Tudor-style houses reek of nostalgic charm that’s so inviting and welcoming. These distinctive homes showcase tall columns and grand architecture in a structure that can be big or small.
A Tudor house promises comfort, making you feel like the king of your own castle. It provides history and imagination all in one. Take a look at these Tudor-style homes and you’ll learn everything you need to know about them.
History of Tudor Style Houses
Some would argue that Tudor architecture actually began back in the Tudor period and they would be partially right. Between the 1400s and 1600s, many buildings resembled the castle architectural style that we associate with medieval England. That is the original Tudor-style house.
However, the Tudor style-houses we’re talking about here are definitely not castles. Sometimes called Tudor revival architecture or Mock Tudor design, these were inspired by architectural elements of rustic medieval cottages.
In the mid to late 19th century, many architects in the UK were inspired to omit the faceted towers and sprawling floor plans of Tudor architecture in favor of mullioned windows and decorative half-timbering. Across Europe, many found the quaint medieval cottage more to their taste.
The trend hit America after World War II, just in time for the Arts and Crafts Movement. It is expensive to build with a lot of brick and stone so Tudor style popped up in wealthy suburbs.
The classic Tudor elements include elaborate brick chimneys or stone chimneys and a steeply pitched roof — sometimes even a tower. Tudor-style homes today are modified to fit our standardized floor plans, but you can still spot the distinguishing characteristics of the past like brick or stone.
Interior of Tudor Style Houses
Mixed Materials
Get ready for medieval architecture because when you live in a Tudor-style house, you can’t have some. Sometimes, whatever covers the exterior walls is also found indoors. Tudor-style homes might have plaster walls brick, stone or stucco featured around the house.
If you don’t have any of those elements, you can probably count on wood-paneled walls somewhere in your home. With bold molding and a rich stain, you’ll love brown wood details more than you ever thought you would with all the wooden walls.
Play up the height
Steeply pitched roofs lead to pitched ceilings that can create cramped attics or spacious living spaces. A high ceiling that comes to a point provides the perfect location for exposed beams, making your room feel cozier.
Since your eyes are already drawn upward with the height, don’t be afraid to make a statement. Hang curtains high to make Tudor-style tall windows look even bigger. Showcase windows in interesting high places. Hang art above the level you normally would. Fill the space to its full capacity with interest.
If it works in your floor plan, consider upgrading your staircase with a balcony. High ceilings create the perfect opportunity for a Juliet-worthy balcony. Choose between wood spindles or iron, depending on the look you’re going for in your Tudor-style house.
Period Details
You may have noticed the penchant for medieval lighting in Tudor houses. Lots of candles on an iron ring is nostalgic and seems appropriate for King Arthur. Obviously, you won’t have real candles on your chandelier but if you’d like the illusion, choose flickering light bulbs.
It’s no problem if you aren’t a fan of iron lighting. Find a chandelier of fairytale proportions with lots of curlycues and candle lighting. Of course, if you can afford crystal drops, that’s the best choice but you could also opt for wooden beads for a similar effect.
When you live in an old home, it’s important to keep as many of the unique nuances as possible. So before you think about tearing out walls in your Tudor-style house, consider if you’ll be losing shapely arched doorways. found on traditionalhome}.
Iconic Window Style
Leaded windows are such a marvelous feature in Tudor-style houses. The diamond-shaped panes of the leaded glass design will give you a pattern to pull from. Plus, the multiple panes of leaded glass looks amazing from the outside as well.
Diamond-shaped patterns aren’t the only ones you’ll find in Tudor-style houses. Some of them also boast a good bit of stained glass. Then not only do you get the pattern on the multi-paned windows but you also have a built-in work of art on the wall.
Dramatic Features
Does your house have a fireplace? If so, it’s likely the most eye-catching piece in the living room. Rather than painting or downsizing it, embrace the grandeur of the solid masonry. Arrange your living room so you have a view of it no matter where you sit.
Some Tudor houses have a tower. If you’re lucky enough to have that feature, you gain some magical square footage. Towers can be decorated into lovely office areas or breakfast nooks. If you don’t have a tower, there may be oriel windows, which are like a faceted bay window.
Stately Kitchens
What about a Tudor kitchen? Cabinets are usually wood and sometimes you get fun accents underneath the countertop. You can always replace some plain cabinet doors with glass front verisons to show off your china.
Like the fireplace, the stove is the focal point in your Tudor kitchen, which you can highlight with a range hood. It might already have one and if so, decorate your kitchen around it. If the range is hoodless, seriously consider installing one to complete the medieval kitchen feel.
What happens if your Tudor-style house was remodeled recently and you want to restore the original charm? Start with the plaster walls. Go crazy with paneling and trim and molding. Even if you paint over it, it will return some of the authenticity that too much remodeling erases.
The exterior of Tudor Homes
Half-timbered
A Tudor is very noticeable from the outside, especially by the walls with decorative half–timbering. However, if that’s too medieval for you, you can always paint the half-timber parts a lighter color that blends with the stone or brick on the house.
Love the easily recognizable statement but don’t love brown? Tudors don’t have to be brown to keep their style. Paint your half-timbered details in a dark popping color like navy or deep teal. This helps modernize your Tudor style-house without losing any of the charm.
While we’re considering painting, why not just flip-flop the whole color scheme? Paint your stucco areas darker and your half-timbering lighter. Suddenly your house becomes unique, even if it’s on a whole block of Tudor houses.
Sometimes the most memorable houses are those that are painted a different color. Who wouldn’t want to live in a fairy tale pink Tudor-style house? Or maybe bright green is more your style. It just might be worth taking the risk.
Of course, most Tudor houses aren’t completely covered in stucco painted white and half-timbers. You’ll often find variations with stone and brick as well. If it’s an older home, this might require a bit of restoration but in the end, it will be worth the price to beautify such a classic home.
Steep Roofline
You’ve probably already identified the steeply pitched gable roofs on Tudor houses. They’re a basic element of the style. There are gables on gables, sometimes of varying heights, which helps break up all the shingles and maintain visual interest. Usually, though, there is one main gable.
Some old Tudor homes have a tower on them. Whether brick, stone or stucco, it really gives your home that castle feel.
Special Windows
Many Tudor-style houses have curved window accents on the exterior. These are called oriel windows and are fun to style on the inside. On the exterior, the goal is to make it look like part of the home and landscaping can bring the whole thing together.
All Tudor-style houses feature mullioned windows somewhere in the design. Give them extra style with multi-paned windows instead of basic frames.
Or go the extra mile with leaded glass windows. These make the perfect backdrop for a cottage garden and wispy landscaping.
Arched doorways
Let’s talk about Tudor-style doors. Tudor houses have arched doorways. These front doors often include a small window and look like they’re wood.
If your Tudor house has a garage, even the garage doors should be rounded at the top like the front door. On this stone house, it matches the overall look.
Outdoor Details
When you find a Tudor-style home that still has original details, you’ll probably see lantern lighting. For a more modern sort, plain lantern lighting will do the trick on your Tudor porch.
Don’t forget to add a pop of color to your Tudor-style house. Whether you do that in the architecture, landscaping or with just a bright front door, color will bring your home up to date and stand out from the brick or stone facade.
Landscaping
With regard to landscaping, give your front yard an authentic look with overgrown ferns, feathery grasses and wild roses. {found on traditionalhome}.
Beautiful Tudor homes
The features of a Tudor-style house are often combined in many different ways. Check out a few examples of a refreshed Tudor-style home.
A refreshed Tudor home in Minnesota
SALA Architects set out to renovate the interior of this Tudor-style house in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The owners wanted a refreshed interior design to fit their lifestyle and improved curb appeal without changing too much on the exterior.
The interior was redesigned with a more refined look and feel. What was once a useless den became a beautiful staircase filled with natural light. The lower level was restructured and opened up and the upper level was remodeled to make space for a new laundry room. Outdoor modifications stayed true to the original design of this beautiful Tudor home.
Modernized English Tudor home in Minnesota
This grand new construction has classic English Tudor style but also has a strong modern vibe on the inside and the outside. The 7,836 square feet of living space includes four bedrooms, several bathrooms and plenty of spacious living areas. The eclectic design is a collaboration between studios Hendel Homes and Vivid Interior Design.
The architects and designers took advantage of the home’s great views. Large windows and doors frame the beautiful scenery and allow the interior to link up with the landscape. The interior has ceiling beams and lots of character while maintaining a simple and classical vibe.
A lakeside Tudor-style house in Seattle
Originally built in 1931, this brick Tudor-style home has a long and rich history. The current owners wanted to preserve it but also make it more suitable for a modern lifestyle. DeForest Architects and Ore Studios renovated the home, focusing on the interior.
The layout and circulation of this 5,000 square foot Tudor home were optimized, toned down and simplified. The designers moved the kitchen to the garden-facing side of the house for a connection to the outdoors. The main living areas are clustered in a large open space and a new staircase connects the two floors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
What makes a house a Tudor?
Tudor houses have numerous defining features. These include steeply pitched gable roofs, brick chimneys — sometimes with decorative chimney pots — arched doorways, casement windows, leaded windows, and decorative half-timbering on the stucco.
What is Tudor Revival?
Tudor Revival style is the American version of the Tudor style. It often trades the usual stucco look for red brick. A Tudor Revival house also has a prominent main gable, sometimes off-center, on the front of the house.
Conclusions
Tudor style is very distinctive and the homes have loads of charm and interest. The features are distinctive and offer a great opportunity for modernization and personal upgrades to make it your own.
The post Tudor-Style Houses Offer Nostalgia and a Homey Feeling appeared first on Home Decorating Trends - Homedit.
0 Commentaires