Traditional
Dates: Mid-1920s-present
Examples: Queen Anne, Georgian, Federal, Shingle Style, Glam, Mediterranean, and Neoclassical more broadly
Description: In recent decades, traditional architecture has emerged as a stylistic choice that distinctly contrasts with modernist and postmodern trends, embracing neoclassical forms while incorporating contemporary building methods. This trajectory largely took root in the 1980s when suburban architecture turned towards traditional designs, evoking Georgian, Queen Anne, Federalist, Shingle Style, and Mediterranean forms. Part of this shift stemmed from a desire to break away from mid-century modernism, which had shaped the previous generation’s homes. Though inspired by historic architecture, these traditional suburban homes often featured simplified ornamentation due to mass production constraints, aiming to offer ample space for large families and recreational areas.
Simultaneously, urban revitalization brought a new wave of homeowners back to city neighborhoods where Revivalist and Arts and Crafts homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries still stood. These homes required updates to accommodate modern living, resulting in renovations that subtly integrated contemporary elements with traditional aesthetics.
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This blending created a style that offered both historical charm and practical modern features.
By the early 2000s, a resurgence in custom-built estates revealed a preference among affluent families for grand homes reminiscent of 19th-century mansions, often inspired by the estates on Long Island’s Gold Coast. These high-end traditional homes incorporated rich millwork, stone carvings, and even formal gardens, showcasing the homeowners’ wealth and taste. However, the stylistic knowledge and budgets varied, leading to some properties that felt overly opulent or, to discerning eyes, even inauthentic—a style later coined as “Glam” for its lavish, sometimes excessive, aesthetic.
This preference for traditional elements in residential architecture has also influenced commercial spaces. As offices have increasingly embraced home-like comfort, interiors in coworking spaces, for instance, have become warmer, more decorative, and even extravagant, catering to a workforce accustomed to the comfort of home. This trend exemplifies how traditional architecture has expanded beyond residential design, shaping broader aesthetic and functional approaches in today’s built environment.
