A restrained Italianate house in Augusta, Maine. The Italianate and Gothic Revival styles are known for introducing romantic irregular asymmetrical silhouettes to American homes, with towers, porches, bay windows, and other elements that broke up the simple rectangular box of earlier houses.
But the Italianate style also appeared in more restrained forms, as in this Augusta, Maine house with its symmetrical five-bay façade and gabled roof looking back to the Greek Revival style. The projecting pedimented center bay, bay window and porch at left, bracketed eaves and window hoods, and arched windows are Italianate features.
The Italianate style appeared before the Civil War and took off after the war, with examples of the style ranging from modest wood cottages to immense masonry mansions appearing all across the United States.
Understanding the style, or styles, of a house will help you identify which features are character-defining so you can prioritize their preservation.
Italianate is one of 25 styles and types described and illustrated in Chapter 2 of “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.
The award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book is available in bookstores nationwide and from online retailers.
Signed and personalized copies are available directly from the author in our shop, YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Our shop also carries select preservation and restoration titles by other authors. Save with our multi-book combo packs!
#antiquehome #antiquehomes #traditionalarchitecture #historicalhomes #historicalhouse #oldhome #oldhouse #preservation #preserveourhistory #houseandgarden #aplacetocallhome #homerestoration #houserestoration #historicpreservation #vintagehome #architecturelover #restoringyourhistorichouse #yourhistorichome #restoration #houserehab #historicpreservation #italianatestyle #victorianhouse #victorianstyle #italianate