Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Gardening
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Holidays
  • Rooms
  • Shopping
  • News

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      Don't let these pesky plants crash your garden party! The first step is to know your enemy. Then you'll know the best way to deal with your weed problem. Read More
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening
    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas
    What Style Is Your House? The 10 most popular American house styles explained.

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 most popular American house styles explained.

    In a world full of so many different house styles, it can be a little challenging just to narrow down your own home's architectural style, let alone–if you're buying—to edit the list down to your favorite style. We'll show you the 10 most popular American house styles, including Cape Cod, French Country, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, Cottage, Mediterranean, ranch-style, and Contemporary.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing
    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking
    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    If you're a beginner baker who's just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We'll help you set up a baking essentials kit for beginners with 21 pastry tools. For those who already own these handy tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflé dish. Building your essential baking tools and equipment inventory starts here.
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating
    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement, has grown into a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Valentine's Day
    • Mother's Day
    • Easter
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July/Memorial Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Juneteenth
    • Hanukkah
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms
    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • Shopping
  • News

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Home Improvement Ideas
  3. Home Remodeling
  4. Architectural Details
  5. Stunning Home Architecture

Stunning Home Architecture

Caitlin Sole headshot
By Caitlin Sole February 19, 2016
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
kitchen
Soaring ceilings, elegant tile work, stunning woodwork. These are the things that create drama in architecture. Take a tour of a few of our favorite awe-inspiring spaces.
Start Slideshow

1 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

European Heritage

kitchen

A triple barrel-vault ceiling adds dramatic flair to this kitchen. The intrados, paved in brick and supported by wood beams, recall Old World styling. Walls, block limestone, and the arched opening to the adjacent room add more European character. All-white cabinetry offers just enough interest with the glazed tile backsplash and leaded glass door fronts without competing with the architectural finishes. 

1 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grand Entrance

Entryway

A sweeping staircase defines this elegant entry hall. Curved to match the home’s front bay, the stair wraps the double height room framing the front door and second story windows. The newel posts, handrail, and stair treads are stained dark, creating contrast against the white bannister and wainscoting. Accents such as the marble floor with onyx inlay and sconces capped with black shades underscore the bold design.

2 of 15

3 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fearless Move

Staircase

Creating a graphic statement, this entry hall showcases an elegant play with geometry. Box molding makes a bold impression on the stair wall. Black and white tile floors run at an angle to create welcome tension. In keeping with the bold design, balustrades are weighty and substantial. A settee, dressed in wide chartreuse and white stripes injects contemporary flair with unflinching confidence.

3 of 15

Advertisement

4 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Enchanting Journey

hallway

Passageways create a sense of expectation for a room’s reveal. This one offers a journey unto itself. A barrel vault ceiling with curved box molding brings volume to this hallway. Walls trimmed with heavy paneled wainscoting serves as a gallery with picture lighting illuminating the artwork. Black and white marble tile, laid in a diamond pattern, take the place of a traditional carpet runner.

4 of 15

5 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fine Finish

conversation room

This handsome seating area showcases a rich finish in floor-to-ceiling wood paneling. The octagonal room boasts a limestone fireplace flanked by double windows with built-in box seats. Bookshelves fill nooks above each window. The paneling tapers to form an octagonal vaulted ceiling creating a grand medallion for the globe-shaped iron chandelier.

5 of 15

6 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Make a Point

Kitchen

The peaked ceiling in this kitchen plays to drama and light with its steep pitch. Framed by beams inset with narrow wood planks aligned with the point, there’s no minimizing the cathedral effect. Strands of cable lighting span the width of the kitchen add a contemporary farmhouse vibe. The all-white kitchen is punctuated with black stone countertops and dark window frames for contrast.

  • Top White Kitchens

6 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Substantial Drama

entry

This stunning entry hall displays classic architectural designs including the barrel vaulted ceiling and entablature supported by squared Doric columns and pilasters. A deep base molding with raised square trim provides balance. Floors are marble tile, laid in a diamond pattern inset with ebony squares. Walls, painted gray, set off the gleaming white trim. 

7 of 15

8 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

History Lesson

conversation room

This parlor displays Victorian details in the stained glass bay window and built-in bench seat with pew enclosure. A parquetry rose medallion adds interest to the hardwood floor. The fireplace mantel, flanked by Ionic columns, showcases angular graphic lines indicative of Arts and Crafts styling. A French style bell jar lantern light fixture with its gilt finish complements the rich collage of historical details.

8 of 15

9 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sea-Worthy

family room

Resembling the inner hull of a ship, this ceiling employs a curved framework of wood ribbing. Stained dark, the arched beams are a standout against the lighter stain on tongue and groove panels set between beams and on the walls. The impressive nod to Gothic architecture shows restraint compared to ancient uses creating a contemporary interpretation -- especially when paired with the simple window casings and clean lines of the mantel.

9 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Elegant Retreat

Bathroom

An antique limestone arch crowns the doorway in this elegant medieval-style bath. Mosaic Romanesque tiles take the place of traditional wood wainscoting. More tiles align along the ceiling replacing typical crown molding. The copper soaking tub underscores the terra-cotta hues. The rear wall showcases damask patterned wallpaper.

10 of 15

11 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grand Gesture

window shades

Tall ceilings in this living room make way for elaborate millwork. Corinthian pilasters frame a bay window. Thick crown molding creates depth and interest with alternating plain and carved acanthus leaf designs. In Europe and in older homes, molding signifies wealth and status -- the more ornate, the better. (Historically, most moldings were made from plaster). The fireplace repeats the grand look with its ribbon swag frieze.

11 of 15

12 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Indulgent Retreat

Bathroom

A claw-foot tub becomes the centerpiece of this serene bath. Set in an alcove with a dramatic arched doorway, the tub's gilt footings and a crystal chandelier add glamour, as does the gleaming basket weave tile floor. Blush draperies set off floor to ceiling windows. The woodwork -- painted bright white -- offers traditional details such as the arched doorway and columns. The vanity displays furniture details, mimicking the architecture, with paneled doors and fluted edges.

  • See more bathrooms with amazing architecture.

12 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Looking Up

white kitchen

A coffered ceiling offers a bold framework for this luxurious kitchen. Custom cabinets display recessed panels with paneled glass doors above. The island is substantial, balancing the weight of the ceiling. Here, heavy corner columns support the expansive black stone countertop -- a nice contrast to the room’s crisp white finish. Playing against the strong lines, the range hood is curved -- as is the opening to the adjacent room.

  • See more kitchens with gorgeous architecture.

13 of 15

14 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Arch Rivals

Dining room / Living room

Wood paneling creates rich drama in this living area. Thick ceiling beams align with an arcade along a rear wall. This wall of arches frames a bookcase, fireplace mantel surround, and window. Arches continue along perimeter walls framing more windows. Furnishings are simple and streamlined -- perfectly in keeping with the smooth wood finish.

14 of 15

15 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Point of View

Entryway

Inviting plenty of natural light, this foyer displays a front door with leaded glass sidelights and transoms above. A bull's-eye window keeps things airy while making a strong architectural statement. Once considered an inexpensive way of making windows, the glass from the bull's-eye window was the outer flat edge cut from a roundel (rounded blown glass). Floor parquetry displays an interlocking square and circle motif.

15 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Caitlin Sole

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 15 European Heritage
    2 of 15 Grand Entrance
    3 of 15 Fearless Move
    4 of 15 Enchanting Journey
    5 of 15 Fine Finish
    6 of 15 Make a Point
    7 of 15 Substantial Drama
    8 of 15 History Lesson
    9 of 15 Sea-Worthy
    10 of 15 Elegant Retreat
    11 of 15 Grand Gesture
    12 of 15 Indulgent Retreat
    13 of 15 Looking Up
    14 of 15 Arch Rivals
    15 of 15 Point of View

    Share & More

    Tweet Email Send Text Message
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
    Better Homes & Gardens

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithBH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Better Homes & Gardens. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Stunning Home Architecture
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.