Italianate

Italianate architecture is easily recognized by its fanciful design, the low-pitched roof, large decorative brackets beneath the eaves and even a tower and wrap around porch. Italianate residential buildings are usually 2 or 3 stories; it is rare if not impossible to find a one story house in this style.

Features

 * Low-pitched or flat roof
 * Balanced, symmetrical rectangular shape
 * Tall appearance, with 2, 3, or 4 stories
 * Wide, overhanging eaves with brackets and cornices
 * Square cupola
 * Porch topped with balustraded balconies
 * Tall, narrow, double-paned windows with hood moldings
 * Side bay window
 * Heavily molded double doors
 * Roman or segmented arches above windows and doors
 * Quoins
 * Loggias
 * balconies with wrought-iron railings

History
Italianate architecture first emerged in England during the picturesque movement in the early 1840s. The style spread world wide and was soon the dominating architectural style in America between 1850 and 1880. By 1860s, Italianate overshadowed Gothic Revival as most popular style. Italiante style heavily populates the city of San Francisco, California.

Italianate style is known for the wide use of different building materials as well as the use of decorative design. With advancements in technology, the stone corbels that were once used to support the corners of the original Italianate were soon replaced with decorative ceramic or wood corbels. The cupola, or small dome-like structure, that was once prominent in the Italianate style is less popular on newer Italianate buildings, as are the balustrades that once concealed the roof tops.

Italiante remained the most popular style until the 1870s; it was a popular style for barns, town halls, libraries, and churches. After the 1870s, Italianate architectural style fell out of contention when architectural style turned toward late Victorian styles such as Queen Anne.

Architects
Notable architects associated with this style include:
 * Alexander Jackson Davis
 * Richard Morris Hunt
 * Richard Upjohn