Reveal 54+ Enchanting Classic Victorian House Designs Top Choices Of Architects

Italianate house designs were popular throughout the United States during the mid-19th century. This style draws upon classic Italian architecture, such as tall windows, double doors, and heavy ornamentation. It also embraces a wide array of design elements, from turrets and balconies to decorative bracketing and cornices. As such, an Italianate-style home will be both ornate and beautiful, with plenty of architectural features to draw the eye.

When creating an Italianate-style home, focus on simple, symmetrical lines, grand entryways, and prominent bay windows. Pay attention to the details, such as the decorative cornices, curved window architraves, and ornate balustrades. When it comes to materials, stone, wood, brick, and stucco all work beautifully. Finish off the design with a grand front porch, giving the home an inviting, airy, cottage-style feel.

Queen Anne-style homes emerged during the second half of the 19th century, becoming the dominant style of the Victorian era. As the name implies, the style was inspired by the decorative designs of British Queen Anne I. Characterized by towers, turrets, and a profusion of variously shaped gables, these homes are easily recognizable and full of theatrical flourish.

When designing a Queen Anne-style home, start off with an asymmetrical plan and complex roofline. Add some decorative touches, such as bay window ornaments, spindles and fretwork, and gabled roof details. When it comes to materials, wood siding offers a classic look, although brick, stone, and stucco are all fine options. Incorporate plenty of windows, offering plenty of natural light inside, and finish off the design with some curb appeal elements, such as a traditional front porch.

Gothic Revival house designs are characterized by a picturesque style, filled with intricate detailing and romantic features. This style emerged in the early 19th century, taking its cue from British Gothic architecture. Common features include towers, turrets, and steep gables, as well as pointed arches, ornaments, and an abundance of decorative windows. As such, Gothic Revival houses take on a fairytale-like aesthetic, full of charm and whimsy.

When creating a Gothic Revival home, focus on irregular surfaces, steep gables, and peaked windows. Traditional wood and stucco are good materials for this type of house design, although brick and stone will also work. Incorporate pointed arches for windows and doorways and include plenty of flourishes, such as spindles, finials, and peaked dormers. Finish off the design with a grand front porch, featuring fluted columns and gingerbread trim.

Second Empire house designs are recognized by their distinctive mansard roof. This style was popularized in France during the mid-19th century, taking cues from Classical and Baroque architecture. Characterized by their steeply pitched, curving roofs, these homes feature elaborate details, such as dormers, cupolas, and heavy cornices. They also boast plenty of ornamentation, such as quoins, dentils, and brackets.

When designing a Second Empire-style home, elements to consider include the fashionable mansard roof, elaborate doorways, and decorative window surrounds. When it comes to materials, brick and wood are both common, although stucco and stone could also work. Aim for a symmetrical form and add plenty of embellishments, such as roof cresting, ornamental brackets, and carved columns. Larger homes might also sport a porte cochere or portico, with an elegant spiral staircase.

Jacobean house designs are characterized by their sturdy, boxy forms, enriched with Elizabethan and early Renaissance-style embellishments. This style first appeared in England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, taking its cue from the reign of James I. Common features include Tudor-style half-timbered walls, hipped, tall gable roofs, and high chimney stacks.

When creating a Jacobean-style home, focus on a symmetrical form and traditional materials, such as stone, wood, and brick. Consider including stepped gables, decorative chimney stacks, and multiple dormers, as well as tall chimneys and bay windows. Add some elaborate details to the design, such as ornate doorways and window surrounds, or carved barge boards and finials. Finish off the design with a classic front porch, ideally with a gently curved arch.

Tudor Revival homes are instantly recognizable due to their combination of traditional Medieval design elements and ornate Gothic flourish. This style emerged in England at the end of the 19th century, becoming popular in America during the 1910s and 20s. Characteristic features of a Tudor Revival-style house include steeply pitched gables, decorative half-timbering, and prominent chimneys.

When designing a Tudor Revival-style house, aim for a combination of Medieval and Gothic elements. Consider tall, asymmetrical doorways, steep gables, and multiple chimneys. Traditional building materials such as stone, brick, and wood are ideal for this type of home design. Add some decorative elements, such as pointed arches, decorative stain glass windows, and a cascading facade. Finish off the design with a traditional front porch, preferably one with an inviting wraparound shape.

Brick Victorian house designs embrace the style and grace of traditional architectures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These homes are characterized by eclectic details, from asymmetrical facades and turrets or towers to carved wood details and decorative eaves. Preferred materials for this style include brick, stone, and wood, although contemporary facades can opt for synthetic products instead.

When creating a Brick Victorian-style home, focus on elaborate shapes, contrasting trim, and ornate details. Think curved bay windows, elaborate front gables, and decorative window lintels. Add a touch of whimsy with a wrap-around porch, finished with ornately carved column capitals. Finish off the design with some curb appeal elements, such as wrought iron railings and lattice awnings.

Stick Style house designs emerged during the second half of the 19th century, offering a unique blend of traditional and modern architectural touches. These homes are characterized by an eclectic mixture of elements, including steeply pitched roofs, tall chimney stacks, and horizontally grooved planks. Decorative touches are also common, including clusters of columns, bracketed eaves, and long porches.

When designing a Stick Style-style home, aim for an interesting blend of the old and the new. Start off with a steeply pitched roof and prominent chimney stacks. Add some dramatic details, such as tall, exposed trusses, grooved planks, and rounded windows. When it comes to materials, wood and brick are ideal, although synthetic products are also an option. Finally, finish off the design with a large front porch, ideally featuring an inviting wraparound shape.

Carpenter Gothic house designs are known for their distinctive pointy features and complex roof shapes. This style was popularized in the 1800s, featuring a combination of French Gothic, Tudor, and Swiss Chalet elements. Characteristic features include steeply pitched roofs, ecclesiastic arches, and plenty of embellishments, from barge boards to spindles, fretwork, and scalloped ornaments.

When creating a Carpenter Gothic-style home, start off with an asymmetrical design and intricate roof shape. When it comes to materials, wood is usually the preferred option, although brick and stone work too. Ornamental details are key, of course, such as arched windows and doors, spindle ornaments, and decorative barge boards. Finish off the design with a grand front porch, featuring a cluster of arches and decorative brackets.

Folk Victorian house designs emerged in the late 19th century, representing a unique combination of traditional Victorian elements, civic firehouse details, and vernacular resources. Characterized by their ornate detailing and eclectic elements, these homes are easily recognizable due to their gingerbread façades, bay windows, delicate porches, and decorative spindles or fretwork ornaments.

When designing a Folk Victorian-style home, include plenty of unique details, such as stepped gables, ornate window casings, and engaging asymmetrical elements. When it comes to materials, wood is the preferred option, although brick, stone, and stucco would also work. Consider adding details like balustrades, spindles, or finials, as well as latticed brackets and a classic porch. Finish off the design with some additional curb appeal elements, such as elaborate wood details or painted gingerbread.