Hallmarks of the traditional home

A home can say a lot about its inhabitants. Perhaps that’s one reason why renters and homeowners alike spend so much time and effort on the various design components of their homes.

Home styles are as diverse as the people who live in the homes. Each design style has its proponents, but traditional homes are among the most enduring designs. The popularity of traditional-style homes has endured for centuries. And though homes built in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries might differ vastly from those constructed in the 1600s and 1700s, they still include characteristics of homes one might have found in colonial times. But it’s also important to note that the notion of “traditional” has changed, and some may now see homes built more than 50 years ago as traditional. That’s an important distinction to remember when working with contractors and interior designers, as homeowners who prefer traditional ones should not hesitate to share how they define that style.

As individuals shop around for new homes or seek inspiration before redesigning their existing spaces, they can consider these hallmarks of traditional-style homes.

Color

According to the home renovation experts at HGTV, traditional-style homes are not typically associated with the muted color palettes common to more modern design schemes. Traditional styles utilize color throughout the home, and each color of the rainbow can be used if individuals desire. Though neutral colors are found in traditional-style homes, Architectural Digest notes pops of bold colors in jewel tones typically accompany them.

Classic decor

It might be an oversimplification to suggest modern and traditional are at opposite ends of the design spectrum, but traditional-style homes lean on classical decor like chandeliers and bookcases, each of which is unlikely to be found in a modern home.

Architectural details

Certain architectural details are also commonly found in traditional-style homes. Wainscoting and crown molding, which harken many back to the style’s centuries-old roots, are some hallmarks of the traditional style.

Defined spaces

Open-concept floor plans have become very popular recently, but traditional-style homes do not feature open floor plans. Living and dining rooms (used exclusively as dining rooms) are defined spaces in traditional-style homes, which also tend to have all bedrooms on the second floor or higher.