Exploring the Timeless Appeal of Italianate Architecture

Alexis Kesaris • July 3, 2025

Visualize walking through a sun soaked courtyard, past elegant arched windows framed in stone, and into a grand entryway capped with ornamental brackets and a soaring tower. You’re not touring a villa in Tuscany, you’re experiencing the power of Italianate architecture brought to life in the modern age.

For discerning homeowners seeking a residence that blends Old World charm with present-day luxury, Italianate architecture delivers a timeless allure. At Fratantoni Design, we’ve built a national reputation on bringing iconic architectural styles, like this one, into the 21st century.

In this blog, we’ll explore what makes Italianate design so enduring, where it began, how it’s evolved, and why affluent homeowners across the U.S. are choosing it today.

What Is Italianate Architecture?

Originating in 16th century Italy and rising to popularity in the U.S. during the mid 1800s, Italianate architecture was initially inspired by Italian countryside villas. The style arrived as a romantic alternative to the more rigid classical forms like Greek Revival, offering a softer, more decorative approach to estate design.

Italianate homes are distinguished by:

Low-pitched or flat roofs
Overhanging eaves with decorative brackets
Tall, narrow windows, often arched
Cupolas or belvedere towers
Stucco or stone façades
Formal, symmetrical façades with asymmetrical extensions

In today’s custom luxury homes, these elements are often adapted with modern materials, layouts, and amenities, making Italianate estates a timeless yet relevant choice.

Why Italianate Architecture Still Reigns in Luxury Real Estate

In a market dominated by either ultra-modern minimalism or farmhouse nostalgia, Italianate architecture offers something unique: historic beauty paired with bold customization.

Here’s why it still resonates with high-end homeowners:

Old World elegance evokes European sophistication
Architectural symmetry balances traditional design with a modern eye
Grand windows and terraces offer natural light and indoor-outdoor living
Details like brackets and moldings allow for unique artistic expression
Adapts beautifully to diverse climates, from Arizona to New York

Whether you're building in Scottsdale or the coast of California, this style delivers curb appeal that never fades.

Where You’ll Find Modern Italianate Homes

While Italianate estates have roots in Italy and early American East Coast cities, they’ve become increasingly popular in luxury developments across:

Scottsdale & Paradise Valley, Arizona – where stone exteriors and tall towers contrast beautifully with desert landscapes
Southern California – where terracotta roofs and balconies blend with Mediterranean climates
Texas & Florida – often featuring large loggias and sprawling floor plans
The East Coast – adapted for urban luxury with elegant, narrow facades

Fratantoni Design has crafted Italianate-inspired homes across the U.S., each adapted to local climates, lot conditions, and client preferences.

Story Spotlight: A Scottsdale Estate Inspired by the Italian Countryside

One of our favorite projects involved designing a custom Italianate home in Scottsdale’s most prestigious neighborhood. The client wanted a timeless estate reminiscent of Tuscan villas, with a formal layout, grand foyer, and lush landscaping. Our design featured:

A central tower with curved windows capturing mountain views
Interior archways crafted from natural Cantera stone
A dramatic bracketed overhang over the main balcony
Tall, arched entry doors that opened into a formal gallery hallway
Vaulted coffered ceilings and classic marble flooring

The result? A sanctuary that felt like it had existed for centuries, yet functioned perfectly for a modern family.

Italianate Design Elements You Can Customize

Want your Italianate home to reflect your personal style? These elements offer room for customization:

Exterior Features

Custom plaster or stucco textures
Balcony railings in iron, bronze, or brass
Painted shutters or detailed wood trim
Cantera stone columns and window surrounds

Interior Touches

Ceiling murals or fresco-inspired accents
Marble or travertine flooring
Ornamental staircase designs
Wrought-iron light fixtures and sconces

These features allow Fratantoni Design clients to strike a perfect balance between historic luxury and modern lifestyle needs.

FAQ: Is Italianate Architecture Right for My Home?

Q: I love modern homes. Can Italianate architecture still work for me?
A: Absolutely. Many Fratantoni clients blend modern layouts and amenities with traditional Italianate exteriors, creating a striking contrast that elevates the home’s luxury appeal.

Q: Is Italianate architecture more expensive to build?
A: Not necessarily. Costs vary depending on materials, lot, and customization. However, Italianate architecture often offers better long-term value due to its enduring design and prestige.

Q: Can Italianate homes be energy-efficient?
A: Yes. Fratantoni Design incorporates modern green materials and smart layout planning to ensure energy efficiency without compromising on beauty.

Key Takeaways: The Lasting Impact of Italianate Architecture

Italianate architecture blends romance, elegance, and customization
It remains a top choice among affluent homeowners nationwide
The style adapts beautifully to modern amenities and green building practices
Fratantoni Design specializes in Italianate estate design, tailored to each client’s needs
From Scottsdale to New York, this timeless style delivers unmatched curb appeal

Ready to Build Your Custom Italianate Estate?

At Fratantoni Design, we don’t just follow trends, we preserve legacies. If you’re dreaming of an estate that honors tradition while embracing innovation, our expert architects will bring your Italianate vision to life with unmatched precision and artistry.

Contact Fratantoni Design today to begin designing your luxury estate.
Let’s turn timeless inspiration into your one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

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entryway to modern home with large glass doors and tile floors