THE HISTORY OF
DESIG N
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BY TOM SEABROOK Have you ever looked at something on your home and wondered, why is that even there? Where did it come from? Why the heck do we call it that? Let’s explore the inspiration behind classic architectural features you might run across in your town...or even in your own home. Read on to learn more, then see if you can spot the history all around you.
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1. TRANSOM WINDOWS
4. FRENCH DOORS
Purely stylish today thanks to
What makes them French?
modern air conditioning and
Double glass doors were
electricity, transom windows
popular in France during the
(the small rectangular windows
17th century (think Versailles)
that live above a doorway) were
and eventually made their way
once very useful as sources
into American homes by way of
of light in dark hallways and
England. The only real reason
ventilation in closed spaces.
we call them French doors today is because it sounds chic!
2. WHICH QUEEN?
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The frilly, castle-like homes
5. BUNGALOW
constructed across America
The word bungalow, used to
from the 1880s through the
describe small, simple homes
1910s are built in a style known
typically featuring large
as Queen Anne. The originators
porches, comes from a Hindi
of this style were (very loosely)
term for houses built in the
inspired by the architecture
Bengal style. Bungalows took
of the early 1700s, when Anne
inspiration from the houses of
was queen of England. Since
British sailors and colonists in
Queen Victoria actually sat on
India, spreading later to the
the British throne when most
United States.
of these houses were built, they are also called Victorians.
6. GINGERBREAD
Confused yet?
Called “gingerbread” because of its resemblance to the over-
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3. RANCH HOUSES
the-top icing and candy designs
Also known as ranchers or
of gingerbread confections,
ramblers, these homes first
the decorative woodwork
appeared in the 1930s and took
found on Victorian houses
their low profile and wide open
was inspired both by past
floor plans from nature—and the
and modern technology. The
designs of Frank Lloyd Wright.
invention of the scrollsaw in the
The name “ranch” evokes the
19th century, which coincided
homes typically found on
nicely with the Gothic revival
cattle farms, which inspired the
that drew inspiration from the
original designers with their
medieval castles and cathedrals
harmonious settings. By 1950,
of Europe, allowed carpenters
this style was so popular that
to produce intricate wood trim
nine out of 10 houses built in the
cheaply and easily.
U.S. were ranches!
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NEST MAGAZINE | FALL/WINTER 2019