Italian House Plans
Italian house plans feature a gently-pitched roof with wide, overhanging eaves supported by large decorative brackets creating an impression resembling the pediment shape of classical temples. The Italian floor plan typically revolves around a circular staircase in a tall tower. Common Italian home plan features are the grouping of either straight or round-headed windows into threes or small arcades, and the placement of porches or arcaded loggias between the tower and house or at the corners. Italian style home plans dominated American housing construction between 1850 and 1880 when the idea of rural Italy was romanticized by Americans. Many historians believe the Italian style home plan, or Italian villa style was favored for two reasons; these homes could be built with many different materials and the house plans could be easily adapted depending on the budget. New technologies of the Victorian Era made it possible to quickly and inexpensively produce cast-iron and press-metal decorations that are commonly featured in Italian home designs. These Italian floor plans feature intricate facades with many windows, ideal for anyone looking to showcase beautiful views and scenery surrounding the home. Each of these Italian home designs can be customized to suit a variety of individual tastes.