• Stucco architecture is frequently combined with tile roofs.terra cotta roof image by Patrick Moyer from Fotolia.com
  
  Stucco homes have been around for hundreds of years, gracing the exteriors of a number of architectural styles. Stucco, a mixture of cement, water, lime and sand, creates that unique textural finish that we traditionally associate with Mission, Tudor and Mediterranean architecture. Although not as popular as it once was, stucco can still be found on a number of home styles, although the lines between these architectural styles have blurred as home styles evolve.
  
  

Tudor

• When we think of stucco, Tudor houses often come to mind with their highly ornamental stucco exteriors. The light stucco is accentuated by the dark half-timber exterior that gives the homes a medieval feel. In fact, this style of architecture is a throwback to the homes built during the Tudor Dynasty in the sixteenth century. Tudor architecture experienced a revival during the mid-1800s, when the half-timbering became ornamental rather than a functional part of the architecture. Although today's Tudor homes range from country cottages to Medieval-inspired mansions, the homes are always distinguishable by the traditional light stucco exterior and dark timber accents. Other common features include steep roofs, narrow windows and doors, and multi-paned windows.
  
  

Mission

• Mission-style architecture, which is commonly found in the Southwest of the United States, is known for stucco exteriors and red tile roofs. The architectural style is modeled after Mission churches built by Spanish colonialists during the sixteenth century. The Mission style architecture became popular again at the end of the nineteenth century. Predominant features of the Mission style homes include an unadorned stucco facade, deep porches and arched entries. Ornamentation for these stucco homes include parapets, pillars and columns.
  
  

Mediterranean

• Although there are some similarities between Mediterranean and Mission style homes, Mediterranean architecture has a lighter, less severe façade. Most often, Mediterranean homes feature white or light stucco exteriors accented by colorful tile roofs. The stucco homes became popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Purists prefer to differentiate between Italian and Spanish Mediterranean styles, with subtle differences between the two. Italian Mediterranean architecture includes more delicate details and ornamentation on the home's exterior, including columns and trim. Conversely, a Spanish Mediterranean home is simpler and less elaborate, with a roof angled at a much lower pitch. Both Mediterranean styles often include courtyards and balconies that give the homes a welcoming appearance.