10 Ways to Add Architectural Details to Your Home

One of the best perks of becoming a homeowner is making the space your own. From furniture choices, to paint colors and décor – the style options are endless. But what happens if your home is missing some key architectural details to go with the style you have in mind? 

Architectural details are small design elements – like a stone fireplace or decorative trim – that have the power to characterize and define your entire home. Choosing the right architectural style for your home may seem overwhelming, but don’t worry – we’re here to help. So, whether you’re living in a new construction home in Sacramento, CA, or a modern condo in Atlanta, GA these 10 ideas will help you add the perfect architectural details to your home.

1) Start with classic crown molding or wainscoting

Crown molding is likely the first architectural style that comes to mind, and for good reason. Details like crown molding or wainscoting are timeless additions to your walls that will stick throughout the years. If you’re into DIY projects, you can install a peel-and-stick crown molding to your walls, or add a faux wainscoting look with a chair rail molding and some paint. For a different take, you can frame your windows with a type of molding called casings. Not a DIY-er? Talk to an architect or licensed contractor who can help design and install crown molding or wainscoting to your home without the hassle. 

Renovating your home?

Find out what your home's worth, edit facts, and see the impact of home projects.

See your home value

2) Choose contrasting colors

When deciding on a color palette for your home, choose contrasting colors for added depth. You can easily create contrast throughout your home with stark variations in paint or furniture choices. Think white walls against a black floor or dark-finished cabinets with light-colored countertops. 

3) Add textured walls for architectural details

If contrasting colors aren’t your style, consider texture when it comes to your walls. Many painters can add texture to an otherwise plain wall with paint techniques to help add dimension. If texture isn’t your game, think about adding an accent panel using stonework or mosaic tiles.

4) Create a gallery wall or picture rail

Get creative with your photos and art by making a gallery wall. Strategically placing your photos on the wall is an art on its own, one that an interior designer can help you out with. Consider adding a picture rail to your wall if you’re looking for something a little more permanent. That way you can display your art and décor along the walls while also incorporating crown molding. A picture rail will be a statement detail no matter how many times you’ve changed the photos.

5) Hang drapery for high ceilings

One of the easiest ways to add architectural style to your home is by hanging drapery around your windows. By hanging drapes a few inches below the ceiling it will draw your eyes upward, making your walls and ceilings look taller. Bonus, adding drapes will highlight any windows in your room and create a cozy feel no matter the season. 

6) Replace the hardware on your cabinets

Another quick DIY home project to change up your interior style is to switch the hardware on your cabinets and drawers. From sleek silver handles to intricate bronze knobs, the options are endless. Replacing the hardware on your cabinets is a quick way to add simple, yet eye-catching architectural details to your home.

7) Incorporate reclaimed wood

If rustic is what you’re looking for to spruce up your home’s character, think about adding reclaimed wood throughout your home. Whether that’s having a contractor or remodeler add wood beams to your ceiling or as simple as a new table, reclaimed wood will give you the architectural style you’ve been looking for. Also, investing in reclaimed wood pieces is a great way to support the environment while achieving your style vision. 

8) Get creative with your doors

Upgrading the doors in your home can bring a whole new architectural dimension to your space. For a simple approach, a fresh coat of paint can make a big impact on your home’s style. However, if you’re looking for a larger project, think about having your doors replaced with something more unique. Think reclaimed wood doors, sleek sliding doors, or reused barn doors. These changes will instantly transform the architectural details of your home from the moment you step inside. 

9) Natural stone works wonders

If you’re looking to bring a rustic architectural style into your home, incorporating natural stone finishes will do wonders. Think about framing a fireplace with bricks or adding a custom stone design as a backsplash. You can also achieve this rustic feeling by creating a feature wall with faux bricks or a sleek slate.

10) Upgrade or install a fireplace

Adding architectural details to your fireplace will bring warmth – literally and figuratively – to your living space. Spruce up your fireplace’s mantel by painting it a contrasting color to your walls, or frame your fireplace with bricks or natural stone. If your home doesn’t have a fireplace, contact a handyman or contractor who can discuss your options for installing a fireplace in your home. They can also give you advice on what style will work best for your space.