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THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE AMERICAN
FOURSQUARE HOME STYLE
April 28, 2018
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most.
The essence of the design intent was to create the greatest amount of square
footage possible on a standard city lot. This was achieved by utilizing a box like
form, which typically included four rooms on the main level plus 4 rooms on a
second story. A pyramidal roof, covering a half-story attic space, was a common
feature, as was a large front porch.
Though ‘American Foursquare’ is the proper name for this house style, it is also
widely known as ‘box house’ , ‘cube house’, or ‘Prairie cube.’
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Because of the simplicity in lines and design, the American Foursquare was also
a very popular kit home. In fact, at one point Sears & Roebuck offered some 15
different styles in their catalog. Check out the book The Houses that Sears
Built for more information on kit houses. (this is an affiliate link)
LOCATION
Though popular throughout the country, the American Foursquare style is most
notably concentrated in the Midwest. They were primarily settled in urban areas,
on standard city lots, but were also popular in a country setting.
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SIZE
The American Foursquare home is considered to be of ‘medium’ size. Though
the original built homes were finished only on the main and second level, most
also featured a full unfinished basement and a half-story attic above – which, if
finished, could almost double the livable square footage. The homes are
typically set a few feet above grade, making them look tall and large.
The Castleton was one of the many popular kit houses that were offered in the
American Foursquare style.
EXTERIOR TRADEMARKS
BOXY SHAPE: The square footprint/ floor plan of this house style is
further accentuated by the flat appearance of the elevations. Large
double hung windows, grouped together, is commonly noted.
p
https://www.arrowhillcottage.com/the-main-elements-of-the-american-foursquare-home-style/[25-Apr-22 8:14:26 AM]
THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE AMERICAN FOURSQUARE HOME STYLE - Arrow Hill Cottage
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INTERIOR SPACES
The first floor of a traditionally built American Foursquare home usually contains
an entry foyer (often with the stairs to the second floor), a living room, dining
room, and kitchen. The second floor in the larger models has four bedrooms and
a bath. Some smaller sized homes have 3 bedrooms and a bath. These interiors
were so efficiently planned that minimal space was used as hallways or
accessory spaces. Even today, the original Foursquare’s maintain the intent of
their original floor plans – with perhaps a rear one story addition to
accommodate a larger kitchen, and/or the finishing of the attic or basement
space.
The interior styling is simple and handcrafted – with a focus on natural light, and
finely crafted woodwork. Because every room in the home is essentially a
‘corner room’ – they receive light from two directions. Built-ins such
as bookcases and window seats were popular enhancements; those building
planbook or kit houses could order room-dividing colonnades and kitchen
cabinets to accentuate the interior rooms.
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COLOR SCHEME
Because the popularity of the American Foursquare spanned many years, it is
hard to summarize the paint colors most commonly used – as the taste shifted
tremendously during this time frame. The one thing that is consistent throughout
is the basic nature of coloring utilized. Foursquare’s are meant to be simple and
classic, not showy. Where Queen Anne Victorian homes of built in the same
timeframe were adorned with multiple colors to accentuate each and every
detail, the American Foursquare featured a refined look – utilizing only two to
three main colors. Generally, more muted, ‘earthy’ and grayed colors were the
most popular.
A typical two color scheme included the body of the home is painted one color,
with the trim and other details painted another, possibly contrasting shade. For
a Foursquare home, the trim is most commonly lighter than the body paint
choice. When the roof was composed of a colorful asphalt product, it was
sometimes used as a cue for the color scheme – oftentimes homeowners would
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Hillrose | winner of the 1916 Sears Competition| popular kit house that costed
$2,000 to build in 1916. A reproduction was $1 million to build in 2016!
G.C. Stockman House| 1907 Ladies Home Journal article | Designed by Frank
Lloyd Wright
D.C Passive House | 2011 | New construction designed to look like a classic
American Foursquare, with energy saving techniques
Left to Right: 1 | 2 | 3
*** side note: My husband and I were fortunate enough to own and live in a 1904
American Foursquare, and absolutely loved it’s simplicity and practicality. They
truly are classic homes.***
I hope you have enjoyed learning a bit more about the American Foursquare
style. Curious which residential style will be featured next month? Stay tuned!
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