Style Homes Alike The Michigan Lake House Exterior Homes

Contemporary Style Homes Alike The Michigan Lake House Exterior Homes
  1. Concrete, Metal, and Glass as Material Combining these clean materials gives the facade a very modern appearance while limiting texture, very similar to Michigan lake house exterior homes.
  2. Open Layout Open concept living is more popular in modern interior design. As a result, your family spaces are connected, and your home is appropriate for hosting.
  3. Futuristic Design Distinctive details depart from the traditional ones of the preceding century. As an alternative, some residences choose futuristic elements.
  4. Flat Roofline It is more common in modern homes than traditional, pitched ones.
  5. Straight, Sleek LinesSleek, flat roofs have lines that flow into the rest of the architecture of a contemporary home. Squared forms and straight-line features are common in these homes as well as in Michigan lake house exterior homes.

5. Farmhouse Style

Farmhouse Style
  1. Rectangular Foundation Farmhouses have a simplistic layout. For additional room and dimension, they begin with a rectangular design and add-on rooms. You can also find rectangular foundations in Michigan lake house exterior homes.
  2. Non-Fussy LineBecause of the simple outlines that are present in both the building and the details of a farmhouse, it has a no-fuss appearance.
  3. Tall and Narrow WindowsA farmhouse’s tall windows provide the impression of greater height. There might also be traditional shutter accents on these windows.
  4. Wide PorchLarge farmhouse porches let you take in the outdoors. They may cover the full facade’s front or extend to the sides similar to Michigan lake house exterior homes.
  5. Wooden SidingModern materials are not used for the siding of traditional farmhouses. Some retakes and modifications keep that appearance.
  6. Metal Roofing To create an eye-catching effect, metal roofing further resembles the appearance of a barn and contradicts the materials below.

Given their proximity, several housing designs from Michigan can be seen in Ohio as well. Both states, for instance, have elements of colonial architecture. Even though there may be some overlap, Michigan lake house exterior styles are found in these house types:

1. Bungalow Style Michigan Lake House Exterior Homes

Bungalow Style Michigan Lake House Exterior Homes
  1. One or Partial Story with Sloped Roof One-floor bungalows are common in Michigan lake house exterior homes. For a little extra space, those with taller, pitched roofs can have a half-second story.
  2. Square Footage A bungalow’s tiny size dictates that the interior won’t have much room. Because of it, it is appropriate for young couples and small families.
  3. Dormer Style Windows Dormers may be scattered around the roofs of bungalows. Even on a tiny house, that produces a more intricate roof for Michigan lake house exterior homes.
  4. VerandahsVerandas or other covered areas may be present on the first floor of some bungalows. As an alternative to porches, these offer enclosed outdoor spaces.
  5. Craftsman Style Bungalows may have elements of the Craftsman style, such as handcrafted embellishments and roof detailing.

2. Prairie Homes Found in Michigan Lake House Exterior Style

Prairie Homes Found in Michigan Lake House Exterior Style
  1. Short Compared to other forms, prairie homes have a smaller profile. They typically have a single, modestly tall story.
  2. Horizontality Almost every accent inside a Prairie house runs parallel with the ground, from siding to trimmings, emphasizing the short appearance.
  3. Natural Materials Natural materials are used in Prairie homes to avoid seeming ostentatious. Moreover, they often retain their original colors like Michigan lake house exterior homes.
  4. Flat and Long Roofs Compared to contemporary designs, prairie homes’ roofs are not as flat. Yet, they possess a lower pitch to keep their appearance shorter.
  5. Series of Windows Some Prairie homes feature rows of windows to simulate a glass wall. The interior appears larger as a result.
  6. Wide Open Spaces Prairie homes are modest in size, but the interiors are open. For entertaining, they concentrate on the dining and living rooms.

3. Ranch-Style Homes

Ranch-Style Homes
  1. Single Story Although these modest homes are one-story, they are frequently big enough to be able to least accommodate a small family.
  2. MixMaterial Facade Siding and masonry, regardless of brick or other embellishments, are used in ranch-style homes.
  3. Garage Included For convenience, attached garages are a common feature of ranch homes. It increases the facade and provides homes with extra space and storage.
  4. Low-Pitched Roof Ranch houses resemble homes in the prairie. They aren’t particularly tall, which the low-pitch roof also contributes to.
  5. Simple Details Ranches are simple homes. They have simple architectural elements to maintain the simplicity of Michigan lake house exterior homes.

4. Art and Craft Style Homes

Art and Craft Style Homes
  1. Exposed Beam ConstructionArts and Crafts homes include exposed beams both inside and out. These specifics provide evidence of the building process.
  2. Locally Available Materials Local materials are used in Arts & Crafts architecture. As a result, hardly much material needs to be transported for these Michigan lake house exterior homes.
  3. Handmade Elements Similar to Craftsman designs, Arts and Crafts homes include handmade details all over the outside.
  4. Simpler Details Arts and Crafts architecture emphasizes the importance of handmade detailing. These homes are very simple, which makes construction easier for Michigan lake house exterior homes.
  5. Common Several Arts & Crafts homes resemble Prairie homes & bungalows in appearance, design, or atmosphere. Shorter structures and comparable architectural features could be present in these Michigan lake house exterior homes.

5. Victorian Style Michigan Lake House Exterior Homes

Victorian Style Michigan Lake House Exterior Homes
  1. Bright Tone Colors Because of their distinctive color schemes, which range from pink and yellow to green and yellow, Victorian residences are easily recognized.
  2. Ornamental FacadeA Victorian home’s intricate details, such as the window trimmings and rafter tails, might keep you enthralled for hours.
  3. Steep Roofline Victorian homes are incredibly tall, and their dramatic, pitched roofs give more room for details in Michigan lake house exterior homes.
  4. Towers, Turrets, and DormersVictorian homes, with their tall towers, turrets, and intricate dormers, have an almost castle-like feel to them.
  5. Use of Stained GlassVictorian homes are distinct because of the elaborate decorations that continue in the doors and windows with stained glass accents.

Top Examples of Michigan Lake House Exterior Design

1. Michigan Lake House Exterior Design By Design Build Concepts Studio

Michigan Lake House Exterior Design By Design Build Concepts Studio

Design Build Concepts, based in Byron Lake Estates, Michigan, built this stunning contemporary Michigan lake house exterior from scratch. This 4,644 sq. ft Michigan lake house exterior, which is rich with craftsmanship, was built to take advantage of the breathtaking lake views.

The lake is beautifully and effortlessly displayed from each level thanks to the design, open concept, and window placement. The interiors were designed by the project team using their distinctive bespoke cabinetry, attention to detail, and trim work.

Michigan Lake House Interior Design By Design Build Concepts Studio

Some Facts You Should Know About This House

  1. Michigan lake house exterior style home has a four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom home’s highlights include a lovely functioning butler’s pantry, a snack bar, a beautiful kitchen, and a grill deck, making it ideal for entertaining. 
  2. The home is the epitome of a lake house, complete with a hot tub area, a warm four-season room, and a two-story indoor/outdoor fireplace.
  3. Through its big windows, this Michigan lake house exterior offers the most serene views of both the lake and the woods. 
  4. This house is ideal for families to live in thanks to its spacious, light interiors and cozy decor. 
  5. There are plenty of spaces for entertainment, including a lovely four-season porch, a roomy family room on the lower level, and a grilling terrace.

2. Michigan Lake House Exterior Design by Brick & Batten Studio

Michigan Lake House Exterior Design by Brick & Batten Studio

Meghan G. called brick and batten for a consultation on the renovation of the Michigan lake house exterior style home. On an inside lake lies this lovely house.

It serves as both a holiday house and a short-term rental for Meghan and her family. She was aware that an external renovation would not only enhance her family’s lakeside delight but would also ensure that the property is rented out when they are not using it.

Before The Make-Over of The Michigan Lake House Exterior

Before The Make-Over of The Michigan Lake House Exterior

Meghan intended to replace the exterior, roof, sliding doors, and gable windows on her lake house (altering their slope to match the slope of the roof outdoors vs. the ceiling indoors). She also was interested in extending the deck so that her Michigan lake house exterior had two levels, the lowest level being on the downslope of the yard and closer to the lake.

She said, “We are drawn to grays and blues, and natural wood tones. We particularly like wooden shake and blue siding but are not sure if that is the right choice.”

The Make-Over of The Michigan Lake House Exterior 

The Make-Over of The Michigan Lake House Exterior

Brick & Batten considered Meghan’s request and worked on the color palette of the Michigan lake house exterior with a sophisticated and cozy implementation. 

In the lush green backdrop, the Hardie® Panel Vertical Siding on the lower level and DaVinci Slate Blue shake siding on the main level both look beautiful. Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore makes the trim stand out. Eventually, the warm wood Meghan had suggested is introduced by a stunning two-tier deck. Click here to see the exterior house colors.

Moreover, Brick & Batten offered an alternative deck skirting illustration and separated the vertical siding from the shake with a natural wood trim piece for Meghan’s Michigan lake house exterior style home. In the end, they decided to renovate the outside of Meghan’s lake property in Michigan using a more monochromatic color scheme. They experimented with this style using the paint colors Gentleman’s Gray and Newburg Green by Benjamin Moore.

The Process of Make-Over of Michigan Lake House Exterior

The Process of Make-Over of Michigan Lake House Exterior

Meghan decided to continue using the Newburg Green color scheme in her Michigan lake house exterior. She ultimately settled on utilizing a Brazilian black walnut deck material that she discovered in stock and a black rail with vertical wires. The entire renovation process took about three months.

After Story of The Michigan Lake House Exterior

After Story of The Michigan Lake House Exterior

Meghan chose a striking yet elegant paint color for her Michigan lake house exterior. Also, her new deck significantly increases the lake house’s summertime living space. There are now a ton of spots to relax and take in lake breezes in this Michigan lake house exterior-style home!

3. Michigan Lake House Exterior Design by Desai Chia Architects

Michigan Lake House Exterior Design by Desai Chia Architects

A Michigan lake house exterior style home was constructed by the architectural firm Desai Chia Architects, based in New York, and features walls made of blackened oak and an outstretched roof that provides shade for an outdoor lounging space. Leelanau County in the state, where Michigan Lake House Exterior is situated, is renowned for its dunes and crystal clear lakes.

At the end of the kitchen, the roof of the Michigan lake house exterior style home extends 20 ft (6 m) to provide a sizable, covered outdoor lounging space with views of the lake and a fireplace. The roof is made to resemble a rolling landscape, “a playful reference to the vernacular architecture of nearby fishing villages,” said the firm.

Michigan Lake House side view Design by Desai Chia Architects

This Michigan lake house exterior was constructed using recycled materials that were on site. Its exterior cladding was constructed from dying ash trees. The wood was treated using a traditional Japanese method known as shou sugi ban, which includes burning and blackening the wood to make it resistant to both weather and pests.

Michigan Lake House Interior Design by Desai Chia Architects

Their custom cabinetry, as well as the covered walls and ceilings, and the custom cabinetry, are all made of wood in the interiors of the Michigan Lake House exterior style home. The master bedroom of this Michigan lake house exterior style home features a private bathroom and a sizable corner window that overlooks the lake. On the right side of the foyer, there are two bathrooms, three extra bedrooms, and a hallway.

The Michigan lake house exterior is divided into two wings, with the open-concept living, dining, and kitchen areas separated by a formal dining room. A wood table with eight chairs and a glass back wall serve as the focal points of the room’s center.

4. Michigan Lake House Exterior Design by Visbeen Architects

Michigan Lake House Exterior Design by Visbeen Architects

With their expertise, Visbeen Architects along with their in-house interior design company, Vision Interiors, were able to design a 2,781 sq. ft. Michigan lake house exterior style home with plenty of space for guests.

Visbeen sought to build a Michigan lake house exterior style home with a distinctive façade at a reasonable cost. He created a simple Michigan lake house exterior style home that would be simple to construct and reasonably priced. Visbeen designed a home that blends into the older houses in the neighborhood by giving the impression that it has been around the lake for years and has been added to over time.

Michigan Lake House backyard

Metal roofs cover the porches, while shingles cover the main gable of the Michigan lake house exterior style home. With its Craftsman-inspired design, board-and-batten siding, stone chimneys, and embellishments, Visbeen paid respect to the local lake architecture.

Visbeen gave the impression that the living area was considerably larger by creating functional and adaptable rooms. A dining room and lounge with an open hearth are included in the screened-in porch. When insects are active, flexible screens can keep the area safe or open it up to the remainder of the patio.

An Attractive View of The Michigan Lake House Exterior From the Street

An Attractive View of The Michigan Lake House Exterior From the Street

To make the Michigan lake house exterior level with the street, Visbeen gently raised it. Transom windows give the garage doors character, and the entry porch offers protection from bad weather. The garage and the porch’s hipped roof serve as a façade break. The architect identified a few unique features, including the stone, the roof accents, the corbel, and the false louvers at the apex.

Functional Hallway Of The Michigan Lake House Exterior Style Home

Functional Hallway Of The Michigan Lake House Exterior Style Home

The layout of Visbeen makes the best use of the narrow and long lot. The objectives were to design an easy flow, provide a ton of function and storage, and make the most of the lake views. A drop-off area, coat closet, and cupboards are located to the right of the entrance door. Further down the hallway are a laundry room, powder room, and butler’s pantry.

Tongue-and-groove ceiling paneling, wainscoting, hickory floors, and doors give the space a cabin-like feel, and Visbeen devised subtle but effective methods to infuse it with a feeling of graciousness in the Michigan lake house exterior style home. For instance, instead of making the staircase run straight, he included a bend and a tiny landing.

The Public Spaces In The Michigan Lake House Exterior Style Home

The Public Spaces In The Michigan Lake House Exterior Style Home

The dining area, kitchen, living room, and sun porch are all located in one large room that is accessible from the hallway. All of the venues have water views thanks to the open layout. 

A deep blue built-in wall in the dining area that was inspired by lakes features a rich walnut countertop that doubles as a buffet and bar. Its backsplash is made of mirrors, which reflect light and give the room a more spacious appearance.

The Outdoor Spaces In The Michigan Lake House Exterior Style Home

The Outdoor Spaces In The Michigan Lake House Exterior Style Home

The indoor and outdoor areas flow into one another without interruption. Its outdoor chambers open to the remainder of the patio when these motorized screens are raised. Patios and porches are kept in harmony by bluestone pavers. The porch has a seating area with a stone fireplace and a dining area.

Master Suite on First Floor Of The Michigan Lake House Exterior Style Home

Master Suite on First Floor Of The Michigan Lake House Exterior Style Home

The master suite is built behind the garage on the other side of the Michigan lake house exterior style home from the hallway and common areas. A study can function as a shared area or as a component of the personal bedroom suite thanks to its adaptability. It doubles as a reading nook, home office, and TV cave in addition to an expansion of the living area. The doorways used throughout the house are matched by hickory paneling. A spacious shower cubicle with a bench, as well as a standalone soaking tub, are also included in the master bathroom.

Spaces on the Second Floor Of The Michigan Lake House Exterior Style Home

Spaces on the Second Floor Of The Michigan Lake House Exterior Style Home

The homeowners of this Michigan lake house exterior style home wanted to exercise with a view of the lake since they value staying physically fit and working out. Visbeen refers to the enormous square hallway in the middle of the plus-shaped upstairs floor plan as “the loft.” 

The bathroom, two bedrooms, and gym are scattered throughout the loft’s square layout. Large wood pocket doors with panes of glass, among other unique features, allow lake vistas from the loft’s exercise room.

Under the dormers inside the roofline are the house’s two guest rooms. This headboard’s wainscoting offers a decorative architectural element. The modestly sized room seems intimate rather than claustrophobic thanks to a bed with an exposed headboard and footboard.

Its bathroom on the second floor was divided into two areas by Visbeen: including two vanities placed side by side and another with a pocket door that housed the shower cubicle and toilet. Three people may use the bathroom simultaneously when the house is full. The homeowners’ preferred earthy vibe is brought in with the clay tile flooring, and the brass finishes warm things up even more. You can explore modern grey house exterior color schemes.

The bunk room also features a king-size bed with two additional bedspreads above it. The area is both useful and inviting thanks to the shelves and sconces.

Give It A Thought To Michigan Lake House Exterior Style

As you move around the world, you will find cottage-style modern homes booming now and then. And Michigan lake house exterior styles are among the top lake homes to own. 

Once you have read this piece, you must have gained some insight into it. Now is the time to invest in some valuable assets, like a lake home. Explore the market and get a Michigan lake house exterior for yourself. 

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FAQs

1. What Are the Styles of Houses Available in Michigan?

There are several combinations of contemporary and traditional style homes in Michigan, some of the most common styles are – 
Bungalow Style Michigan Lake House Exterior
Ranch Style Michigan Lake House Exterior Homes
Prairie Michigan Lake House Exterior Homes
Victorian Style Michigan Lake House Exterior Homes
Arts and Crafts Style Michigan Lake House Exterior Homes

2. What Do You Call Home on a Lake?

A house on the lake is called a waterfront home or a lakefront home. They extend to the shore of the lake. It offers a great deal of prestige, accessibility, and direct access to the lake from your front door.

3. What Are the Exterior Features of a House?

External features include the architectural style, overall layout, and texture of a building’s or other structure’s exterior, as well as the kind and design of all its doors, windows, signage, light fixtures, and other ancillary fittings.

4. Why Are Basements Provided in Michigan Homes?

The ground in Michigan Lake House Exterior can freeze up to 5 ft below the soil’s surface due to the state’s extremely cold winters. To strengthen the structure of the home and avoid foundational cracks or differential settlement, the footing should be positioned below the frost line.

5. What Does “Lake Home Style” Mean?

A kind of house called a “Lake House” is one that is often seen close to a lake. The Michigan lake house exterior usually has expansive windows and patios so that the residents may take advantage of their natural environment.

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