Window trim detail showing Indian influences on an Italianate style Victorian house in New Orleans. Note the scroll-cut wood ornamental panels applied to the face of the trim and free-standing on the top.
Published books of design elements from around the world, like Owen Jones “The Grammar of Ornament,” provided American designers and builders with inspiration for unique features like this window trim. The Victorian love of ornament is one of the defining characteristics of the age.
One of the things I love about this example is how much it reminds me of ornamental stonework in India. Several of the prominent British designers of the period traveled in India and the influence of Indian ornamental design appears in their published works – eventually appearing in the American South.
Italianate is one of 25 historic architectural styles described and illustrated in Chapter 2 of “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.”
Understanding the style of a house and will help you understand which features are character-defining so you can prioritize their preservation.
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our shop, YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Our shop also carries select preservation and restoration titles by other authors. Save on cost and shipping with our multi-book combo packs!
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