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Its dome and classical detailing created a suitably imperial backdrop to showcase British industrial technology and design. The Romanesque Revival style came to United States architecture during the mid-1800s, and like Gothic Victorians, its details are comparable to those of many historic churches constructed in the era. It's particularly known for its use on the Smithsonian Institution Building located near Washington, D.C.'s National Mall. Romanesque Revival homes were typically constructed of brick or stone, and they included large arches, turrets, and carved stone detailing on their exteriors. They stand out from other Victorian styles thanks to their building materials, which tend to have an earthy red color and lack of wood trim. By the middle of the 19th century, as a result of new technology, construction was able to incorporate metal materials as building components.
Different Types of Victorian Homes
Other notable Scottish architects of this period are Archibald Simpson and Alexander Marshall Mackenzie, whose stylistically varied work can be seen in the architecture of Aberdeen. One of the first houses on the famed Carroll Avenue in Angelino Heights, this two-story house was built in the late 1880s. It is a classic example of the theoretically affordable Eastlake style of architecture, which emphasized handmade features, expert craftsmanship, clean lines, geometric ornaments, and spindles. This multicolored, turreted, upper middle class house was originally built in 1887 at the base of Mount Washington by real estate developer George Morgan.
Get to Know These Architectural Styles
Gorgeous Victorian Home in Ridley Park - DELCO.Today
Gorgeous Victorian Home in Ridley Park.
Posted: Fri, 29 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
On the other hand, terms such as "Painted Ladies" or "gingerbread" may be used to describe certain Victorian buildings, but do not constitute a specific style. The names of architectural styles (as well as their adaptations) varied between countries. Many homes combined the elements of several different styles and are not easily distinguishable as one particular style or another. Digital tools like BIM facilitate detailed modeling of complex Victorian architecture. For example, BIM software allows intricate modeling of the complex geometries found in Victorian buildings.
Characteristics of a Victorian Style House
A creative carpenter with a newly-invented jigsaw may have created complicated trim, but look beyond the fancy dressing and you'll see a no-nonsense farmhouse right there beyond the architectural detail. The Victorian look became increasingly popular during the mid-to-late 1800s with influence from the Industrial Revolution. Today, this type of home can be found on several continents from Europe to North America and Australia. Their decorative style is reflective of the era, as British architects took their designs abroad to colonized countries.
Some Victorian homes also used these design elements to carve out unique entryways. Here, a circular space creates a small seating area and a charming roofline to delineate the front door. Unlike other styles, including foursquare and neoclassic, Victorian houses are often disproportionate. Their unique design often includes an entry that's not centered and two halves that don't match. That asymmetry enables designers to create varied rooflines for even more visual interest.
Victorian-Style Windows
Victorians date back to the 19th century, when a “Victorian home” was just the general term for any house built during the reign of Queen Victoria. Most Victorian homes are larger abodes, generally having 2-3 stories, and the use of various building materials, such as brick, stone, and wood, contribute to the eclectic and textured look of Victorian houses. Victorian homes are far from average as they tend to have striking architecture, paint colors, and brilliant exteriors. Popular across the United States in the mid- to late 19th century, quintessential Victorian houses are a revival of earlier architectural styles. These homes originally drew inspiration from centuries of Italian and British architecture, but the Victorian style soon evolved into its own signature aesthetic.
Victorian Houses: Everything You Need to Know
As Historic Ipswich explains, color was used to highlight the various ornamentation and features of the architecture. Though the United States declared independence from the British crown in 1776, British influence, especially in architecture, has continued for hundreds of years. Victorian houses, for example, originated in the United Kingdom in the 19th century and are named after Queen Victoria, but are also found all over the United States. This ornate English architectural style goes so far as to even define certain American neighborhoods. In the 19th and 20th centuries, high ceilings were preferred in addressing issues related to heating and ventilation.
The towers or turrets are normally turned into study rooms, libraries, or bedrooms. These impressive towers give the house a castle-like or Gothic feel, which is typical of early Victorian designs. Many Victorian homes were built in cities during times of explosive population growth. That often meant small lot sizes, so homeowners looked up instead of out to gain square footage. A common setup for Victorian homes is the main level being halfway below ground with at least two more levels stacked on top.
The History of Victorian-Style Homes
Whether you've admired them in person or simply seen photos of stunning homes in other areas of the world, there's no denying that the Victorian style house has remained a favorite of many over the decades. Particularly when contrasted with the sleek lines and minimalist façades of many modern properties, Victorian style houses stand apart due to their often ornate exteriors, with plenty of eye-catching architectural details. A byproduct of the Machine Age, Queen Anne Victorian houses stood out for their impressive collection of extravagant details.
Maybe you’re not a fan of the low ceilings, but the natural lighting throughout the house makes up for it. Before making an offer on a Victorian home, check out some of the pros and cons of this style. For more about this distinctive style, here’s everything you need to know about Victorian houses. Our "go to guy" and company expert, Brandon is the visionary and dreamer of all we do here at America's Best House Plans.
Victorian houses became popular from 1837 to 1901, coinciding with the Industrial Revolution. As new building materials became widely available, builders were able to take a different approach to home design. Mass production aided home builders in adding architectural details like intricate metalwork and decorative woodwork throughout homes. While the Victorian home style originated in England, it quickly made its way to many other countries, including the US.
Socially, the proliferation of architectural styles and housing types correlated with both industrialization and class divides. Terraced workers’ cottages contrasted sharply with upper-middle-class detached villas. Yet improved transport enabled the mass production of building materials, making housing accessible to more classes.
