Lowcountry Real Estate
Dawn Yerace, Lowcountry Real EstatePhone: (843) 441-6518
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Southern house styles: Key design elements

by Dawn Yerace 12/13/2024

Rich with historical inspiration, Southern house styles are still popular in the world of modern architecture. What’s known as Southern architecture is largely inspired by a specific time period, and often refers to structures originally built before the American Civil War. However, you can still find the style’s influence in contemporary architecture across the country.

But what exactly defines a Southern house plan? Here are the key characteristics to know:

Symmetrical exterior design

Most Southern style house plans feature a square-shaped, symmetrical facade. The front door is always centered and often flanked by tall, narrow windows. French doors are another common exterior feature, always symmetrically oriented to allow access to outside living spaces.

Raised basements

In the American south, the frequency of heavy rain, flooding and hurricanes makes raised basements a necessity as well as a style choice for a Southern style house. Both in modern and traditional Southern house plans, raised basements protect the main living areas from water damage and also provide extra storage space.

Wrap-around porches

Enormous wrap-around porches are one of the most recognizable features of Southern architecture. These porches provide a plethora of comfortable places to sit while protected from the elements. Rain or shine, these porches are an essential element to Southern house plans.

Vaulted ceilings

Tall ceilings are another example of an architectural feature of Southern house plans that is both functional and stylish. Vaulted ceilings make a Southern home seem grand and palatial, but also help keep a comfortable temperature and humidity inside the home by allowing the warm air to rise above the main floor.

These are only a few recognizable features of Southern house plans. Other elements like decorative columns, exterior staircases and expansive gardens are also present in this architectural style. No matter where you are, you can find inspiration from Southern houses and their profound effect on contemporary architecture.

About the Author
Author

Dawn Yerace

 As a seasoned real estate agent with an unwavering commitment to excellence, a deep well of local knowledge, and a proven track record of satisfied clients, I bring a unique blend of expertise and passion to every transaction. With years of experience navigating the intricate landscape of the Beaufort real estate market, I possess an acute understanding of trends, neighborhoods, and property values, allowing me to provide invaluable guidance to my clients.

What truly sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. I understand that buying or selling a home is one of the most significant decisions you'll ever make, and I strive to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. My personalized approach ensures that each client receives the attention and support they deserve every step of the way.

So, whether you're looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate, trust in my expertise, dedication, and local knowledge to guide you through every aspect of the journey. Let's turn your real estate dreams into reality together.