New Orleans Common House Styles

Introduction to New Orleans Architecture

New Orleans is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and unique architecture. The city’s common house styles reflect its cultural diversity and historical development. From the French Quarter to the Garden District, each neighborhood boasts its own distinct architectural character. In this blog post, we will explore the most common house styles found in New Orleans, highlighting their characteristics, history, and significance.

Shotgun Houses

Shotgun houses are one of the most iconic and prevalent house styles in New Orleans. These narrow, rectangular houses typically feature a long, straight hallway that runs from the front to the back of the house, with rooms arranged on either side. The term “shotgun” is believed to have originated from the idea that a shotgun could be fired from the front door and the bullet would exit through the back door without hitting anything. Shotgun houses are often decorated with ornate trim and molding, adding to their charm and character.

Creole Cottages

Creole cottages are another common house style in New Orleans. These small, one-story houses typically feature a pitched roof, a wide porch, and a central chimney. Creole cottages are often painted in bright colors, adding to the city’s vibrant atmosphere. They are typically found in the city’s older neighborhoods, such as the French Quarter and the Marigny.

Greek Revival Houses

Greek Revival houses are a popular style in New Orleans, particularly in the Garden District. These houses typically feature a pedimented gable, a wide porch with Ionic columns, and a symmetrical facade. Greek Revival houses are often painted in muted colors, such as white or beige, and are surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.

Italianate Houses

Italianate houses are a unique and stylish house style found in New Orleans. These houses typically feature a flat or shallowly pitched roof, a wide eave overhang, and ornate brackets. Italianate houses are often painted in bold colors, adding to their dramatic appearance. They are typically found in the city’s wealthier neighborhoods, such as the Garden District and Uptown.

Queen Anne Houses

Queen Anne houses are a charming and eclectic house style found in New Orleans. These houses typically feature a steeply pitched roof, a tower or turret, and ornate woodwork. Queen Anne houses are often painted in bright colors, adding to their whimsical appearance. They are typically found in the city’s older neighborhoods, such as the Garden District and Uptown.

🏠 Note: Many of these house styles have been influenced by the city's cultural and historical context, and may feature elements from multiple styles.

Table of Common House Styles in New Orleans

House Style	Characteristics	Neighborhoods
Shotgun	Narrow, rectangular shape; long, straight hallway	French Quarter, Treme, Marigny
Creole Cottage	Pitched roof; wide porch; central chimney	French Quarter, Marigny, Bywater
Greek Revival	Pedimented gable; wide porch with Ionic columns; symmetrical facade	Garden District, Uptown, Carrollton
Italianate	Flat or shallowly pitched roof; wide eave overhang; ornate brackets	Garden District, Uptown, Esplanade Ridge
Queen Anne	Steeply pitched roof; tower or turret; ornate woodwork	Garden District, Uptown, Carrollton

In summary, New Orleans’ common house styles reflect the city’s rich history, cultural diversity, and unique architectural character. From the shotgun houses of the French Quarter to the Greek Revival houses of the Garden District, each neighborhood boasts its own distinct style and charm. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a curious visitor, New Orleans’ house styles are sure to captivate and inspire.