The History Behind the Architectural Style
Popular from the 1820s to 1860, the Greek Revival architectural style explored parallels between Ancient Greek culture and American culture. Aesthetic preferences were changing at the time as British influence lessened and the young U.S. expanded to the West. Many Americans at the time saw the new nation as the spiritual successor to Greece, the birthplace of democracy. Buildings from this period included columns and temple-fronted facades, with examples including banks, town halls, houses, and churches.
Characteristics of the Greek Revival Style
Greek Revival architecture has a number of common characteristics, including:
- Homes painted white to resemble white marble
- Stucco, wood, and stone building materials finished to resemble stone or marble
- Heavy cornices
- Gables with pediments
- Unadorned friezes
- Temple-like hip roofs with low-pitched gables
- Double-hung windows with six panes to each sash
- Decorative windows in three-part assemblages
- Small rectangular windows in the frieze below the cornice
- Square or octagonal wooden columns and pilasters
- Capitals, the upper sections of a column, in the unadorned Doric style
- Simple post-and-beam entrances
- Elaborate door surrounds with a portico entrance or porch
Greek Revival Design –Remodeling Services in MD, VA, and Washington, DC
The area throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC, is well-known for its rich American history and architecture. At Wentworth, our remodeling professionals provide a number of remodeling services focused on the Greek Revival style and aesthetic. We’ll help you gain a new appreciation for your home and improve your quality of life while staying true to the original architecture. Our Greek Revival remodeling services include:
- Custom Greek Revival detailing The intricate detail of the Greek Revival style is undeniably beautiful. We can help restore damaged columns or pilasters, add crown molding, replace stair railings, and more!
- Façade enhancements in the Greek Revival style Whether your home needs a face-lift, or has a style you want to change to Greek Revival, the craftsmen at Wentworth can enhance beyond your expectations.
- Greek Revival home additions If you want more space but don’t want to detract from your historic home’s aesthetic, rest assured with Wentworth. We’ll account for age, condition, and architectural style when creating a design and performing the build.
- Greek Revival home remodeling From bathrooms and kitchens to parlors and living rooms, we can add functionality and beauty to any room in your home.
- Greek Revival interior design services Selecting colors, furnishings, and accessories for a Greek Revival home isn’t always straightforward. Our interior design services tie your recent remodel together with genuine antiques or modern pieces that blend into the historical style.
- Greek Revival interior reconfigurations Historic homes aren’t always built to today’s standards. Whether you want to knock down walls, relocate staircases, or repurpose wasted space, we can make your living area work better for you.
Are you interested in learning more details about Greek Revival architecture? Check out more architecture terminology!
Browse our portfolio for more home renovation ideas. Then, contact us to get your project started!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common cause of damage to wood columns?
Water, insects, and excessive loading are the most significant reasons wood columns in Greek Revival homes fail over time. The wood may split or rot, causing structural concerns. Repair is essential to address the underlying damage and restore beauty and structural integrity to your home.
Can Wentworth recreate historic facade elements?
Yes! Our team can make it happen whether you want to restore or replace the cornices, column capitals, door surrounds, or other facade elements in the Greek Revival style. Our dedicated craftsmen are experts at restoration and recreation, depending on your home’s needs.
How long does it take to renovate a Greek Revival-style home?
The time frame depends on the age and condition of your home, the scope of the work, and any underlying structural issues that arise. Before breaking ground, our team will thoroughly assess your home’s condition and prepare a comprehensive report of the work required, including any preliminary repairs. With this information, we can provide an accurate timeline estimate for you to consider before you commit.
Is aging-in-place remodeling possible in a Greek Revival home?
Yes! The idea of aging in place is to make your home more accessible as you experience mobility changes that often come with age. Additions such as curbless showers and walk-in tubs, grab bars, comfort-height toilets, wider doorways, and other accessibility features make your home safer and more comfortable. We can even relocate your primary suite to the ground floor for easy access.
