Classical Home Plans
They have been around forever and that is why the Classical Home Plan can be the right choice when the desire for a "classy" residence is a favored choice. There are several definable styles for a Classical Home plan so the range of designs is not limited. Many custom home plans are centered around a classical house design and may contain elements that define the structure as Italianate, Greek Revival, Empire or Palladian styles.
The Italianate style was introduced in the US in the 1830's and have usually been two to four story structures designed to resemble Northern Italian villas. Floor plans for this Classical Home plan can be classically symmetrical or fancifully asymmetrical. The roof line is often low pitched with a wide overhanging eave that is ornately bracketed. Also seen are cornices and square cupolas that were designed to allow in the Italian breezes of the Mediterranean. Exterior construction is smooth stone, brick or wood clapboard siding.
The Italianate style is adorned by tall narrow pairs of double hung windows and sometimes bay windows and there are romantic porches and views from elaborate balconies. Entry doors are massive and are heavily molded and they lead to spacious rooms and gracious entry ways. Ceilings are high and are crowned with handsome moldings.
Another Classical Home plan style is the Greek Revival. Greek styles were popular in the years between 1830 and 1860 and represented a political preference to the Greek ideal of democracy. The large iconic mansion seen in Gone with the Wind is an example of how the style was preferred in the Deep South in the plantations. Styled by an exterior of classic clapboard siding, bold yet simple and symmetrical shape and low pitched gable roof lines, the Greek Revival, Classical home plan is still a representation of prosperity and gracious living.
And who could not be captured by the huge columns supporting the wide spread porch and tall six pane windows that let in the sun. The entry doors are usually adorned by wide side lights and a rectangular transom, dressed with pilasters, pediments or columns. These windows are simple and less elaborate than the entry doorway. And this is how the Greek revival house plan is referred to as the Southern Colonial House plan.
The Empire style of architecture enjoyed popularity in the period between 1860 and 1880. The name comes from the revival of France during the reign of Napoleon III which proved to be France's "Second Empire". What makes the Empire Classical house plan identifiable is its unique roof. The design of the roof allowed for an upper floor within the roof and was useful in the design of urban town houses. This design also allowed for the maximum use of floor space and square footage but eliminated the massive appearance of the building. Many of the exterior features of the house are similar to those found in the Italianate Classical home plan.
So if the Classical home plan is the one, there is plenty of room to define the style further and make it personal for the maximum in gracious, classical, and discriminating home style living.
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