4 Architectural Details that Add Instant Elegance

Some houses just have it. They make people slow down as they drive by, maybe even snap a quick photo for “future dream home” inspiration. But then there are the other houses. Sure, they’re fine, and they do the job. They have doors and windows. But they don’t exactly turn heads. They’re just there.

But if you want a high-end home, then you need to know it goes far beyond what’s inside, but what’s literally on the outside too. Honestly, it’s architectural features that get the job done. Just generally speaking, the right exterior features can make a home look more expensive, more custom, and more like something straight out of a design magazine. But what specific features exactly?

Consider Installing Bow Windows

For starters, windows aren’t just there to keep the elements out. Do they shape the entire look of a home and standard flat windows? Well, they’re about as exciting as, well, nothing really. If the goal is to add instant curb appeal, a bow window replacement is the way to go. These have that gorgeous outward curve which helps create that classic look you usually see for older houses. So, from the outside, they add elegance. So, from the inside, they make rooms feel brighter and more open. Basically, it’s the kind of upgrade that makes a home feel expensive, even if nothing else changes.

You Can’t Go Wrong with Gables

Seriously, a flat, forgettable roofline is doing the house zero favors. But if you’re adding gables, those charming triangular peaks that extend from the roof, well, bring depth, personality, and just the right amount of drama. Basically, those little features give that cute gingerbread house look. You don’t really see them nowadays (unfortunately), but they’re so loved.

Gables can be classic and elegant or bold and modern, depending on the style of the home. Even adding small decorative gables above windows or the garage can completely transform a house from basic to high-end. Basically, it’s the difference between a house that looks like it was plopped onto a lot and one that feels like it was designed to be there.

Frame the Front Door with a Pediment

Have you ever seen those old-timey New England homes, and they look so elaborate, yet nothing is overdone? Well, a lot of them have pediments. So, a front door should feel important. It’s the first thing people see up close, the main entrance, the welcome point. But if it’s just floating there, unframed and uncelebrated, it’s not living up to its full potential.

Old New England houses knew this, these old carpenters and architects knew that there needed to be this elegant feeling. So that decorative molding that goes above or surrounds the doorway just gives the door what it deserves, a crown. But of course, not all houses pull off this look, so consider that of course.

Go with Classic Window Shutters

Shutters used to have a purpose. They blocked storms, added privacy, and gave homes that charming, old-world look. But today? Well, most shutters are just there for decoration, and not always in a good way.

So, what’s the problem? Well, too many homes have tiny, plastic, bolted-on shutters that look like an afterthought. But the secret to making shutters actually work is making them believable. They should be properly scaled to the windows, positioned correctly, and at least look like they could close (even if they never will). If it’s done right, it’s going to look great.