How Americans and Europeans Design Differently

A recent survey identified the differences and similarities between American and European home style and material preferences.

Conducted by Porch, an app for finding contractors, the survey found that both Europeans and Americans like ranch houses, prefer suburban areas over urban or rural, and appreciate waterfront property (51.9 percent and 44.8 percent respectively). Fast Company reports that Americans differed primarily in their preference for larger spaces: They desired an average of 4,982 square feet compared to Europeans’ ideal 1,589 square feet, four bedrooms and three baths compared to three beds and two baths, and larger plots (10.6 acres versus just 0.9).

Materials are another interesting glimpse into both groups: Europeans lean toward wood roofs and stone walls, while Americans like brick and shingles. They agree on granite kitchen countertops, but Americans prefer tile floors to Europeans’ marble and stone floors. While everyone agrees that real wood flooring is ideal elsewhere, the runner-up for almost 30% Americans and just 11% of Europeans was carpeting. Carpeting.

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