10 FREQUENTLY USED ELEMENTS IN TRADITIONAL HOME DESIGN

Traditional home design is an aesthetic that appeals to many people. Traditional homes are often thought of as warm, inviting and comfortable. The design elements used for these homes have stood the test of time, often incorporating the best styles and elements throughout architecture’s history. Below you will see a list of ten common elements architects use when designing a tradition home for a client. If these designs appeal to you and evoke a sense of comfort and security, a traditionally designed home might be the right choice for you.

1. SIMPLE ROOF LINES

Unlike modern homes that use asymmetrical roof lines to create visual interest, the roof lines of traditional homes are typically symmetrical and in keeping with the styles of the region.

2. FRONT FACING GABLES

A gabled roof, which is a classic roof line of traditional homes common to colder climates, is a roof line that has two sloping sections in opposite directions which meet at the highest horizontal ridge.

3. HARMONY + ORDER

Often traditional homes are designed using symmetry, with the doors, windows, and other elements of the home mirrored on both sides, in order to create a sense of order and harmony.

4. CLASSIC MATERIALS

Traditional homes are designed using classic materials common to the region in which they are built. This Pacific Northwest home was designed with shingled siding and natural rockery.

5. LARGE CHIMNEYS

Large chimneys, which are reminiscent of days gone by when fireplaces were the only source of heat in the home, are still prominent features of traditional home designs and evoke a sense of warmth and comfort.

6. COVERED PORCHES

Traditionally, a covered porch offered a comfortable transition between the interior and exterior of the home. They were also common spaces people used to gather and socialize. Covered porches are still in important element of traditional home design today.

7. OVERHANGING EAVES

Overhanging eaves serve a practical purpose in traditional home designs because they help protect the siding of the home from the elements. The soffits, or underside of the eaves, are often accented to enrich the curb appeal of the home.

8. FUNCTIONAL FLOOR PLANS

The floor plans of traditionally designed homes are created to use space in an efficient and intuitive way.

9. WARM AND INVITING

When designing a home, careful thought to how the space is going to be used is always considered. When designing a traditional home, the spaces are designed to evoke a sense of warmth and comfort.

10. HEAVY MOLDING + TRIM

The mill work (also called trim, molding or finishing) of traditionally designed homes are heavy and prominent features of the design creating depth and warmth in the space.

If you would like some ideas for modern home design, check out or blog post on "The Top 10 Features to Include in Your Modern Home Design"

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