One of the most important aspects of life is owning a comfortable home. It’s a place where family members spend a great deal of their time, and owning a traditionally stylish home is a pleasure that can last a lifetime. Home ownership is a source of pride that virtually everyone wants to achieve. Whether it’s a forever home or an investment that you may someday put a for sale by owner sign in front of, an attractive home is always an asset to its owner. Styles range from Contemporary to Art-Deco to Colonial, and everything in between. With so many home choices, it can be difficult finding the design that’s right for you. Let’s consider the unique styles of Victorian, Tuscan, and Cape Code, as all are timeless in their own right.

Victorian homes were built for their beauty rather than their utility. Emerging between 1830 and 1910, this style of home was inspired during Queen Victoria’s reign in England. These large homes are popular for big families as well as being suitable for rental units. Victorians often have complicated designs. Their trim is ornate, and Victorian homes generally sport large porches on the exteriors. These homes are asymmetrical, and the roof lines are multi-faceted. Victorian homes are common on the East Coast, and usually have three stories. If you’re looking for old-fashioned nostalgia, a Victorian home is an excellent choice for that turn of the century, vintage feel.

Inspired by the Italian hills, the Tuscan style is both elegant and rustic at the same time. These homes showcase tiles made of terracotta, which have been used for thousands of years. Early civilizations used sun-dried terracotta for both flooring and wall coverings, and this adds to the rustic feel of the home. Traditional Tuscan walls are covered in plaster or are otherwise textured. Detailed patterns, iron scrollwork, and aged finishes often grace Tuscan homes as well. High, beamed ceilings are a defining feature of the home. Tuscan-inspired homes are generally found in southern states of the U.S. because of their warmer climates. Home owners looking for a taste of the Mediterranean often veer towards Tuscan homes, where Old World charm awaits them.

First built in the 1600’s, Cape Cod homes have steep roofs and large chimneys. Their inspiration comes from the quaint, thatched cottages of England. These homes, with their larger than average chimneys, are well-suited to the Northeastern U.S. because of the cold winters. Shingles on the Cape Cod are typically made of cedar. Windows are set on each side of the front door in these houses. A main feature of the Cape Cod are the dormer windows above. Many of the Cape Cod homes today were built after World War II. Cape Cod gives a nod back to America’s history as a British colony. They are traditional, yet uniquely distinct. Even those with little knowledge of home architecture can pick out a Cape Cod style home.

Each of these elegant home styles has its own unique character and special elements, but all are timeless classics as well. The Victorian and Cape Cod draw their architectural inspiration from periods in history while the Tuscan reflects an old heritage born in the hillsides of Italy. While some styles are prevalent in specific locales, any of these timeless homes can be made your own. Simply add your beloved keepsakes, a home theater and any other special amenities you desire to turn any house into a personalized home. After all, it is the unique possessions you own and the custom decorating style that only you possess that will truly make your home timeless.

 

David Glenn

David Glenn

David Glenn is a home improvement expert. He occasionally freelance writes about home maintenance and DIY home repair. He’s also knowledgeable about topics like how to improve social presence and building a reputation online.