Victorian Style Houses in 19th Century America

Table Of Content

• Victorian and Edwardian Houses for Sale in Los Angeles, CA
• Victorian Architecture: Characteristics, Influences, Ambassadors and Sights
• Chris Pratt, Katherine Schwarzenegger could’ve given Craig Ellwood teardown ‘some honor,’ architect’s daughter says
• Common architectural details
• Engineered Wood
• Romanesque Revival

Lastly,, as industrialization accelerated, the Arts & Crafts movement developed in opposition as well. Led by figures like William Morris, Arts & Crafts reclaimed pre-industrial craftsmanship and techniques while rejecting Victorian-era ornamentation. Victorian houses are architecturally commonly referred to as the Victorian Style but this "style" is really a period in history. The Victorian era roughly corresponds to the time when Queen Victoria ruled Britain (1837 to 1901). There is a wide variety of Victorian styles, each with its own distinctive features.

Victorian and Edwardian Houses for Sale in Los Angeles, CA

They typically showcase steeply pitched roofs, dormer windows, and small verandas, offering a cozy and intimate feel. Bungalows may include decorative elements like exposed rafters and intricate woodwork, adding charm and character to their exterior. Additionally, open floor plans in modern houses promote better airflow and natural lighting, further enhancing energy efficiency. These innovative features highlight the significant strides made in creating sustainable and energy-efficient living spaces in contemporary housing designs. This transition signifies a move towards more sustainable and eco-friendly practices, where design meets efficiency in a harmonious blend of aesthetics and practicality.

Fire destroys large Victorian-style home in Boise - KTVB.com

Fire destroys large Victorian-style home in Boise.

Posted: Sat, 23 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Victorian Architecture: Characteristics, Influences, Ambassadors and Sights

The Victorians felt free to mix and match historical architectural elements from previous eras. On the interior, the Victorian era favored increasingly specialized room functions. Formal areas like parlors, libraries, and dining rooms contrasted with more intimate spaces like bedrooms and nurseries. This room differentiation was highlighted through architectural detailing like raised decorative wall panels, ceiling medallions, and elaborate crown molding. The rooms were then filled with heavy wooden furniture, patterned rugs, draperies, and cluttered decorative objects. A primary tenet was asymmetry and verticality, contrasting the rigid horizontality of Georgian classicism.

$4 Million Homes in California - The New York Times

$4 Million Homes in California.

Posted: Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Chris Pratt, Katherine Schwarzenegger could’ve given Craig Ellwood teardown ‘some honor,’ architect’s daughter says

Many of the house's original interior features are still intact, including wainscoting in the foyer that is pressed paper made to look like embossed leather. This American Foursquare house (with Richardson Romanesque influences) was designed by famed architect Frederick L. Roehrig in 1895. One of the oldest surviving Roehrig houses, it was situated on the ultra-fashionable “Millionaire's Row” in Pasadena. A reaction to fussy Victorian styles, American Foursquare emphasized boxy lines, “honest” carpentry and plain facades. It is considered a cousin to both the Prairie and Craftsman styles of architecture. This delightful 1886 Pasadena home is a charming example of the Folk Victorian style of architecture.

Stained glass also came into wide use, with colorful windows lending beauty and atmosphere. Inside, it’s common to see high ceilings and walls with irregular shapes (sorry for those applying wallpaper), with closed-off rooms and added nooks. Intricate trim work was the hallmark of these homes, from decorative wooden staircases to ornate fireplace mantels to gilded wainscoting. The quintessential Victorian home had a glittering chandelier, as the Victorians are known for nothing if not their fondness for opulence. True Victorian enthusiasts might embrace the inspiration of the era, bringing in some of the preferred textiles, colors, and architectural details to create a home that feels like a blast from the past. Others may prefer a more modern approach, sprinkling in some Victorian-inspired pieces to add character and visual interest to an otherwise fairly standard, modern space.

Steel would eventually replace these other materials as they would prove to be too weak in dealing with tension. 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. This style originated during the late 1740s in England, but it remained popular in the United States between the mid-1800s and mid-1900s.

These dollhouse like houses were much more functional than most Victorian styles, with family-friendly, regular floor plans and a lack of ornamentation—perfect for hardworking, everyday people. Its original owner was onetime Monrovia mayor William Pile, who reached the rank of general during the Civil War. Today, it remains just one of the many gems of architecturally rich Monrovia, with an interior boasting ornate woodwork, multiple fireplaces, and a dramatic staircase. Builders added spindles or Gothic windows to simple square and L-shaped buildings. 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.

Engineered Wood

Doorways and window molding are often intricate, and the ceilings are high and sometimes feature unique designs or framing. Those dreaming of statement chandeliers or ornate molding will deeply appreciate Victorians' thoughtful architecture. Spurred by magnificent 16th-century Italian villas, this style rose to prominence in the mid-19th century. While Italian-style storefronts pepper many of America’s main streets––particularly in the Northeast––homes built in this style dominated both cities and rural areas. The Gothic (or pointed) arch is a signature element in this substyle and usually applies to windows, doors, dormers, porches and roof gables. Generally, architects imagined and produced the sprawling mansions that we envision as a Victorian house.

Romanesque Revival

Instead of serving as defensive structures, turrets were repurposed solely for their aesthetic appeal. This shift highlights how Victorian architects drew inspiration from historical styles while adapting them to suit the era's evolving tastes and preferences. The enduring popularity of turrets in Queen Anne style homes underscores their significance as iconic elements of Victorian architectural design.

At the same time, Scott engaged with modern structural advances, using iron and glass to create soaring interiors filled with light. The sheer variety of Scott’s commissions, spanning both secular and religious buildings across Britain, cemented his reputation. He restored churches like Westminster Abbey while also designing new university buildings in Oxford and Cambridge.

Old houses often boast unique charm and historic allure, while modern houses offer contemporary amenities and sleek design. On the other hand, old houses may have outdated insulation and windows, leading to higher energy consumption and increased carbon footprint. To combat this, modern homes are designed with energy-efficient appliances and windows to minimize resource usage. On the other hand, old houses may lack these modern conveniences, necessitating upgrades for enhanced living.

“Our job was to find that perfect balance between honoring the architecture of the house and upgrading the functionality,” says Craig. That meant saying good-bye to an alcove that hemmed in the range, so they could add cabinets and countertops in its place. While the new white perimeter cabinetry is fairly simple, a highly decorative dark-stained oak island and a detailed built-in pantry evoke the furniture of the period style. When comparing bungalows and houses, it's essential to consider the various architectural features and design elements that set them apart. The design of ranch houses allows for easy indoor-outdoor living, with a focus on blending the interior space with the surrounding landscape.

His father was an influential figure in architectural circles, having written several volumes of architectural drawings which studied the style of Gothic architecture. He studied architecture under the English architect, James Edmeston, and at the age of 21 began working for the British architect Henry Roberts as his assistant. He then spent 10 years designing workhouses with his partner, William Bonython Moffatt.

Phineas had rows of eucalyptus trees planted to surround the house, and the estate also boasted a large library, many imported furnishings and tapestries, and its very own artesian well. Only two miles from the port of Wilmington, this home soon became the first place encountered by many travelers to Los Angeles. The home was also the site of frequent “regales,” where champagne was “always on tap” and guests danced in the extra-wide downstairs hallway. Built by land baron Elias Jackson “Lucky” Baldwin, this delightful cottage is nestled in the Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Gardens.

Regular inspections of the turret structure are crucial to identify any water damage, rot, or deterioration that could compromise its stability. COPYRIGHTED PROPRIETARY MATERIAL of MetroList Services, Inc. data maintained by MetroList® may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. MetroList® will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law.