Architecture Styles

Deep dives into architectural movements that shaped historic American homes.

America's Turn-of-the-Century Architecture: Expert's Guide

I’ve walked through countless historic buildings, felt the weight of their past, and squinted at blueprints trying to grasp the sheer audacity of their creators. American architecture at the turn of the 20th century wasn't just building; it was an explosion of innovation, a defiant declaration of a nation coming into its own. Forget the glossy brochures—let's peel back the layers on five sites that truly define this transformative era.

Beyond the Threshold: America's Finest Colonial Entrances

Stepping through the threshold of an old colonial home isn't just an act of entering a building; it's a passage through time, a silent conversation with the hands that crafted its welcome. But what if I told you that the very first impression—the doorway itself—often holds more secrets, more architectural ambition, and more human stories than any other element? Having traversed countless historic sites, I’ve learned to read these grand entrances like an open book.

Beyond the Facade: A Deep Dive into Italianate Brackets

We often walk past them, these elegant homes with their broad eaves and rhythmic shadows, without truly seeing the intricate dance of wood and line that defines them. As a travel writer who’s spent decades chasing historic architecture, I've learned that the true soul of America's Italianate style often hides in plain sight: within the brackets and corbels that grace its cornices. Forget the grand gestures for a moment; let's zoom in on the quiet genius.