There’s just something about a home that exudes timeless elegance. In this guide to Traditional Style, we’ll help you create a design that never goes out of fashion.
What Is Meant By “Traditional Style?”
Traditional design emphasizes harmony and a state of balance. Unlike the bold elements often seen in postmodernism, a traditional style is more simplistic, offering a timeless elegance that won’t go out of fashion.
It avoids anything eclectic, mismatched, or disruptive. All elements complement each other and are perfectly balanced. It exudes a calm, reassuring, and predictable ambiance.
Traditional-style homes are appealing because they pay tribute to classic architecture while providing modern ease of use, functionality, and comfort. They’re also one of the simplest home styles to modify or upgrade, allowing you to experiment with numerous design themes.
The Different Types of Traditional-style Homes
There are a number of different types of architectural designs that fall under the broad umbrella of the traditional style. This guide to traditional style would simply be incomplete without taking a closer look at each of them.
- Farmhouse-style houses – These homes emphasize the use of horizontal space. They typically feature a big veranda and a charming, pitched roof. The high ceilings are kept exposed to provide an airy and relaxed atmosphere.
- Colonial-style houses -Rectangular elements are defining characteristics of this style of house. Columns are often featured at the entrance to the home, and some homes have porches.
- French country-style houses – Warm tones, stone embellishments, and steeply pitched roofs inspire rustic charm in French country-style residences, which are rooted in traditional design. They exemplify ageless elegance as well as rural French aesthetics.
- Neoclassical houses – Neoclassical properties are distinctive and majestic, drawing inspiration from the designs of ancient Rome and Greece. With its ornate architecture and magnificent columns, the White House is perhaps the most renowned example of a neoclassical design in the United States.
- Victorian-style houses – Victorian-style homes have been named after Queen Victoria of England. During her rule, Gothic styles reigned, as evidenced by the beautifully patterned woodwork and decorative structures that were popular during the period.
- Mediterranean-style houses – The use of stucco, terracotta tiles, and archways, as well as an emphasis on the outdoors is what set Mediterranean-style homes apart from other homes mentioned in this guide to traditional style.
- Craftsman-style houses – This style incorporates a “handmade” aesthetic that incorporates natural materials. Beautiful, stained windows are also common in this type of home.
- Tudor-style houses – These houses are distinguished by their beams and latticed windows. Tudor-style homes, which originated in the Middle Ages, are still popular.
The History of This Architectural Style
Before we get to our guide to traditional style, let’s first talk a little about the architectural style and where it comes from.
Traditional design takes inspiration from a wide range of historical eras, spanning generations of architectural progress. This style of architecture was common in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The colonial-style homes built in the 17th century served as the foundation for what we now call traditional-style buildings in the United States.
After the First World War and the Great Migration, the United States had a shortage of housing, prompting the government to intervene in an effort to enhance the number and quality of available homes.
This was immediately following the Arts and Crafts movement. Therefore, craftsman-style aspects were incorporated alongside previously valued aesthetics.
The traditional style combines an array of design features that have endured the test of time, from the classical splendor of ancient Greece and Rome to the fine craftsmanship of the Renaissance and the extravagant ornamentation of the Victorian era.
One of the distinguishing features of traditional style is its ability to cross cultural and historical borders. It reflects the core concepts of past architectural styles, offering a kind of visual story.
A Guide to Traditional Style
Now that you understand what this architectural style is and where it came from, it’s time to get into our guide to traditional style.
Incorporate Natural Elements
Wood paneling, stucco, and other natural elements are all typical in traditional homes.
However, it’s important to remember that it may not be possible to use a lot of natural elements, but incorporating ornately carved decorative pieces, for example, can be a great way to include natural materials.
Stone, brick, wood, and plaster are all popular building materials in the traditional style, with each selected for its resilience and tendency to age beautifully. The aged appearance that develops over time gives charm to traditional buildings, conveying a story that spans many years or sometimes even centuries.
Go for Pitched Roofs
Many traditional structures have pitched roofs and dormer windows, which provide elegance and give the building personality. These architectural elements help to ensure proper water runoff while also adding to the overall style of the home, creating an instantly identifiable profile.
Choose Practical and Timeless Doors
When creating a traditional-style home, one of the key concerns is practicality, and this should also be seen in the doors you include. Front doors are generally larger in the traditional style, providing enough headspace to accommodate visitors who might be a little taller than average.
Maintenance and longevity are also considerations. Thus, even if you are going for a more traditional style, the door will usually be built using contemporary supplies that can be readily replaced or renovated.
Ensure That There Is Balance and Symmetry in the Design
Traditional architecture often emphasizes symmetry and balance, resulting in a visually pleasing effect. The focus on balance, whether in the form of equally spaced windows, coordinating facades, or balanced architectural components, conveys a sense of order and timeless beauty.
Consider Adding Columns
Columns are common in this kind of architecture, so this guide to traditional style would not be complete without a mention of this important design element. Columns have been used in construction since ancient Greek and Roman times. They provide a sense of grandeur and immortality to exteriors, giving a visual link to building practices of the past.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it! We hope you found this guide to traditional style helpful and incorporate these elements into your own home.
Paragon Builders can help you bring traditional design to life. We also provide the following services:
- Kitchen renovation
- Bathroom renovation
- Full house renovation
- Accessories housing units
- Room additions
- Garage conversions
- Custom homes
- Design and drawing plans
Contact us to learn more!
