Historical homes: how to spot styles and care for them

Some houses carry whole lives inside their walls—old paint layers, hidden moldings, and stories about how people lived. If you love older homes, this page helps you identify common styles, notice real features (not fake reproductions), and take practical steps when you want to preserve or renovate. No fluff—just what you need to see, fix, or protect a historic home.

Common styles you'll run into

Colonial: look for symmetry, central doors, multi-pane windows, and simple wood trim. Colonial homes vary by region—some have heavy local details added to European basics.

Georgian: very balanced facades, brickwork, sash windows, and classical door surrounds. If a house feels formal and proportioned, it’s often Georgian.

Greek Revival: big white columns, pediments, and bold cornices. These mimic ancient temples and usually have tall windows and entry porches.

Beaux-Arts and Renaissance Revival: grand scale, lots of stone, sculptural decoration, and formal symmetry. Expect carved details, arched windows, and dramatic stairways.

Baroque: dramatic curves, heavy ornament, and theatrical interiors—think bold movement in stone and plaster.

American Craftsman and Mediterranean Revival: Craftsman shows exposed beams, built-in woodwork, and simple hand-made details; Mediterranean favors red tile roofs, arches, and stucco walls.

Modern-ish movements like Bauhaus or Mid-Century Modern are also historic now—clean lines, functional forms, and new materials for their day.

Quick, useful preservation and renovation tips

Start with a condition list: note the roof, foundation, windows, and original trim. Photograph everything before you touch it.

Match materials when you can. Old brick, lime mortar, and wood trim behave differently than modern materials—use compatible products to avoid damage.

Keep original features when possible. Repair sash windows rather than replacing them; add weatherstripping and storm windows to improve efficiency without losing character.

Make modern systems reversible. When adding HVAC, wiring, or insulation, run new work in ways that can be removed or updated without destroying historic fabric.

Get permits and talk to a preservation specialist for major work. Historic districts and tax credits exist in many places—early research saves time and money.

Think long-term maintenance. Regular roof checks, gutter cleaning, and timely paint keep small issues from becoming major repairs.

Want to learn more about a specific style or a step-by-step project? Browse our articles on colonial, Greek Revival, Beaux-Arts, Renaissance, Georgian, and Craftsman houses right here on Architectural Artistry Chambers. Pick a style, spot the real details, and plan your next project with confidence.