The Classic Home Designs That Have Endured Through The Years, And Why They Work So Well

Some home designs never get old.

Certain architecture practices, interior designs, and layouts have stood the test of time and are still relevant today.

So why do these classic home designs work so well? What is it that keeps people coming back?

Today we’re diving in to learn about some of these designs, what makes them timeless, and how you can incorporate them into your home.

What Makes a Classic Home Design?

There are a few different criteria that home designs need to have to be classic and timeless designs. Without specific criteria, we wouldn’t be able to differentiate between classic, modern, contemporary, or other designs.

Let’s break it down by category so that it’s easy to sort through while planning for your next home project.

Why Chose a Classic and Timeless Design?

There are many ways that you can design and build a home, but there are only a few ways that have stood the test of time. Classic designs have elements within them that are functional, elegant, and serve a purpose.

Classic designs have been developed over the years to solve problems and serve specific purposes. They’re built with the consumer in mind and seek to bring comfort from the outside and inside. One example might be the way that contemporary design can, at times, feel cold because of the straight lines and sharp edges. A classic design is going to be warm and inviting in the way that it’s built and designed. 

Regional Differences

While some similarities exist between different regions, there are various characteristics and diverse influences. Take, for instance, some of the classic designs used in the southern United States. Southern colonial homes originated during the colonial times (hence the name). The use of massive pillars with an overall rounded design reminded people of the Greek Revival architecture.

Some places throughout the country have also used colonial-style architecture, and in some ways, you could argue that any of the variations would be a timeless choice.

But beyond that, there many regional differences as a Spanish style home just doesn’t fit in a midwest neighborhood in the same way that farmhouse might.

In this blog, we’re going to focus on midwest classic home designs.

Classic Architecture

There’s nothing more foundational to a house than it’s foundation. But a close second is the architecture throughout the home. From the peaks of the rooftops to the placement of windows, every detail makes the house what it is and helps you better understand what inspired the home to be designed the way it was.

There are a few key elements of architecture that we should talk about.

Roof Lines

The classical elements within classic design have shaped the ways that the roof lines have been designed. In traditional architecture, you’ll notice that there is one focal point in the design. Often on top of the house, it’s a peak in the roof, and at eye level, it could be a front door that’s placed perfectly in the center. Check out the examples below.

This home has a central roof system and a very symmetrical layout to the windows and doors. It resembles many of the classic home designs and styles on the east coast and is considered to be a cape cod style home. Also, notice the similarities in the windows throughout. They’re not too fancy, and in some ways, that makes this house even more inviting.

The second home is much more modern in the way that it’s designed but still holds many classical inspirations. Notice the rounded entryway, the central peak in the roof system, and even the pillars like the cape cod style. The windows on this home are slightly more contemporary. Due to advances in technology, the windows are placed in ways that wouldn’t have otherwise been possible in an earlier time. Nevertheless, there is still a very structured and warm feel to the places that the windows are found.

Classic Interior Designs

Interior design is another element of the classic home that seems never to change. Grandma’s rocking chair is still a favorite, and farmhouse decor never has an off-year. There is a science and reason behind this. As much as we’d like to think it’s just because it looks good, there’s a reason we keep coming back. Here’s why.

Simplicity

There was a time when people thought it was better to have walls dividing rooms, and adding dropdowns in the floor plans seemed elegant. Today, as you’ll see on most of the home design tv shows, knocking down walls and raising floors back up creates a more straightforward home. These simple lines and open floor plans leave homeowners and guests feeling welcomed and invited into a space. There’s no longer a need for intricate interior designs as more and more people are seeking usability.

Durability

Many trendy designs use elements that don’t last. But classic home design seeks to incorporate elements that are going to last decades or centuries. Take, for instance, a good tile floor can last almost forever if you take care of it. While on the other hand, a more trendy pattern in vinyl flooring is sure to wear quickly.

Adaptability

Classic home designs will also offer adaptability. For example, the simplicity within a living room would make it possible for the couch to be moved, and a table to be moved in for a dinner party. With an open floor plan and simple designs, the possibilities within the space you have are endless.

This makes for not only a functional home but also a home that can adapt to your circumstances.

Cost-Effectiveness

By choosing a classic home design, you are choosing a cost-effective product. Sometimes it can cost more to choose the durable elements of classic design such as flooring. But, in the long run, these elements pay off. Because they aren’t replaced as often, and things aren’t changed. You’re left with a more cost-effective solution.

Classic Decor and Furnishings

Classic decor holds many of the same characteristics that interior layouts and designs do. You’ll notice very simple and easy to arrange furniture. Things that complement each other and leave the space feeling very open. Let’s see what it takes to have a timeless and classic home design.

Notice that as we go throughout the things that make up timeless decor, there are almost constant similarities to the exterior and architecture of the home.

Create/Find the Focal Point

Every room has to have a focal point of some kind. It doesn’t have to be obvious or a large item, but there should be something. Maybe it’s a fireplace, tv or entertainment system. It could be a desk, or even the chandelier and dinner table. By finding a focal point, you can work around it. Maybe it’s how you place the furniture or where you place a painting or picture on the wall. You don’t have to be an interior decorator to make a room look incredible. All you need is a good sense of what the focal point is and what you want to do with the room.

Use Classic Patterns

Classic patterns, whether it be blankets, rugs, your couch, or chair, all make a difference. Everything in the room is going to give it a feel. You can control that feel by sticking to classic patterns that won’t let your space feel dated in any way.

Choose High-Quality Items

Just like designing the interior elements, quality is a must. Not only does quality give you durability, but often high-quality items aren’t as trendy because they simply last longer. Using high-quality items means that you’ll be able to decorate once and leave those focal points and elements in place for an extended period of time. This helps to create a timeless feel to the space and can also give you some nostalgia.

Use Symmetry Throughout

Symmetry throughout the space gives you a very welcoming and open feel. You can achieve this by placing items evenly around the focal point in the room. Maybe that means having two sofas or two chairs in the room. The goal is to achieve the sense that nothing is missing. The room is perfectly proportioned and fits just right.

Think Long Term

Lastly, while you’re designing or thinking through this project, you have to think long term. The goal isn’t to have it there for a few weeks, but instead to stick with that same design choice for a few decades. You want to create a feeling within each room that you don’t want to change. Timeless and classic home design has the power to stay just like it is and never feel dated or old.

How to Start Your Classic Home Design

If you’re looking to build or remodel a home that’s new to you, there are plenty of resources out there that can help you. The best thing to do is start by finding just where you want the home to be geographically. If you love your home’s location, then it’s definitely worth it to invest in creating a timeless design.

Consider using Pinterest to learn more about what might look good in the home or design and layout you have. Other design blogs are great resources like this article from freshhome.

If you’re ready to undergo a building project or remodel and take it in a timeless and classic direction, then we’d love it if you consider Treasured Spaces. We love classic home design and walk through the entire process with our clients and make it our priority to provide the best customer service and the best product possible. Reach out to us today to start getting closer to your dream home.

Check out some of our other blogs to see some of our designs in action!