From Jackie Craven,
Your Guide to Architecture.
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Definition:

What do we mean when we say "house style" or "architectural style"? Why do we call some houses "Cape Cod" and others "Bungalow"? Is "Victorian" a style? Do some buildings have "no style"?

If you've ever tried to define the style of your own home, you know that "style" is a vague and confusing term. Architects, home builders, and real estate professionals often don't agree on what they mean when they describe a style.

In general, however, style is the vocabulary we use when we classify buildings according to their appearance, structure, materials, and historic period. Buildings are said to belong to the same classification (or style) when they share many of the same characteristics. Here's a quick checklist:

• roof shape and pitch
• building size and number of stories
• window size, shape, and placement
• door shape and placement
• decorative details such as brackets and cornice trim
• construction materials such as brick, stucco, or wood
• footprint and floor plan
• historic period

Many (if not most) buildings represent a combination of several different styles.