Good things come and go – and so do trends. As a matter of fact, while each generation strives to put its own spin on home design, much of what we presume is popular now is a renewal of a bygone fashion.
In today’s article, Level Management in Orange Beach shares 7 old house trends that are beginning to make a comeback.
Old House Trend #1: Shotgun House
A shotgun house is one room wide and at least two, usually three, rooms deep. The nickname “shotgun” came about from the premise that if someone fired a shotgun through the door then the bullet would have made its way straight through the backdoor.
Shotgun homes first appeared in the early 19th century and peaked in popularity at the beginning of the 20th century. They were particularly common in black neighborhoods such as New Orleans, North Carolina, and Charlotte.
One feature that particularly stands out about a shotgun house is its space-conserving and cost-effective design. And this is perhaps one of the many reasons why architects and designers are reviving the shotgun design.
Old House Trend #2: Clawfoot Tub
The term “clawfoot bathtub” accurately describes one. It is a bathtub that stands alone and has four legs or feet directly beneath it. It is a classic roll-top bath that was mass-produced during the late 19th– and early 20th centuries.
Today, due to their cute retro look that helps create a beautiful visual focal point, clawfoot tubs are becoming increasingly trendy.
A traditional clawfoot tub was made of cast iron with a porcelain finish. But since clawfoot tubs are increasingly becoming popular, there has been a need to modernize them to fit contemporary lifestyles.
They are now much bigger and come in a large assortment of styles and shapes. Acrylic tubs, cast-iron tubs, double-ended tubs, and slipper tubs are just some of the few options you have.
Old House Trend #3: Dutch Door
In early New England, they were known as double-hung doors. The purpose of Dutch doors was to help keep children inside and animals out of farmhouses while allowing air and light to filter through the open top.
The dual functionality of a Dutch door is a unique, yet practical way to connect indoor and outdoor spaces. They bring to mind charming images of cute cottages in the countryside, thatched roofs, and warm summer breezes cooling freshly made pies.
Although the design of Dutch doors is a few centuries old, its appeal continues to be timeless even for the current generation.
Old House Trend #4: Interior French Doors
French doors date all the way back to the time that France and Italy were at war with one another. This occurred in the 16th and 17th centuries. After the French won the war, they brought along with them some Renaissance artworks and ideas.
French doors are stylish and elegant, helping create a beautiful entrance to any space. They open outwards and usually have Georgian bars to add an authentically timeless touch.
Due to their design, French doors help add beauty and openness to any room. They can help transform any room by bringing in air, natural light, and wonderful views of the outdoor environment.
Old House Trend #5: Wall Niche
In architecture, niches were decorative recesses set into a wall to display objects such as a font, vase, or statue. They were particularly common in ancient Rome, where they were used extensively for both exterior and interior walls.
Gothic examples of niches are still ubiquitous, especially in medieval structures where they typically have gables or canopies over them, like at the English cathedrals.
Niches are becoming quite popular nowadays and they are usually chosen as part of bedroom décor. After all, no one likes a boring wall or dead space, right?
Old House Trend #6: Closed Kitchen
For years, open kitchens have been touted as the best kind; something every home should have, but nowadays, closed kitchens are making a comeback. And this is because of several reasons.
The first reason is that closed kitchens are actually more efficient for cooking than open ones. It enables the cook to take fewer steps to perform their tasks. Another reason is that closed kitchens help save energy, by simply avoiding heating or cooling rooms that aren’t currently in use.
Old House Trend #7: Stained Glass Doors and Windows
Stained glass doors and windows were first used by rich Romans and Egyptians in the first century AD. Evidence of stained-glass windows in monasteries and churches in Britain can be found as early as the 7th century.
Today, stained glass doors and windows are making a comeback for their elegance. The textured, colored, or clear beveled stain glass can help give you’re home a contemporary Victorian feel.
Generations will come and go, but everything good will always come back to style. If you did not catch these décor and furniture trends the first time, then now is your chance.
