Interior Architecture Elements with Big Impact

Character-adding and jaw-dropping, architectural details transform spaces from blank boxes to rooms full of charm, warmth and panache. These 20 spaces are sure to inspire some stunning updates to your home.

By: Chelsey Bowen

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Photo By: ReeceNichols Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Harry Norman, REALTORS, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Rebecca McAlpin

Photo By: William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Watson Realty Corp., a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Williams Trew, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Simon Hurst Photography

Photo By: Kinlin Grover Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Ryan Garvin

Photo By: Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Nan & Co Properties, a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World

Photo By: William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Village Properties, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: ReeceNichols Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: @properties, a member of Luxury Portfolio International, photos by JS ECKERT PHOTOGRAPHY

Photo By: Dustin Peck Photography

Photo By: Deasy Penner Podley, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Stacy Zaring Goldberg

Photo By: Gordon Gregory Photography

Take Advantage of Your Home's Character

Built in 1927, this Kansas home was renovated for modern-day living while retaining the timeless character of the home. Hand-hewn beams accentuate the cathedral ceiling and also continue into the kitchen, where they complement the exposed brick walls. Porthole windows flank the carved stone fireplace, and a spectacular candelabra hangs overhead.

From: ReeceNichols Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Gravitate Toward Historic Design

Set on the river in Savannah, Ga., this home blends classic southern style with Greek Revival architecture. The 14-foott-tall vaulted ceiling in this living area is finished in knotty wood and frames the high arched window that overlooks the Spanish moss-covered trees and river.

From: Harry Norman, REALTORS and Luxury Portfolio International®

Go for the Impressive + Bold

The combination of the vaulted ceiling and exposed stone wall makes a dramatic statement in this colorful and pattern-filled studio. Bright white window headers generate a striking juxtaposition against the wall and adds a burst of lightness into the space.

From: Michelle Gage

Consider a Modern Vision

Often visions of architectural elements are for the traditional or the rustic, such as timeless crown molding, exposed wood beams or elegant archways. However, contemporary and modern homes also have a handle on elements that bring in character and definition. Low-profile gray ceiling beams set in a grid pattern mimic the windows in this contemporary abode. Eye-catching chandeliers and light fixtures add to the overall effect.

From: William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance and Luxury Portfolio International®

Don't Forget About Hidden Spots

Incorporate architectural treasures throughout your home. Not just for the main, front and center rooms, they make hidden spaces a little more special. Found in a lavish Florida estate, this quiet reading nook is the perfect spot to have a moment to yourself. The cozy window seat has plenty of natural light, and a spiral staircase leads up to a petite workspace with arched windows overlooking the ocean.

From: Watson Realty Corp. and Luxury Portfolio International®

Highlight Architectural Details

Cutaways in the cathedral ceiling maximize the arched windows, allowing them to pour more natural light into this sophisticated living room. On the opposite wall, built-in bookshelves add to the formality of the space, which blends a trio of sofas in classic neutrals and chocolate velvet with a two-tiered chandelier and timeless fireplace mantel.

From: Williams Trew and Luxury Portfolio International®

Evoke Warmth Through Architecture

Warm tones abound in this kitchen to create the epitome of a countryside retreat. Starting at the top, exposed wood beams establish a rustic allure that drops down into the stained wood window frames, including the gorgeous bay windows surrounding the breakfast nook. Designed for family and friend get-togethers in the heart of the home, the kitchen has multiple gathering spots, from the breakfast area and island to the cozy seating area with oversized chairs.

From: Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Look to Exteriors for Inspiration

Even though the outside of this home is constructed from bark siding and locally-quarried stone, several rooms inside are reminiscent of a log cabin. Rough-hewn wood planks and chinking envelop this rustic bedroom, which centers on a stacked stone fireplace. Traditional furnishings, from the four-poster bed to the rich wood dresser, merge with classic fabrics, such as toile, plaids and quilted, for a warm, homey getaway.

From: Cornerstone Architects

Reflect the Home's Originality

The outside of this home is an actual windmill with panoramic views of Hall's Creek and the Nantucket Sound in Hyannis Port, but the charm doesn't stop on the exterior. Originally built in 1946 and updated in 2003, the home reflects much of its historic architecture. The main bedroom features knotty pine woodwork with a vaulted ceiling, exposed beams and posts and a private loft area. A clean white-and-blue color scheme complements the home's locale.

From: Kinlin Grover Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Conceive an Elevated Entrance

No typical stair railings here. Gold metal railings in a linear graphic motif produce a striking display in this entryway, which already has a pretty impressive welcome with a vaulted ceiling and patterned wood floor.

From: Erica Bryen Design

Bring in Natural Influences

Nestled on four acres in Avon, Colo., this home uses its natural surroundings as inspiration for its architectural elements. Stone walls reflect the rustic nature of the encompassing forest, and floor-to-ceiling windows line the hallway so that the picturesque view is never far away. Exposed beams and a grand light fixture add dimension and style overhead.

From: Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Embrace the Grandness

When in Texas, it's almost the law to go bigger, and this rustic ranch house takes that sentiment to heart. Stacked stone walls and reclaimed wood ceilings are used throughout the home, including this bathroom, where a cathedral-height ceiling makes way for a stunning Old-World-inspired chandelier.

From: Nan & Co Properties and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®

Bring It All Down

Instead of the vastness of soaring ceilings, rich wood panels are used in this open concept home to bring the height of the space down and forge a more intimate environment. The layout of the home is designed with separate hangout spots, from the kitchen island and living room to the window seat and lounge area by the pool.

From: William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance and Luxury Portfolio International®

Say Yes to Shiplap

Open and bright, this living room is made for keeping the whole family together as they cook, eat and hang out. Shiplap walls and ceiling, as well as exposed white beams, deliver dimension and texture to the room, while visually enlarging the space.

From: Village Properties and Luxury Portfolio International®

Design With Eye-Catching Intentions

Bursting with architectural appeal, this sitting room is wrapped in whitewashed brick walls and massive arched windows. Overhead, the ceiling has a twist on the typical woodwork with planks laid on the diagonal and beams arranged on top.

From: ReeceNichols Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Try the Classics

Elegant scrollwork takes a plain Jane ceiling from yawn-worthy to remarkable. This traditional living area is surrounded by simple, grid moldings on the walls and elegant floor-to-ceiling windows, but the real star of the room is the floral and quatrefoil moldings up above.

From: @properties and Luxury Portfolio International®

Favor the Look of Wood

An entire room deck out in wood may bring back design nightmares of your grandparents' paneled basement, but wood done right is warm and cozy. Custom washed wood paneling and built-in bookcases wrap this comfy living in laid-back charm. Cushy leather armchairs and a plaid sectional convey a modernized country style.

From: Lauren Clement

Make It Artwork

We've scrolled through enough gorgeous homes to know that architects make wow-worthy compositions, and sometimes an element is deliberately designed to be both architectural and artwork. In this open concept home, a divider with ornate wrought iron vines greets guests as they enter the home and creates separation from the entry and living spaces.

From: Deasy Penner Podley and Luxury Portfolio International®

Take Steps to a New Level

Floating stairs behind a wall of glass visually expand this on-the-petite-side room and create a completely unexpected structure. The metal stairs with chrome railing sit against an exposed brick wall, bringing a touch of modern to the past.

From: Zoe Feldman Design

Bring the Outside In

Cedar shake siding comes inside to deliver major texture to this sunroom that's already bursting with tactile appeal, from the wicker furniture to the stacked stone fireplace. A neutral color palette conveys a calm, casual atmosphere, while large windows flood the space with natural light and provide views of the stunning vistas beyond.

From: Jennifer Stoner Interiors

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