Nashville's Iconic Home Styles: A Guide to Modern Updates

Nashville, Tennessee, is renowned for its diverse architectural landscape, blending historic charm and modern flair. From pre-Civil War mansions to Craftsman bungalows, the city boasts a variety of popular home styles that have stood the test of time. If you're a homeowner in Nashville looking to update your property while preserving its unique character, here's a guide to some of the city's most beloved home styles and how to give them a fresh, contemporary look.

Greek Revival: Commonly found in Nashville's historic neighborhoods, these homes are characterized by their grand facades, tall columns, and symmetrical design. To update a Greek Revival home, consider refreshing the exterior with a new coat of paint in a modern color palette, such as soft grays or blues. Adding contemporary light fixtures and landscaping can enhance the home's curb appeal while maintaining its classic elegance.

Craftsman: Known for their cozy front porches, exposed rafters, and intricate woodwork, Craftsman homes are a popular choice in Nashville's eclectic neighborhoods. To modernize a Craftsman home, focus on the interior with sleek, minimalist finishes and fixtures. Consider incorporating energy-efficient appliances, smart home technology, and sustainable materials to bring this classic style into the 21st century.

Victorian: Victorian homes in Nashville often feature ornate detailing, vibrant colors, and decorative trim. When updating a Victorian home, consider preserving its historic charm while adding contemporary touches. Repaint the exterior in a fresh color scheme, replace outdated fixtures with modern alternatives, and consider updating the landscaping to create a cohesive look that blends old and new.

Ranch: Ranch-style homes, with their single-story layout and open floor plans, are a staple of Nashville's suburban landscape. To update a Ranch home, enhance its indoor-outdoor flow by adding large windows, sliding glass doors, and outdoor living spaces. Consider updating the kitchen and bathrooms with modern finishes and fixtures to create a more contemporary living space that suits today's lifestyle.

Modern Farmhouse: A popular choice for new construction in Nashville, Modern Farmhouse homes blend rustic charm with modern amenities. To update a Modern Farmhouse, incorporate industrial elements, such as metal accents and exposed beams, with clean lines and a neutral color palette. Consider adding energy-efficient features, such as solar panels or smart thermostats, to enhance the home's sustainability and functionality.

Updating Nashville's most popular home styles requires preserving its historic charm while incorporating modern design elements and amenities. By carefully selecting updates that enhance the home's unique features and improve its functionality, you can create a space that honors the past while embracing the future of residential design in Music City.

BuildCo7 boasts more than 16 years of renovating historic homes in Nashville. Our team is skilled at the balancing act of keeping the historic look, feel, and requirements while blending modern construction techniques, materials, and design elements to achieve the house of your dreams. If you’re adding to your historic home, our in-house trades team is skilled at replicating certain pieces that are no longer available in order to match the rest of your design. 

Call us today at 615.891.2398 or fill out our contact form to discuss your home renovation or addition project.