a r c h i t e c t u r a l i n s p i r a t i o n s
d i s cov e r t h e h i s tor y o f you r home
Stair System Designs to Complement Your Home
Our society is the greatest cultural melting pot of diversity in history. This grand diversity is reflected in the myriad of architectural themes that we see in the homes that dot our landscape. Prominent architectural styles and themes have always been noticeable, but some are easier to distinguish than others. Today, we see a great deal of what we call "period homes" that take these architectural elements and recreate them with a modern flair. We are able to adapt these characteristics into homes that fulfill our needs with the elements of design that suit our styles. These architectural themes are the foundation of modern home design. Here are several examples that will aid in the selection process of your stair design to match the look of your home. Each family of stair systems will suggest which architectural style of home best matches the design components of that family.
colonial
Colonial homes evolved from English Cottages to what would eventually become the “Cape Cod” style. These homes were built out of wood “clapboard” siding and had small- paned windows. It has been said that these designs aided a family through harsh and confining winters. Two story versions of these homes were called the “New England Large” and were 2-1/2 story residences. Designs were a classical box design and gained the adoring nickname “salt box”. 18th century England embraced Italian Renaissance design. Likewise, the 13 English Colonies looked to the homeland for modern design. Only the wealthy would own these large palatial homes. The design was balanced, and included large rooms suitable for warm fireplaces and cooking areas. In the North, many of these homes were built of wood, whereas in the South they were constructed of red brick. Many popular designs included a hip or gable roof and later included Greek style columns. The Georgian name came not from the region of construction, but as a namesake of King George I – IV.
key features: • 2-1/2 story homes • Symmetrical and box shaped • Small-paned windows • Shuttered windows • Simple millwork suggested stair systems:
• Traditional • Lexington
georgian
65
key features: • Traditionally brick construction • Some clapboard construction
• Large fireplaces • Greek columns
• Large “Palladian” style window over the front door on second floor suggested stair systems: • Sheraton • Iron
f i tts | archi tectural themes
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