1940 Style House Plans

# 1940s Style House Plans: A Timeless Charm The 1940s were a time of great change and upheaval. World War II raged on, and the United States was heavily involved. But despite the challenges of the times, the 1940s also saw a great deal of innovation and progress. In the realm of architecture, the 1940s saw the emergence of several new styles, including the Ranch, Cape Cod, and Colonial Revival styles. These styles were all influenced by the war effort, as well as by the changing needs of American families. ## Characteristics of 1940s Style House Plans

1. Ranch Designs:

- Became increasingly popular during and after WWII. - Simple, low-pitched roofs. - Wide, open floor plans. - Attached garages. - Picture windows.

2. Cape Cod Houses:

- Typically 1.5 or 2 stories. - Steeply pitched roofs. - Central chimney. - Shingled exterior.

3. Colonial Revival:

- Draws inspiration from colonial-era homes. - Symmetrical facades. - Dormer windows. - Front porches.

4. Other Elements:

- Built-in cabinetry. - Hardwood floors. - Wainscoting. - Crown molding. ## Influence of the War The war had a profound impact on the design of 1940s style houses. Due to the wartime economy, resources were scarce, and homebuilders had to be resourceful. This led to the use of simple, efficient designs and materials. Many homes were built with prefabricated materials, which helped to speed up the construction process. In addition, many homes were built with smaller square footage, as families were downsizing to save money. ## Changing Family Needs The changing needs of American families also influenced the design of 1940s style houses. With more women entering the workforce, there was a need for homes that were more efficient and easier to maintain. This led to the development of open floor plans and built-in appliances. In addition, many homes were built with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, as families were growing larger. ## Conclusion The 1940s was a time of great change and innovation in the world of architecture. The styles that emerged during this time, such as the Ranch, Cape Cod, and Colonial Revival, are still popular today. These styles offer a timeless charm and appeal, and they continue to inspire new generations of homebuilders. ## How to Find 1940s Style House Plans If you're interested in building a 1940s style house, there are a few things you can do to find house plans that fit your needs. *

Online Resources:

There are a number of websites that offer 1940s style house plans. These websites typically have a wide variety of plans to choose from, and they allow you to search by features such as square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and style. *

Books and Magazines:

There are also a number of books and magazines that feature 1940s style house plans. These books and magazines can be found at most libraries and bookstores. *

Local Architects:

You may also want to consider working with a local architect to design a 1940s style house plan that is tailored to your specific needs. No matter which method you choose, you're sure to find the perfect 1940s style house plan to build your dream home.