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Architecture Of A Queen Anne Home

By Rachel

published 05/19/2022

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Last Updated on November 6, 2024 by Rachel Granholm

Come see the beautiful details and architecture of a Queen Anne home!

Recently, on a little vacation, my husband and I had the immense pleasure of staying in a circa 1826 Victorian home for three days. Nestled on top of a large hill and surrounded by other Victorian homes, this house has it made. Join me as I take you on a tour of this lovely place and show the charming architecture of a Queen Anne home!

First, A Story: Unveiling the Architecture of a Queen Anne Home

When my husband and I were planning our little vacation and looking at places to stay, I feel like this house found us, we didn’t find it. We were booking everything a little over a month before we had planned on leaving and how this house wasn’t booked up yet was beyond me.

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I started scrolling through the pictures online and was just awe-struck at the architecture and the details on this stately house. Nevertheless, I was more than excited to see it in person! Here are my takeaway’s from spending three days in a restored 1800’s Queen Anne Victorian house.

Architecture of a Queen Anne Home

According to mydomaine.com, the definition of a Queen Anne home is as follows: “Queen Anne houses are Victorian-style houses that boast specific features—like asymmetrical exteriors and decorative trim. Queen Anne houses are also known for their wraparound porches, towers and turrets, and multicolored palettes. Think: wraparound porches and steeply pitched roofs. And they’re also known for their decorative excess.”

In my post today, I’m going to get into more of the interior details more than the exterior. I’m not an expert in architecture or Victorian homes but I lived in this house for three days and I wanted to share with you the small intricacies that caught my eye. Many of these pieces of decor and architecture can be used in more modern homes today!

Eye-Catching Details and Signature Features in Victorian and Queen Anne Homes

1. Elaborate Doorknobs

Doorknobs may sound like trivial things in a house but I believe that the way a room comes together and how a room makes you feel is all in the small details. Unique and elaborate doorknobs are a key feature in Queen Anne houses.

You guys. I mean…do you see how pretty this doorknob is?! This same etched style was found on many doors throughout the home. I believe the material is an antique brass but correct me if I’m mistaken.

I just can’t get over the detail on the knob itself as well as the scallops on the door plate behind. These knobs bring in so much character and texture while also bringing in a metal element to the space.

2. Wooden Staircase and Banister

Prominent wooden staircases are another hallmark in Queen Anne homes. This house had an amazing one. Just look at the detail on those spindles! The staircase was one of the taller ones I’ve ever seen in any house ever. It just kept going!

This is the banister that was located at the bottom of the stairs. You see it right as you walk into the foyer and it’s just stunning. I’ve never seen a banister with such beautiful floral carvings. If you look at this banister further, you will notice the detailed trim work that runs down the sides as well through the middle.

It’s just…you guys…this makes my heart so incredibly happy. Things just aren’t made like they were used to. One way to achieve a similar look in your home is to go to a home improvement store and look through the decorative trim.

They usually have thinner pieces of fancy wood trim as well as decorative wooden flourishes that you could adhere to an existing banister using wood glue and a nail gun.

This cozy nook is a little landing at the bottom of the main staircase. The first few steps that start in the foyer are curved and meet this landing before continuing up. I just think this little corner is quaint and charming. The large window brings in so much light, making the stairs feel bright and airy.

The bench is built in to the wall. The curves on the bench compliment all of the straight lines and right angles in this part of the house. This staircase has it all and makes such a beautiful statement as you walk into the home.

3. Prominent Trim

Another detail that dates this type of home is incredible crown moulding and baseboards. This house has some of the widest baseboards that I’ve ever seen! It’s just a stunning element that adds so much character to the home. You can sometimes find wide trim like this at hardware stores or you can custom order it to fit your needs.

4. Large Windows

Queen Anne style homes also feature large windows. That was evident as there were many throughout this house. The picture below is of the bay window in the living room. The middle window had the old, wavy original glass in it which was gorgeous.

Just look at the view from this window! Mitch and I would pull up two chairs to this window every evening when it was getting dark and look out at the city. You can see three states from this vantage point!

5. Decorative Floor Tile

I’m pretty sure the owners of this house replaced the wood floor that was once in the foyer with tile. All of the research I’ve done says that original Queen Anne style homes have hardwood flooring throughout.

Nonetheless, this tile floor is gorgeous. I love penny tile of any kind and the black and white pattern of this floor really adds drama to the entry of this house.

6. Tin Ceiling

Again, this isn’t original to the home but I thought it was so pretty! The owners had recently completed a kitchen renovation and they did an amazing job, even keeping the original hardwood floors and windows intact.

I’m not sure if the house had a tin ceiling in the kitchen originally or not but I adore tin ceilings regardless. The pattern on these copper tiles is stunning and really makes this brand new kitchen feel old.

Side note: How amazing is that transom window above the door?!

Closing Tidbits on Architecture of a Queen Anne Home

You wanna know the real bummer about this house? At one point or another, there used to be a fireplace. It was probably insanely gorgeous with a beautiful mantel and a stunning tile hearth. The bedroom that we slept in while we were staying there used to be a parlor (we think) and we found the spot in the room where the chimney used to be.

I almost cried. Take it or leave it, but I believe that old houses such as this one have souls and by tearing out the antique fireplace is like ripping the soul out of the house. Am I upset that someone tore out the fireplace? Yes. Did I still enjoy staying in this Victorian home? Absolutely.

I hope you pulled some new nuggets of knowledge from this architecture of a Queen Anne home! It truly was a magnificent place to stay. I fell more in love with that style of home as our days there went on.

Historic houses are rich in character and soul, teaming with possibilities. I hope you choose to see the good in things, just as I chose to see the good bones of this old house.

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