Italianate Architecture Feature Checker
Identify authentic Italianate features by evaluating key design elements from the article. Mark the features you observe to determine if it's a genuine revival or superficial copy.
Original style features narrow openings, often grouped in pairs or threes
Spaced every 1-2 feet, typically made of cast iron or wood
No gables; deep eaves for shading and ventilation
If both sides are identical, it's likely not Italianate
Usually square or octagonal, adding vertical interest
Avoids fake stucco or crumbling brick; uses modern alternatives
The design honors historical intelligence while incorporating modern materials and sustainable features.
Consider adding off-center tower and decorative brackets for a more complete revival.
True Italianate has asymmetrical design and natural proportions - not forced symmetry or excessive ornamentation.
Based on article criteria: Tall windows, brackets, asymmetry, tower, roofline, and modern materials are essential for authentic revival.
Italianate architecture isn’t just old-fashioned-it’s quietly making a comeback. You’ve seen it before: tall, narrow windows with arched tops, heavy bracketed eaves, and asymmetrical towers rising above red clay roofs. It’s the style that lined the streets of 19th-century Boston and Philadelphia, but today, it’s showing up in Perth suburbs, Melbourne’s inner east, and even in new builds in rural Victoria. This isn’t nostalgia. It’s a smart, thoughtful revival-where the grace of the past meets the needs of the present.
What Makes Italianate Architecture Distinct?
Italianate architecture draws from the villas of Tuscany and Lombardy, not the grand palazzos of Rome. It’s relaxed, not rigid. Think of it as country house elegance imported to American and Australian cities in the 1840s-1880s. Unlike Gothic Revival’s pointed arches or Victorian’s cluttered ornament, Italianate is clean-lined but rich in texture.
Key features are easy to spot:
- Tall, narrow windows-often with rounded or arched tops, sometimes grouped in pairs or threes
- Decorative brackets under the eaves, carved or cast iron, spaced every 1-2 feet
- Low-pitched or flat roofs with wide overhangs
- Towers or cupolas, usually square or octagonal, adding vertical interest
- Balustrades and balconies, often on the second floor
- Stone or brick facades, sometimes with stucco finishes
- Asymmetrical design-no two sides are mirror images
These weren’t random choices. Each element solved a problem. Tall windows caught cross-breezes before air conditioning. Deep eaves shaded interiors from harsh sun. Towers offered views and ventilation. The style was practical before it was pretty.
Why It’s Coming Back Now
Modern builders aren’t copying 1860s blueprints. They’re borrowing the soul of Italianate design and filtering it through today’s materials and lifestyles.
Homeowners today want character without clutter. They don’t want ornate woodwork that collects dust, but they do want visual rhythm and craftsmanship. Italianate architecture delivers that without the fuss. Its simplicity is its strength.
In Perth, where summer temperatures regularly hit 40°C, the deep eaves and shaded verandas of Italianate homes are a gift. Builders are using modern insulation, double-glazed windows, and passive cooling strategies-but keeping the silhouette. The result? A home that looks like it’s been there for 150 years, but runs on solar power and smart thermostats.
Architects like those at Italianate architecture is a 19th-century design style inspired by Italian Renaissance villas, characterized by tall windows, bracketed eaves, and asymmetrical towers. firms in Melbourne are blending it with contemporary open-plan living. They’re removing interior walls to create flowing spaces, but keeping the original window proportions and bracket details. The tower? Now it’s a rooftop study with 360-degree views. The balcony? Turned into a glass-enclosed sunroom with radiant floor heating.
Modern Materials, Classic Forms
Forget fake stucco and crumbling brick. Today’s revival uses:
- Engineered timber for brackets and cornices-resistant to rot, termites, and warping
- Composite cladding that mimics stone or brick but weighs half as much
- Thermally broken aluminum windows with double glazing, shaped to match historic profiles
- Recycled clay tiles for roofs, glazed to reflect heat
- Steel structural frames hidden behind traditional facades for earthquake and wind resilience
One project in Subiaco, built in 2023, used 3D-printed concrete to replicate the intricate brackets of an 1870s Italianate villa-only with 40% less material and zero waste. The result? A facade that looks hand-carved, but was printed in 12 hours.
Color palettes have shifted too. Original Italianate homes were painted in muted ochres, terracottas, and deep greens. Today, you’ll see soft greys, warm whites, and even charcoal with brass trim. The goal isn’t to look old-it’s to look timeless.
Challenges of the Revival
It’s not all smooth sailing. Heritage overlays in cities like Adelaide and Sydney can restrict modifications. Some councils still demand exact replicas of original windows, even if modern double-glazed versions would save 30% on energy bills.
Then there’s cost. A true Italianate revival isn’t cheap. Custom brackets, hand-laid tiles, and specialty windows can add 15-25% to a build budget. But the payoff? Homes sell faster. In Melbourne’s bayside suburbs, Italianate-style homes with modern interiors are fetching 18% above market average, according to a 2024 report by the Australian Property Institute.
Another issue: overdoing it. Some new builds go full theme-park-adding fake towers, wrought iron balconies, and excessive ornamentation. That’s not revival. That’s cosplay. The best modern Italianate homes feel like they grew organically from the land, not like they were dropped from a history book.
How to Spot a Genuine Revival
Not every house with brackets is Italianate. Here’s how to tell the real thing from the copy:
- Look at the windows-true Italianate has tall, narrow openings, not wide picture windows
- Check the roofline-low slope, wide overhangs, no gables
- Examine the symmetry-if the front is perfectly balanced, it’s probably not Italianate
- Find the tower-it doesn’t have to be huge, but it should be off-center
- Check the materials-modern revivals use composite, steel, or engineered wood, not just brick and plaster
Also, look at the landscaping. Original Italianate homes had terraced gardens with citrus trees and wrought iron gates. Today, they often have native drought-tolerant plants, gravel paths, and minimalist steel planters. That’s not a mistake-it’s evolution.
Where to Find Inspiration
Walk through East Melbourne’s Carlton Gardens. Many of the terrace houses there were built between 1865 and 1885. Notice how the windows are aligned but not symmetrical. Notice how the brackets are spaced irregularly-no two are exactly alike. That’s the rhythm you want to copy.
Look at the work of architect John Wardle in Tasmania. His 2021 renovation of a 1872 Italianate cottage added a glass-walled extension at the back, but kept the original eaves and tower. The result? A home that feels both historic and utterly current.
Or check out the Italianate architecture homes in the Perth suburb of Guildford. A group of seven new builds completed in 2022 used a shared design language: all have the same bracket spacing, window height, and tower profile-but each has a unique color and layout. That’s the sweet spot: unity without uniformity.
Is It Right for Your Home?
Ask yourself:
- Do you live in a hot climate? The deep eaves and shaded porches are a huge advantage.
- Do you value craftsmanship over speed? Italianate details take time to get right.
- Do you want a home that stands out without shouting? This style whispers elegance.
- Are you willing to invest in quality materials? Cheap versions look fake after five years.
If you answered yes to most of those, you’re a good candidate. It’s not for everyone. But for those who want beauty that lasts, function that works, and a home that tells a story-Italianate architecture isn’t just revived. It’s reimagined.
Can you add Italianate features to a modern house without it looking outdated?
Absolutely. Focus on key elements: tall windows with arched tops, bracketed eaves, and an asymmetrical tower or cupola. Skip the ornate railings and busy moldings. Use clean lines, neutral colors, and modern materials like composite cladding or thermally broken aluminum. The goal is to echo the style, not replicate it.
Is Italianate architecture expensive to build?
It can be, but not because of the style itself. Custom brackets, specialty windows, and hand-laid tiles add cost. But using modern alternatives-3D-printed brackets, composite cladding, and pre-finished roofing-can bring costs closer to standard builds. Expect a 15-25% premium for high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
Does Italianate architecture work in Australia’s climate?
Better than most. The deep eaves provide natural shade, reducing cooling loads. Tall windows allow cross-ventilation. Low-pitched roofs are less prone to wind damage. Combined with modern insulation and glazing, Italianate homes can be among the most energy-efficient in hot climates.
Are there heritage restrictions when modifying an Italianate home?
Yes, especially in cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide. Heritage overlays often require matching original window shapes, materials, and colors. But many councils now allow modern upgrades if the external form is preserved. Always check with your local planning authority before making changes.
What’s the difference between Italianate and Victorian architecture?
Victorian homes are busier-more ornamentation, steeper roofs, and brighter colors. Italianate is calmer: lower roofs, simpler lines, and more emphasis on proportion than decoration. Italianate draws from Italian villas; Victorian draws from Gothic and Rococo. Think of Italianate as quiet elegance; Victorian as bold expression.
Next Steps for Homeowners
If you’re considering an Italianate revival, start here:
- Visit local examples-walk through historic neighborhoods and take photos of what you like
- Work with an architect familiar with heritage-sensitive design, not just modern minimalism
- Use materials that age well: composite, steel, clay tile, and thermally broken aluminum
- Focus on the silhouette: roofline, windows, and tower are non-negotiable
- Don’t overdo it. One tower, not three. One set of brackets, not every inch
This isn’t about recreating the past. It’s about honoring its intelligence-and making it work for today.”
