Top Architectural Designs in Bellingham, WA

In Bellingham, the surrounding landscape greatly influences the area’s designs. From waterfront cottages to hillside retreats, homes here often reflect the natural setting with thoughtful details and practical design. Bellingham, WA, architecture brings together Pacific Northwest sensibility with styles that prioritize connection to nature, efficient use of space, and lasting materials. Whether you’re building, buying, or observing how homes shape a neighborhood, the design details around town offer plenty to explore.

Northwest Contemporary architecture has deep roots in the region, and Bellingham is no exception. These homes are known for flat or low-pitched roofs, wide overhangs, and a strong use of wood and glass. Floor plans tend to be open, and windows are often oversized, designed to bring in natural light and highlight the views of living in the Pacific Northwest.

You’ll frequently find these homes nestled into wooded hillsides or perched on lots overlooking the water. The material palette leans into locally sourced wood, steel accents, and stone elements. Inside, interiors are typically minimalist and functional, focusing on flow and simplicity. These homes work well with the climate and topography, offering a modern and grounded style.

Craftsman homes are widely appreciated in Bellingham for their approachable scale and timeless curb appeal. Originally inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, these homes emphasize handcrafted elements, visible joinery, and natural finishes. You’ll recognize them by their tapered columns, exposed rafters, and covered front porches.

In neighborhoods like Columbia and South Hill, Craftsman homes often line tree-shaded streets and maintain many of their original details. Inside, they feature built-in shelving, cozy nooks, and warm woodwork that creates a sense of permanence and care. This style continues to hold lasting appeal for homeowners who appreciate architectural heritage.

A more recent favorite, the modern farmhouse takes familiar rural shapes and updates them with contemporary materials and finishes. Think white board-and-batten siding, black metal windows, and gable roofs combined with modern lighting and streamlined interiors. These homes have become more visible in newer developments on the edge of town, especially where larger lots allow for a bit more breathing room.

While the style draws from traditional barns and country homes, it adapts well to today’s preferences: open kitchens, clean lines, and a mix of rustic and refined textures. Modern farmhouse homes tend to feel welcoming and uncluttered, making them ideal for families or anyone who values function with warmth.

Mid-century homes maximize their footprint by using angles, open layouts, and thoughtful orientation to the lot. These designs—originally popularized between the 1940s and 1960s—remain relevant in Bellingham thanks to their efficiency and clarity of form. Flat roofs, post-and-beam construction, and sliding glass doors that lead to patios are hallmarks of this style.

Many mid-century homes in the area have been updated over the years, blending original design elements with contemporary updates. These properties often highlight indoor-outdoor flow, making them well-suited for Bellingham’s moderate seasons. The emphasis on geometry and openness makes them visually interesting without feeling excessive.

While Bellingham leans toward modern and Pacific Northwest styles, you’ll still find examples of Colonial Revival homes throughout town. These are often brick or clapboard-sided homes with symmetrical facades, shuttered windows, and central entrances framed by columns or modest porticos.

The style gained popularity in the early 20th century and remains appealing for its balanced proportions and traditional feel. Interiors typically feature separate rooms, fireplaces, and formal living or dining spaces. For those looking for classic curb appeal, Colonial Revival homes offer a well-structured alternative to more open-concept modern designs.

Beyond the standard categories, many homes in Bellingham are custom designs that incorporate green building practices. With an increased focus on sustainability, architects and builders are embracing passive solar orientation, reclaimed materials, energy-efficient windows, and high-performance insulation systems. These design choices are environmentally conscious and also create healthier, longer-lasting homes.

You’ll find new construction in areas like Samish Hill and Lake Whatcom that reflects this shift. The homes may not follow one traditional style, but they’re unified by their attention to daylight, durability, and energy use. As demand grows for homes that work smarter, these sustainable builds continue to gain attention.

A well-designed home offers more than visual appeal. It impacts how a space feels, how it’s used, and how it stands up over time. In Bellingham, WA, architecture is often rooted in a desire to connect with the outdoors, and buyers notice that.

For sellers, having a home that reflects local design values—whether through natural materials, efficient layout, or updated finishes—can make a big difference in how quickly a property attracts attention. Style doesn’t have to be flashy to be effective.

Choosing the right home moves beyond its square footage or location. Design and layout are equally important. Bellingham, WA, architecture adds to the character of each neighborhood, and it helps to work with professionals who recognize the difference between a well-built home and one that simply looks good on the surface.

Julian & Company brings firsthand experience with Bellingham’s real estate market and a deep understanding of what makes a home stand out. Whether you’re drawn to Northwest Contemporary lines, Craftsman charm, or something custom with sustainable features, their team will help you explore options that feel right for your lifestyle and goals. When you're ready to take the next step in Bellingham’s housing market, contact Julian & Company.