At C3 Studio, we’ve had the pleasure of designing some of the most popular architectural styles in recent years, particularly modern farmhouses and modern Tudor houses. These architectural trends have captivated homeowners by blending traditional forms with sleek, modern design elements, resulting in timeless yet contemporary homes. Both styles have evolved into minimalist versions of their originals, striking a balance between practicality and aesthetic appeal.

However, as much as we’ve loved creating these iconic designs, it’s exciting to think about what’s next. One emerging trend that’s capturing a lot of attention is the resurgence of Italianate architecture. Lately, we can’t seem to design enough house plans that either fully embrace this style or incorporate elements of what we like to call “Italianate-adjacent” designs.

What Defines Italianate Design?

Italianate architecture first made its mark in America in the mid-to-late 1800s, and it’s a style that’s as classic as it is versatile. While the level of detail can vary significantly, today’s trends lean towards simpler, more refined versions of the style. This shift is partly driven by cost considerations, but it also speaks to the modern aesthetic of clean lines and understated elegance.

As outlined in A Field Guide to American Houses by Virginia Savage, classic Italianate architecture is often characterized by:

• Low-pitched roofs with moderate to wide overhanging eaves supported by decorative brackets
• Tall, narrow windows, often arched or curved at the top, with elaborately designed crowns
• Many homes featuring square cupolas or towers as focal points

While the style was originally popular for both residential and commercial buildings, today’s homeowners are embracing Italianate elements in ways that balance historical charm with modern-day livability.

Our Italianate-Inspired Designs

At C3 Studio, we’ve been designing a variety of Italianate and Italianate-adjacent house plans that we’re incredibly proud of. Some of our most notable designs include the Piedmont, Lakedale, Holston, Belgravia, Piedmont II, Park Place, Streambank House, and Sharp’s Chapel. You can explore all these designs in detail on our website www.c3studiollc.com.

What we love about the Italianate trend is the renewed focus on architectural details, particularly around windows, porches, and doors. Windows, as we all know, are one of the most significant (and costly) features of any home. With Italianate design, these elements are given the attention they deserve, creating homes that feel both luxurious and welcoming.

Why We’re Excited About the Italianate Trend

We’ve noticed a growing enthusiasm for Italianate architecture across the Southeast, from Alabama to North Carolina. Homeowners are gravitating towards the style’s subtle yet striking details, especially when paired with modern finishes and materials. Italianate architecture offers more ornamentation than recent minimalistic trends, without feeling overly fussy or ornate.

What’s particularly appealing is how adaptable this style is. Many of our existing plans can easily be modified to incorporate Italianate elements, making it a flexible choice for those seeking a custom design without starting from scratch.

And while some architectural styles can feel trendy or risk looking dated in the future, we believe the Italianate style offers enduring appeal. Its classic lines and refined details have stood the test of time, and we’re confident that homes designed in this style today will age beautifully, still looking timeless 50 years from now.

Looking Ahead in Architectural Trends

While modern farmhouses and Tudors remain beloved styles, we believe the growing interest in Italianate homes signals an exciting shift in architectural trends. As designers, we love seeing the resurgence of styles that offer a bit more character and detail. And while cost is always a consideration, we’ve found that Italianate designs can be tailored to suit a range of budgets without sacrificing elegance or quality.

In fact, we’ve even started to see inspiration images referencing Gothic Revival architecture, but that’s a conversation for another time!

For now, we’re excited to continue exploring and contributing to the latest trends in architecture, helping homeowners find or create the perfect balance of timeless beauty and modern comfort.