1D | Finding Our Architectural Style: A Guide to Timeless Design
- HouseBabyDesign
- Aug 14
- 5 min read
When we first sat down with blank paper and big dreams, the question wasn’t how many bedrooms we wanted, it was what kind of feeling we wanted to come home to. One of the most critical and exciting steps in designing our dream home was defining our architectural style. Your home’s architectural style sets the foundation for everything—from the shape of the roofline and the materials used on the exterior to the interior finishes and overall flow. It’s not just about curb appeal—it’s about creating a cohesive, functional, and beautiful space that reflects your personality while maintaining timeless value.
A home designed without a clear architectural style can feel disjointed, unfinished, or too reliant on fleeting trends. On the other hand, a well-defined style ensures consistency, improves functionality, and enhances resale value. In this post, I’ll walk you through the process of finding our architectural style, explore the key characteristics of timeless design, and share tips on how to balance personal taste with enduring design principles.
Why Defining an Architectural Style Matters
Selecting an architectural style isn’t just about choosing what looks good; it’s about setting a design language that guides every decision. Without a clear architectural framework, you risk creating a home that lacks harmony or feels dated within a few years.
A thoughtful architectural style provides:
Design Consistency – A well-defined style creates a harmonious relationship between the exterior and interior.
Functional Flow – Traditional styles like Colonial or Cape Cod often have more formal layouts, while modern styles tend to favor open floor plans.
Resale Value – Homes with consistent, recognizable architectural styles tend to hold their value better over time.
Longevity – Classic design elements like symmetrical facades, natural materials, and balanced proportions, have staying power because they are rooted in fundamental design principles.
Take New England, for example: a region known for its Colonial, Cape Cod, and Shingle Style homes. These styles have stood the test of time because they reflect the climate, history, and culture of the area. A well-designed Colonial Revival will still look elegant in 50 years, while a home designed around short-lived trends may require updates far sooner.
Understanding Timeless Architectural Styles
Timeless design is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about balance, proportion, and thoughtful material choices. New England’s rich architectural history provides a blueprint for blending classic elements with modern functionality. Here’s an overview of some of the most enduring architectural styles:
Colonial Revival
Key Features:
Symmetrical facades with evenly spaced windows and centered entry doors
Steep gable roofs, often finished with slate or wood shingles
Brick or clapboard exteriors
Shuttered windows and dormers
Modern Interpretation:
Maintain the symmetrical facade but simplify the detailing
Use high-quality brickwork or painted wood siding
Incorporate larger windows for more natural light without sacrificing balance
Hand-drawn architectural sketch of a classic Colonial Revival home featuring symmetrical windows, dormer windows on the roof, and an attached garage, embodying timeless architectural elegance.
Shingle Style
Key Features:
Natural cedar shingles that weather to a soft gray
Undulating, asymmetrical rooflines
Large porches and overhangs
Exposed beams and wood details
Modern Interpretation:
Pair natural shingle siding with crisp white trim
Open up the floor plan while preserving character-rich wood details
Add black-framed windows for contrast
Cape Cod
Key Features:
Steep rooflines and a low, symmetrical profile
Central chimney
Shuttered windows, traditionally in dark hues
Modern Interpretation:
Expand the interior with dormers or vaulted ceilings
Use fiber cement siding to mimic wood with greater durability
Open up interiors for a more contemporary flow
Charming illustration of a classic Cape Cod home, featuring a symmetrical facade, dormer windows, and a central chimney, surrounded by lush shrubbery.
Farmhouse
Key Features:
Pitched roofs with standing seam metal or asphalt shingles
Exposed beams and natural wood
Functional porches and neutral siding
Modern Interpretation:
Combine metal roofing with board-and-batten siding
Use industrial-style fixtures and larger windows
Hand-drawn architectural sketch of a charming farmhouse featuring a gabled roof, prominent chimney, and a cozy front porch adorned with classic wooden pillars.
Modern Coastal
Key Features:
Light, neutral color palette
Open floor plans for indoor-outdoor living
Natural materials like stone, wood, and linen
Large windows and glass doors
Modern Interpretation:
Keep finishes light and airy
Use natural stone and white oak flooring
Integrate large sliding doors for effortless outdoor access
Balancing Personal Taste with Timeless Principles
While it’s important to design a home that reflects your personality, it’s equally important to avoid overly trendy choices that could date the home.
Proportion and Scale Matter – A well-balanced home is more visually pleasing and feels more comfortable to live in.
Mix Natural and Modern Materials – Pair warm wood tones with clean-lined fixtures.
Stay Within a Cohesive Color Palette – Soft whites, neutrals, and earthy tones create a timeless look.
Limit Trend-Driven Features – Bold tiles or black fixtures can feel outdated within a few years.
Invest in Quality Over Trendiness – Durable, natural materials will age more beautifully than cheaper alternatives.
Choosing the Right Style for Our Custom Home
Every design decision—from the materials we select to the rooflines we draw—stems from a clear vision: to create a home that feels timeless, personal, and deeply connected to its place.
Location & Setting
We envision our home on a serene plot surrounded by lush greenery and coastal charm. The style needs to honor that setting, incorporating both natural materials and architectural forms that feel rooted in the landscape.
Lifestyle Needs
Since we plan to live here for decades, the layout must be flexible, comfortable, and designed for our lifestyle. We envision open spaces that transition seamlessly from indoor to outdoor living.
Contemporary Meets Classic
We didn’t want to replicate history, we wanted to reinterpret it. Our goal is to blend classic New England architecture with modern touches that offer a refined, high-end feel.
Timeless Architectural Styles We’re Considering
Style | Key Features | Why We Love It | Modern Tweaks |
Colonial Revival | Symmetry, clapboard, gables | Elegant, rooted in place | Larger windows, simplified trim |
Shingle Style | Cedar shingles, asymmetry | Organic, coastal | Sleek finishes, black windows |
Modern Farmhouse | Porches, metal roofs, white exteriors | Warm and relaxed | Luxe interiors, open layouts |
Craftsman | Tapered columns, exposed rafters | Handcrafted charm | Polished stone, larger glass openings |
Key Design Features for Timelessness and Resale
To create a home that feels enduring and market-smart, we’re focusing on design elements that balance longevity, elegance, and everyday livability.
Open, Flowing Floor Plans
Open layouts provide flexibility and light. We plan to connect the kitchen, living, and dining spaces with generous transitions to outdoor areas.
High-End Materials with Natural Finishes
We’re choosing stone countertops, hardwood floors, and polished metals for a luxurious yet natural feel. These materials are built to age beautifully.
Large Windows and Natural Light
Natural light is essential in our design. Large picture windows and sliding doors will create a bright, open atmosphere.
Neutral, Elegant Color Palettes
Warm whites, soft grays, and subtle taupes form our foundational palette. We’ll bring in color through furniture, textiles, and artwork that can be updated over time.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
From high-performance windows to LED lighting, our home will be energy-efficient and environmentally conscious without sacrificing beauty.
Our goal is to create a home that feels as beautiful and functional in 20 years as it does today. By blending classic architectural elements with thoughtful, personal details, we hope to design a house that will grow with us over the decades. A place that reflects our family’s story and stands the test of time.
Finding your architectural style is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about designing a home that feels right. A well-defined style shapes the way you experience your home and ensures it remains beautiful and functional for generations to come.
