Home construction trends come and go, but some classic architectural styles have remained popular options for new home builds for decades. From Colonial and Craftsman to Mediterranean and Farmhouse, these timeless designs offer aesthetics that appeal to a wide range of homeowners. Building a new home in a classic style comes with many benefits that make it a wise investment for your family’s future.
Why Choose a Classic Design for Your New Home Build?
There are several compelling reasons to select a classic architectural style when constructing your new custom residence:
Timeless Curb Appeal
Classic home designs have stood the test of time, remaining sought-after and valued across generations of homebuyers. Their proportions and detailing create an inviting aesthetic that will retain its curb appeal as trends shift around it. Your new traditional home will have that cozy, established look right from day one.
Higher Resale Value
Homes built in popular, traditional styles tend to hold their value very well in most real estate markets. The timelessness of these classic designs makes your home appealing to a wide swath of buyers when it comes time to sell. Your wise investment in a new classic home will pay off in the long run.
Flexible Floor Plans
While staying true to the defining features of each style, builders can customize classic home plans to suit your family’s needs. Contemporary open concept layouts work beautifully within the framework of many traditional exteriors. You get the best of both worlds!
Quality Craftsmanship
New homes constructed in classic styles allow builders to showcase fine craftsmanship in areas like woodwork, masonry, and exterior detailing. The beauty and quality of these custom finishes will be a point of pride for your family.
Energy Efficiency Options
Don’t think classic design means building technology has to be outdated! Today’s new home construction methods and materials make it possible to have the charm of a traditional home with modern energy-efficient features.
Popular Classic Architectural Home Styles
Here is an overview of some of the most popular classic architectural styles used in new home construction:
Colonial Style
Distinguishing Features:
- Symmetrical facade
- Rectangular shape
- Multi-pane double-hung windows
- Decorative door at center entrance
- Column accents
Colonial style homes exude refined simplicity. The symmetrical square or rectangular façade provides an orderly appearance, accentuated by columns and other decorative touches like crowns over the front door and window shutters.
Inside, Colonials allow for flexible floor plans while retaining a sense of formality. Many feature a central hallway with rooms organized around it and a formal front-to-back layout separating entertainment zones from sleeping quarters. Captialize on the stateliness of this style with elegant interior finishes like wainscoting and vaulted ceilings.
Craftsman Style
Distinguishing Features:
- Low-pitched gabled roofs
- Exposed rafter tails
- Knee braces under gables
- Full or partial-width porches
- Tapered square columns
- Stone accents
- Multi-pane windows
The Craftsman style has its roots in the simple, handcrafted architecture of the Arts and Crafts movement. These homes focus on simplicity, strong lines, and meticulous handiwork in areas like wood joinery.
Craftsman exteriors feature deep overhanging eaves with exposed rafter tails and charming porches supported by tapered square columns. Natural materials like stacked stone lend an earthy, organic feel. Inside, an open floorplan anchors around a stone fireplace to promote togetherness. Built-ins, warm wood floors, and ample windows create coziness.
Farmhouse Style
Distinguishing Features:
- Sweeping front porches
- Metal or wood roof
- Neutral color palette
- Exposed beams
- Board and batten siding
- Large windows
- White trim
- Shutters
Who doesn’t love the welcoming charm of a Farmhouse?Large front porches, sweeping metal or wood roofs, and neutral, muted colors give Farmhouse exteriors that signature rural appeal. Inside, the look exudes country comfort with design elements like whitewashed plank walls, exposed beams, and substantial wood furnishings.
While staying true to traditional Farmhouse aesthetics, today’s open floorplans create a relaxed flow for family life. The light and airy feel mixes beautifully with rustic touches for a cozy gathering place. Buttermilk cabinets, subway tile, and apron-front sinks bring vintage farmhouse charm into kitchens.
Mediterranean Style
Distinguishing Features:
- Terracotta tile roofs
- Arched windows and doors
- Courtyards and walled gardens
- Stucco exterior
- Stone or tile accents
- Wrought iron decorative details
- Tower elements
Channel breezy Mediterranean sophistication with a home sporting traditional details like barrel tile roofs, gracefully arched windows and doorways, and exterior stone or tile accents. Courtyards, balconies, and patios extend living space outdoors to embrace the Mediterranean love of light and nature.
Inside, choose smooth stucco wall finishes and continue the arched motif in window and door shapes. Handcrafted woodwork and ceramic tile infuse warmth. Create a great room to gather for meals with family and friends. The Mediterranean penchant for relaxation pairs nicely with today’s open, informal floorplans.
Design Elements to Incorporate for Specific Styles
Certain defining design features can help reinforce the traditional style you select for your new home. Incorporate as many of these classic details as possible:
Colonial Style Elements
- Dormer windows protruding from roof
- Decorative crown molding accents
- Multi-pane double-hung windows
- Shutters flanking windows
- Cloaked front entry with paneled door
- Symmetrical façade anchored by center door
Craftsman Style Elements
- Wide overhanging eaves
- Exposed rafter beams under eaves
- Full or partial-width porches with tapered columns
- Knee braces under gables
- Stone porch supports and chimneys
- Multi-pane windows (bonus points for a big picture window)
- Warm natural materials like stacked stone
Farmhouse Style Elements
- Sweeping front porch with railings
- Black shutters flanking windows
- Modest roof pitch with gabled elements
- Board and batten or lap siding
- Neutral color palette
- Large divided light windows
- White trimwork
- Country-vintage accents like galvanized metal roofing
Mediterranean Style Elements
- Terracotta tile roofing
- Arched windows and doors
- Courtyards enclosed by stucco walls
- Wrought iron railings and decorative accents
- Outdoor living spaces like patios and balconies
- Tower elements
- Decorative cement tile
Modernizing a Classic Home Design
The right modern updates can maximize livability while preserving the integrity of your home’s classic architecture. Here are some tips:
Update Kitchens and Baths
Kitchen and bath renovations are smart investments that modernize your classic home’s livability. Add contemporary conveniences while retaining the charm of vintage detailing like subway tile, clawfoot tubs, and apron sinks.
Incorporate Universal Design
Make classic homes accessible for family members of all ages and abilities with updates like:
- Zero-step entrances
- Wider doorways and halls
- Open shower designs with grab bars and benches
- Lowered counters and removable base cabinets
Upgrade Systems
Improve efficiency by:
- Adding insulation to improve energy performance
- Installing high-performance windows and doors
- Upgrading to zoned HVAC and on-demand hot water
- Networking smart home technology
Open Floor Plans
Today’s buyers love great rooms and open concept living. Work with designers to open walls and create flowing, livable spaces while maintaining the architectural integrity of your classic home’s exterior.
Build Additions
Add space by building up or out without sacrificing old home charm. Convert attics to bedrooms, expand kitchens to aid togetherness, or add master suites while mirroring existing architectural detailing.
Choosing a Builder Experienced with Classic Homes
Not every builder will have experience with the nuances of constructing new homes based on traditional designs. Seek out an expert who understands classic architectural styles and has a proven track record successfully building them.
Ask prospective builders about:
- Their experience with your preferred home styles
- How they incorporate classic design elements
- If they have a preferred architectural partner well-versed in traditional styles
- Examples of previous traditional style projects with happy homeowners
- Their construction methods and materials to replicate vintage detailing
- How they integrate modern elements while maintaining architectural consistency
Choose a builder who “gets” the classics and has demonstrated success blending vintage charm with today’s modern amenities and performance. Investing in the right expertise ensures your cherished new home design thrives for generations.
Planning the Perfect Classic Home
How can I choose the right traditional style for my family?
Consider your aesthetic tastes, lifestyle needs, and budget to narrow down the classic style options for your new custom home. Schedule tours of completed homes by potential builders to get a feel for each architectural style in real life. The right traditional style choice will balance your family’s functional needs with a look that feeds your soul.
Should we build from scratch or renovate an existing home?
Building new construction in a classic style allows you to get the layout and features you want from the start. But some neighborhoods feature great traditional homes that, with the right renovations, could become your dream home! Evaluate options in your area to make the best choice.
How much more will a traditional exterior cost?
Well-executed traditional architectural details require skilled craftsmanship, so costs are 10-15% higher for classic versus more contemporary styles. But homes that stand the test of time offer lasting value that outweighs upfront investments in quality materials and workmanship.
Can we update amenities while maintaining a classic look?
Absolutely! Smart builders blend beloved classic aesthetics with contemporary convenience by hiding modern updates like expanded master suites and open concepts behind exteriors that preserve your home’s authentic architectural styling.
How do we decorate our classic home?
Look to your architectural style’s origins for design inspiration. For example, incorporate cottagecore comforts in Craftsman living rooms and sleek transitional furnishing in Colonials. Mixing vintage home accents with updated modern pieces strikes the right balance. Work with designers to create period-perfect interiors.
The Bottom Line
Building a new home in a classic architectural style fuses timeless curb appeal and livability families cherish for generations. The right traditional design communicates refined, established elegance that retains its value and desirability as trends come and go. Partnering with experienced builders who understand the nuances of translating beloved architectural styles into customized new home construction allows you to invest wisely in your family’s forever home.
New Home Construction Using Classic Designs Summary:
With enduring popularity spanning generations, classic home styles like Colonial, Craftsman, Farmhouse, and Mediterranean remain sought-after options for new construction. Their timeless curb appeal, quality craftsmanship, and flexible modernized floor plans make these traditional designs smart investments that stand the test of time while meeting contemporary needs. Choosing experienced builders who prioritize authentic architectural detailing ensures your new classically-styled home provides lasting enjoyment and value for your family. Invest wisely by building new with classic!