> They feature a mishmash of architectural features, combining, say, the peaked roof of a farmhouse with squared-off sections reminiscent of city townhomes. They mix horizontal siding, vertical paneling, and painted brick willy-nilly.

It doesn't need to be giant, nor white - this architectural "style" is just plain ugly. It's like you wound up a toddler with chocolate candy - then gave him a big "Build A House" sticker book, and told him design your new house.

And even if your construction crew did everything perfectly, the longer-term maintenance that mishmash of exteriors is going to be miserable and expensive.