Some families have their hearts set on a two-story colonial; others crave a clean-lined contemporary. It's all a matter of taste, budget and individual requirements. Following are seven major house styles currently popular with buyers. Learn how to recognize them by their exterior styling and floor plans, and discover the features that give each its individual appeal.

Ranch

   In many areas, the ranch house - a low slung, one story design - boasts top popularity. This style usually has a low pitched roof and conveys a feeling of spaciousness. You'll sometimes hear it called a western house. Ranch houses appeal to growing families with young kids, as well as to empty nesters. Both groups like the fact that there are no stairs to climb, and plenty of room to ramble about. Another plus: The one-story makes outdoor maintenance easier.

Colonial

   These structures trace their roots to America's colonial period, an era when homes with this simple design could be found across New England. Look for the main entrance right in the middle of the house, balanced by windows on each side. Other characteristics are a steeply pitched roof, narrowly exposed siding and little overhang. Most commonly, the houses have two stories. These homes offer good separation of living and sleeping zones, and are usually efficient to heat or cool.

Split-entry

   If you're in need of extra space at minimal cost, check out this architectural style. A bi-level design that sits low to the ground, the split entry is an economical choice for family living. When you enter a split-entry, it's just a few steps up to the kitchen, living and sleeping areas, or a few steps down to the storage and recreational areas.

Contemporary

   Contemporary styles run the gamut from one-story, flat-roofed structures to multi-story homes with gabled or multi-directional shed roofs. Still, a keynote of their layout and design is simplicity, the better the showcase clean lines and modern materials such as concrete. "Form follows function" often dictates the design, so - not surprisingly - these homes are practical and conveniently laid out.

Mediterranean

   Mediterranean-style houses are rich with Spanish-inspired decorative details. Customary features include white stucco walls, red tile roofs, arched doorways or windows, carved doors and an asymmetrical facade. These homes generally have low-pitched roofs with little or no overhang.

Tri-level

   Also called split-levels, these houses offer three levels of space. Typically, the lower level hoses the basement, service areas and family room; the main level contains space for living, cooking and eating; and the upper level provides a place to sleep. Since it goes up not out, it;s the perfect design for a small lot. Many multi-level homes are built with two levels below the grade, to make best use of natural insulation. They are particularly well-suited to sloping sites.

Saltbox

   The saltbox is a variation on the colonial theme. It's distinguished by the lean-to-addition on its back wall. Like the original designs, its main entrance is centered and flanked by equal numbers of multi-paned, double-hung windows. Trim and decorative details are minimal. Saltboxes generally have narrow siding; many have large, centered chimneys.