by Christy Heitger-Ewing | photos by Sarah Shields Photography
It’s a home’s architectural style that determines the overall feel of the property. The features of a home can captivate guests even before they step through the front door, which is possibly why European architectural features are becoming increasingly common in Hoosier new-build homes. While European homes have evolved over the years, the style we associate with the name still shares some classic characteristics such as arched doors, windows, open concepts, and stone exteriors. Homeowners are drawn to this look, even in modern builds, and Sarah Wilson, President of Wildflower Designs, maintains that working European style into your new construction home can be effortless.
“Stone, natural wood, even rustic and an ageless color palette are the beginning stages of bringing this style to life,” says Wilson, a seasoned interior designer with more than ten years of experience in the field.
“Incorporating stone on interior walls in the right spots is a timeless European effect and works without failure,” she says. “Designing an interior around this feature is breathtaking on its own. Who doesn’t love a little linen mixed with stone?”
Emily Handke, President of Emily Handke Designs, likes to incorporate European architectural details into many of the homes that she works on. Some of her favorite ways to do this are by creating zero-overhang roof details, paired with arched windows, gas sconces, tumbled stone, and naturally-stained wood.
“We like transitioning from a gabled roof to a flared or swept roof to introduce more curves and unique details to the home’s exterior,” says Handke. Another trick from her team: add simulated divided lights, windows, and doors in an oversized scale to give the characteristic of an older home while maintaining a modern look.
Wilson, who regularly collaborates with Handke, integrates similar European features with large lighting that has a vintage touch. She then adds a rich, dark stain to create warmth in the space and some un-lacquered brass for an inviting feel.
“By embracing some of these design features, you can create a home that is sophisticated and captivating,” says Wilson, who points out that the Kent Shaffer Home featured in Home-A-Rama 2024 is a perfect example of a modern build that highlights these central European features. From stone accents to the timeless color palette, this stunning home earned its title as the 2024 Home-A-Rama People’s Choice. Handke and Wilson collaborated with Kristen Shaffer-Hale, owner of Kent Shaffer Homes, on the design, which pulled in modern finishes with antique furniture for a modern European-style home that perfectly suited its owner.
Architectural features created a seamless throughline for this design. The same stone flowed through the exterior and interior of the property. Meanwhile, Handke created a massive folding window from the kitchen to the covered porch to blur the lines between exterior and interior spaces. The gorgeous feature became a functional and fashionable statement on the property that echoes the shudder-style windows of classic European homes.
“So many homeowners are leaning towards many of these European features,” says Wilson.
If you would like to begin brainstorming ways you can incorporate memorable European design features into your home, contact the seasoned team at Kent Shaffer Homes, Emily Handke Design, and Wildflower Designs.
