Architecture Styles: The Tudor Style House
Tudor style houses are easily recognizable and have been around for what seems like forever. Charming, intricate, and classic, they have been an iconic home style in North America since the 19th century. There are many beautiful elements that define these homes and they have a full, rich history. Let’s explore how to spot one and what makes them so special.
History of the Tudor Style House
Tudor homes are so named because they came into popularity in Europe during the reign of Henry Tudor VIII. Reflective of the time period in which they originated, they use lots of Medieval and Renaissance motifs and methods. In the late 1800s, architects who traveled from Europe to the Americas brought the style with them. The style grew in popularity and peaked in the 1920s and 1930s, where it was a common home style for financially successful families. The homes were even nicknamed “Stockbroker’s Tudors” in these decades. Around World War II, it began to fall out of popularity as colonial style homes took over. However, these homes are still seen around Europe and America today.
Tudor Style House
Elements of Tudor Architecture
All Tudor style houses have a few distinct characteristics that define them. They include steep pitched gable roofs, brick or partial brick exterior, masonry, stonework, and glass windows that are often leaded, a nod to medieval architecture. To truly be a Tudor style house, it must be built with high quality materials and craftsmanship.
The architecture of these homes includes lots of decoration and intricate stonework. Gables overlap for visual interest and texture. Windows are grouped together and often in shapes other than the standard rectangular, including partially rounded or diamond shaped. Another element that many of these homes have is the so-called Tudor chimney. These are brick chimneys that usually include a stone or metal extension at the top.
A Tudor style house with a Tudor chimney.
Interiors of the Tudor Style House
These homes are heavy and the stonework and brick take up a lot of space, which is reflected on the inside of the house. The heavy walls and leaded windows often mean a lack of natural light, as well. This means the interiors of the home must complement the weight of the exterior. Make sure the materials you use in your interior decor do not clash with the medieval stone and masonry. For example, skip wood textures and choose to paint over them instead. Opulent, classic materials like bronze and tapestries are fitting decor pieces for the interior.
Tudor style houses have stunning exteriors, and are not built with the interior in mind.
It is important to note that these homes were built with the exterior architecture in mind, not the interior design. Unlike some other architectural styles, the interior of the home isn’t a perfectly symmetrical blank white box to decorate. They are asymmetrical, with varying room heights, angled hallways, and limited natural light. For those who are looking for a home that emulates an English manor, however, this is the perfect home and can look stunning both inside and out.
Here are some rugs and textiles from the Nazmiyal Collection that are perfect for a Tudor style house:
Large Antique English Axminster Rug
Large Italian Wall Tapestry
Antique English Rug
Antique Flemish Heraldic Tapestry of a Spanish Noble Admiral
Antique Austro-Hungarian Needlepoint Rug
This architecture blog was published by Nazmiyal Antique Rugs.
