American Foursquare: Classic Home in Atlanta

Today we’re headed to Atlanta to see a beautiful American Foursquare home by Alair Homes Decatur. The house is a blend of of prairie and craftsman style with timeless appeal. American Foursquare style came into popularity from the mid-1890s to the late 1930s. It was in reaction to the more ornate Victorian period.

Photo by Alair Homes Decatur

The hallmarks of the style include a basically square, boxy design, two-and-one-half stories high, usually with four large, boxy rooms to a floor, a center dormer, and a large front porch with wide stairs. They make great use of space on smaller city lots and we have plenty of these homes in the Chicagoland area.

Handcrafted woodwork, like the front door on this home, is incorporated throughout the style. Again, it’s in reaction (or protest?) to the fancy gingerbread of Victorian homes that was mass-produced.

Photo by Alair Homes Decatur

 

Despite being less fancy than the previous Victorian era, this Atlanta home is equally impressive in a less ornate way. Contrasting paint colors call the coffered ceiling into attention. And how about those floor-to-ceiling wooden pocket doors? 

Photo by Alair Homes Decatur

 

This Atlanta home has multiple fireplaces and windows have unique star-shaped trim inserts.

Photo by Alair Homes Decatur

 

Another handsome ceiling makes its appearance in the modernized kitchen with an island and ample windows for natural light. I like the old-timey bar stools. They remind me of the old soda fountains we frequented as kids.

Photo by Alair Homes Decatur

 

Photo by Alair Homes Decatur

 

Little nooks and crannies appear in a few places, like the window seat at the stairway landing.

Photo by Alair Homes Decatur

 

Patterned pillows add a fun touch of color to the cozy nook. I like stairways with windows – it keeps them from being too dark.

Photo by Alair Homes Decatur

 

The impressive master bath is decorated in cool tones to assist in creating a serene, spa-like feel.

Photo by Alair Homes Decatur

 

This doorknob alone would make me want to buy this house. When we sold our first home, the buyer told me that our glass doorknobs were what motivated her to make an offer. I understood her completely!

Photo by Alair Homes Decatur

 

The back of the house has the same boxy exterior as the front. You can see straight through the French doors right out to the front yard, and vice versa when coming into the front entrance. The square patio mimics the shape of the house.

Photo by Alair Homes Decatur

 

You can see more of today’s American Foursquare by Alair Homes Decatur over at Houzz.

 

See More Traditional American Homes:

Stunning Coastal Style Home in New Jersey

Three-Story Traditional Harbor House

Patriotic Beach House on Whidbey Island