More Heritage > Italianate

Italianate

This style was a less expressive form of architecture than the Queen Anne, and provided a more restrained approach to Victorian era housing. Lacking the turret and ‘gingerbread’ decorations of the Queen Anne, the Italianate relied on highly detailed elements such as frequently paired eave brackets.

Based on Classical Revival models, symmetry was an early defining design element of the Italianate, although offset porches and irregular plans occurred later. Also associated with this style were “Second Empire” houses with their characteristic mansard roofs, a double-pitched roof with the lower section being significantly steeper than the upper.

What to look for....

• symmetrical treatment of plan and elevations


• low pitched roof and deep overhanging eaves


• entrance tower, but not in form of turret


• verandahs and porches extremely common


• bay windows


• variety of large double hung windows and round-headed windows


• classically influenced columns and pilasters


• extensive use of decorative mouldings

Credits:
Scott Barrett, BA - Writer

Acknowledgements:
Victoria Heritage Foundation
Vancouver Heritage Conservation Foundation
Heritage Society of British Columbia
British Columbia Heritage Trust - www.heritage.gov.bc.ca