The Italianate and Gothic Revival styles introduced romantic 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 restrained cubical form, as in this Hallowell, Maine villa with a hipped roof on a symmetrical cubical block topped with a centered gable on the façade to emphasis the entrance bay.
Matching two-story bay windows on the side elevations continue the symmetrical form while adding interest to the form and space to the interior. The only asymmetrical aspect of the composition is the porte cochere passing under the porch roof at left.
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 described and illustrated with character-defining features keyed to dozens of color photos in Chapter 2 of “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.”
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our online shop at 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!
“Restoring Your Historic House is also available in bookstores nationwide and from online retailers.
© Scott T. Hanson 2025.
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