The long eighteenth century saw the development of larger, taller and more solid buildings on the street frontages, and the gradual removal of thatched roofs from all but the most humble of structures, mainly because of the risk of fire. Multiple occupancy houses were often redesigned, with internal partitions of brick, to reduce fire risk, and a greater concern for privacy and security. At the same time new streets were being laid out, usually with terraced houses, each with its own walled garden.

For the elite, the ideal to aspire to was the detached suburban villa, set back from the street, self-contained within its garden wall, private and elegant. Examples of town houses, new streets and suburban villas can still be found in many towns.

Inside, houses developed specific rooms for specific functions. The first such was the dining room, followed by the drawing room or the less formal parlour. This meant that bedrooms were no longer used for entertaining as well as sleeping. The number of items of furniture increased, and the introduction of upholstery, carpets and curtains made life more comfortable. Smart houses had lobbies, entrance halls which made a statement about the house and its owner, and provided a buffer between the street and the heart of the house. A typical lobby might contain chairs, a side-table, an umbrella stand, and a barometer.