There’s something truly special about living in an older home. The details feel more personal, the materials have a sense of permanence, and the house itself carries a story that unfolds over time. When it comes time to update the exterior, the goal isn’t simply to make changes, it’s to make the right ones.
In many New Jersey communities, local Historic Preservation Commissions help guide what’s appropriate, ensuring that renovations respect the home’s original character and the surrounding streetscape. That’s where experience matters. With a thoughtful approach, exterior home updates and additions can feel seamless, preserving what makes the home unique while allowing it to evolve for modern living. That balance between preservation and progress is at the heart of every project at Seth A. Leeb Architecture.
Popular Residential Architecture in NJ: Modern or Traditional?
Millions of people live in New Jersey, and the styles of our homes are as diverse as our population. Modern architectural designs are found throughout the state, but we continue to have an abiding preference for period homes. Our love of traditional architecture like Colonial, Craftsman or Victorian are reflected in the residential communities in which we live. New York City and Boston are known for their iconic brownstone houses. These homes, with their distinctive brown sandstone façades, are also found in New Jersey and are among the most sought-after historic homes in our urban areas.
Improving Curb Appeal for Historic Homes in NJ
Intentional exterior home renovations enhance the curb appeal of historic homes across New Jersey. Curb appeal is used by real estate companies to show how attractive a property looks from the street to attract buyers. Small changes, such as updating light fixtures or a newly painted front door, subconsciously play a major role in the way people connect with a property.
Curb appeal is also important to homeowners with a passion for historic architecture who have no intention of selling their home. When they contract for remodeling architectural design services, they expect the designs to complement the existing home’s historic style.
Design Elements Found in Traditional Home Exteriors
People often drive around neighborhoods over the weekend to look at homes they are interested in buying, or simply for the joy of getting out and about. Those who are interested in period homes will notice the exterior design elements unique to a style. What would make a Colonial, Craftsman, and Victorian house stand out?
- Colonial. Symmetrical façades, a centered front door, and black window shutters.
- Craftsman. A wide front porch with tapered columns and an accent-colored front door.
- Victorian. Steeply pitched roofs with turrets or towers, ornate trim, and bay windows.
Preserving Period Home Design During Exterior Updates
The story of a period home is told through its architectural details, materials, and craftsmanship. An architect with historic preservation experience, such as Seth A. Leeb, understands how vital it is to respect the elements that reflect a style’s character when designing for renovations or new additions.
The architectural design for exterior home renovations must echo the original structure to create harmony. It ensures the house complies with Historic Preservation Commission regulations, passes their approval processes, and is recommended to the local Planning Board. Most of all, the homeowner receives a house that they can continue to enjoy for years to come.
Our firm provides architectural design services for exterior home renovations in New Jersey. We work closely with homeowners of historic houses to achieve their desired results. Contact Seth A. Leeb, Architect, to discuss your project. You can also visit our website to explore our work: https://leeb-architecture.com/