Whether you’re building the house of your dreams or are looking to upgrade your current one to feature more European elements, you have many options. European house plans are all a little different, but they all have similar characteristics that make up a European style.
European houses are stunning architectural masterpieces that look beautiful almost anywhere in the world. But what specific design elements make a house look and feel European?
What is European house design?
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It’s hard to pinpoint the exact definition of a European-style home, considering there are a lot of different influences in Europe. Each country and region has its own styles, which have helped shape what we think of as European house design over the years.
Most European-style homes have deep roots in European architecture throughout the centuries. The main influences we see in these styles of homes are Italian, Spanish, Tuscan, French, and English.
Over the years, the style has pulled from all the best elements to create a universal style. European design combines modern and traditional elements.
When most people think of a European-style home, they think of large villas, but even smaller homes can feature this style.
Elements that make up a European-style house
With so many European countries, it’s safe to say that several elements make up what we call the European house design. They’re all unique and, when molded together, create a stunning architectural home.
The exterior
The exterior of your home is the first impression it makes, and many European-style homes all have similar exterior elements.
Stone and brick
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Beautiful stonework and brick homes are one of the main components of a European home. Throughout the country, you’ll find brick and stonework on homes, and it’s the best way to identify a European-style home.
The colors of the stone can vary depending on preference, but for the most part, you’ll see different shades of gray and cooler tone stones. Paired with the other elements that make up a European-style home, the stonework and brick look stunning.
Covered entrances
Another element you’ll notice about European homes is their covered entrances. Most of them have a covered area where the front door is. This covering protects you from the elements while looking for your keys, opening the door, or welcoming or saying goodbye to guests.
Elaborate rooflines
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When building a home, you can tell it’s taking inspiration from European-style homes just by looking at the roofline. Most European homes have elaborate rooflines that make you stand back and say, “wow.”
You’ll see a lot of European homes with slopes and lining across the roof to make them more appealing to the eye. Some homes feature steeped roofs, towers, and lining in a darker color to accent the house.
Massive windows
Most European homes have large windows. Not every window on the home will be massive, but many of them will. These large windows allow more sunlight to enter the house, which creates a more relaxing space for entertaining guests or hanging out with the family.
Something about the massive windows is that while they tend to be huge, they’re rarely floor-to-ceiling style like you see in more modern homes nowadays.
The interior
Besides the exterior, elements inside a home are part of a European design. Not all European-style homes will feature all of these, but they’re known to be an element of the style.
Textured walls
Textured walls used to be a considerable style component of many styles but were slowly outdated thanks to sleek walls, but in European-style homes, it’s still prevalent.
When you have walls with a texture, it adds character to the home and is more visually appealing compared to sleek walls. It also helps you create a more minimalistic home because it adds almost a decoration-like component without cluttering the room with artwork.
Grand foyers
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Grand foyers are a tell-tale sign of a European home. These elegant entrance spaces allude to the spaciousness of the rest of the home. Since the idea behind European-style homes is the entertaining value, a grand foyer is an excellent introduction to the rest of the house.
High ceilings
Almost all European-style homes have high ceilings. High ceilings help create a larger space, even if the house is smaller. While nowadays, high ceilings are more visually appealing, European homes centuries ago featured this component to help ventilate hot air without air conditioning.
Archways and arched doors
Archways and arched doors are other main elements of a European house. While the traditional reason for this is unknown, the curvature helps elevate a space and create a focal point without adding a bunch of decoration.
Conclusion
Each style of home has different elements that make it what it is. European homes typically have stonework, high ceilings, grand foyers, and other minimalist features that create focal points. European design elements will create a beautiful and timeless home.
