Gothic Revival style is one of the most iconic architectural styles, and it's being used to create some of the most beautiful house designs. A Gothic Revival house pays homage to traditional medieval times, drawing on elements like pointed arches, high-pitched roofs, shrouded cornices, tall and narrow windows, rose windows, quatrefoils and crosses, stories, fluting details, and decorative carvings to make a home truly timeless. Gothic architecture is a popular choice when it comes to building a home, and figuring out the best way to bring together an impressive mix of these features is the key to creating a beautiful and timeless art deco house.Gothic Revival House Designs
Gothic Revival House Designs
Arches are one of the most important and recognizable features of Gothic Revival homes. Whether employed as entryways or as decorative elements along the walls or roofs of a building, they bring an impressive grandeur to the overall aesthetic of the house. Pointed arches are the most popular type of arch used in Gothic Revival homes because they recall the iconic medieval cathedrals of Europe. These arches will often be ornate and decorated with ornaments like motifs, vines, and other designs that give a home an even more breathtaking feel.Pointed Arches for Gothic Revival Houses
Pointed Arches for Gothic Revival Houses
The roof of a Gothic Revival house is often steeply pitched, designed to mimic the design of those iconic medieval cathedrals. The roofline is usually simple, with few ornaments, though sometimes one can find an ornate finial on the top of the roof peak. The high-pitched roofs of a Gothic Revival house bring a sense of grandeur and impactful beauty to the overall look of the home. The pitched angle also makes for an excellent attic space, which can be used for extra living areas by adding dormer windows for additional light.High-Pitched Roofs for Gothic Revival Houses
High-Pitched Roofs for Gothic Revival Houses
The roof of a Gothic Revival house can have a variety of treatments, but a common element is a shrouded cornice. A shrouded cornice is an ornately decorated cornice, reminiscent of shrouds draped over the sides of a roof. This adds an extra layer of both visual and textural interest to the roof. Shrouded cornices can be made of a variety of materials, such as stucco, wood, or stone. Metal can also be used to craft a unique and eye-catching look. This ornamental feature will add an extra touch of historic character to the Gothic Revival house.Shrouded Cornices for Gothic Revival Houses
Shrouded Cornices for Gothic Revival Houses
When it comes to creating a truly unique and elegant home, Gothic Revival houses often rely on intricate and ornate decorative carvings around the windows, doors, and along the façade. These pieces can be simple or complex, providing an inherently detailed look to the exterior of the home. These decorative carvings add a subtle statement with a lasting impact. They can be found in a variety of styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Romanesque carvings, all of which bring a different flavor to the overall aesthetic of the house.Decorative Carvings for Gothic Revival Houses
Decorative Carvings for Gothic Revival Houses
One of the most prominent features of a Gothic Revival house is its tall and narrow windows. Inspired by the grandeur of medieval cathedrals, these tall and narrow windows bring a majestic and awe-inspiring look to a home’s exterior. While the most common window style with Gothic Revival houses is the traditional pointed arch, other window shapes such as semi-arches and simple rectangular frames can be used to provide a more modern look. These windows will often be decorated with ornamental moldings and patterned glass to create an even more eye-catching impact.Tall and Narrow Windows for Gothic Revival Houses
Tall and Narrow Windows for Gothic Revival Houses
Quatrefoils and crosses are a signature decoration for many Gothic Revival homes. Perfect for incorporating a bit of Christian symbolism, these motifs are often found adorning doors and windows. They can also be found as architectural elements scattered around archways and along other walls. Quatrefoils and crosses allow the house to reflect the designs of Europe's great cathedrals without becoming too busy or overwhelming. Not only are these shapes beautiful, but they also bring a classic and timeless elegance to the home.Quatrefoils and Crosses for Gothic Revival Houses
Quatrefoils and Crosses for Gothic Revival Houses
Stories, or turrets, are a classic element of Gothic Revival houses. These tall, thin structures often feature spires, balustrade balconies, and other ornamental details, bringing an extra layer of grandeur to the house. The stories are most commonly found at the corners of the house, where they draw the eye and lend the building an impressive height. Traditionally, the stories are made of stone, though it is also not unusual to find them crafted from wood or brick. Clear glass or stained glass windows are also a common sight, adding an extra dynamic to the overall design of the building.Stories for Gothic Revival Houses
Stories for Gothic Revival Houses
Rose windows are an iconic feature of Gothic Revival homes that evoke the majestic grandeur of Europe’s ancient cathedrals. These intricate stained glass designs can be found in the façade of the home, as well as at the peaks of doorways and stories. Rose windows bring a level of sophistication to a Gothic Revival home, providing a stunning contrast to the high-pitched roofs and pointed arches. The stained glass windows also bring a special brilliance and whimsy to the overall aesthetic of the house.Rose Windows for Gothic Revival Houses
Rose Windows for Gothic Revival Houses
Fluting is a decorative technique used for adding texture and texture to walls, and it can be used in a variety of ways in Gothic Revival houses. It can be used to create an ornamental border around a window or door, or it can be used to create a paneling effect that adds a bit of visual interest to the walls of the house. Fluting can also be used to lend subtle patterns to the walls and ceilings of a house, or it can be used as accents along archways and moldings. It adds a unique look to the Gothic Revival house, and it’s a great way to give the home an even more timeless feel.Fluting Details for Gothic Revival Houses
Fluting Details for Gothic Revival Houses
Finials are a classic architectural feature that can be used to lend a traditional look to a home. When used in Gothic Revival houses, finials often appear as an ornamental decoration at the peak of the roof, near the windows, and along the top of stories. Finials come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from simple balls to complex sculpted beasts. They can be made of a wide range of materials, such as stone, wood, iron, or even plastic. They're an excellent way to touch up a Gothic Revival house and add a classic element.Finials for Gothic Revival Houses
Finials for Gothic Revival Houses
The Popularity of Gothic Revival House Design
Gothic Revival house design has
gained increased popularity
in recent years and can be seen in multiple locations around the world. Gothic Revival house designs combine Victorian architecture with a
medieval-style
, making it especially attractive for homeowners that prefer an old-school look. Gothic Revival originated and evoke a sense of class and sophistication, and although it had its heyday in the 19th century, many
modern homeowners
are now looking to utilize this style of architecture in their homes.
Grand Facades with Distinctive Characteristics
Gothic Revival house designs are known for their grand facades that feature
distinctive characteristics.
These characteristics often include decorative stone, brick, or wooden trims, lace patterned window, steep roofs with tall gables, and sometimes towers. They also often employ more ornate features such as multiple roof shapes, turrets, and spires. Gothic Revival house designs become increasingly popular because of the distinctiveness they create for the finished project.
Incredible Flexibility for Design
While Gothic Revival house designs have distinct features, they can also be quite flexible in terms of design. The main features of
Gothic Revival style architecture
are a steeply pitched roof, tall gables, and sometimes a tower. However, other styles can still be incorporated into the building, such as Victorian accents or even contemporary styles. This allows homeowners to customize the structure to their own individual taste and create a unique design.
Historical Backdrop of Gothic Revival
Gothic Revival architecture has a
historical backdrop
dating back to the 19th century and can be found in many metropolitan areas. Although the style of architecture is centuries old, its popularity still remains, and modern homeowners and property developers are taking advantage of this timeless style. Many of the buildings that utilize this style of architecture have a unique and eye-catching appeal that will be sure to attract attention.
