Decoration of Independence: Classic American Decor Themes and Styles

There is no single definition of an “American” interior design or home style — from the colonial-style homes of the Northeast to the Gothic architecture in the south and Prairie-style homes of the Midwest, the U.S. has a huge variety of historic homes styles specific to each region. If you’re looking to make your home feel All-American — whether you’re opting for a classic feel, rustic charm, or something more modern — you can find inspiration in classic styles stretching from sea to shining sea. 

Here are some of our favorite classic American home styles, and some tips for embracing their decor themes. 

Crafty Craftsman 

Craftsman-style homes are a popular style of house that emerged from the American Arts and Crafts movement at the turn of the 20th century. Classic features of a Craftsman home include low-pitched roofs with large porches supported by thick, sturdy wood columns. On the interior, Craftsman design traditionally features natural materials like exposed wood beams and built-ins, showcasing high-quality American craftsmanship.  

For a classic Craftsman feel, go for rich, mid-toned floors like LL Flooring’s Bellawood Artisan Pepperell Hickory Solid Hardwood Flooring, which features natural grain patterns and rich tones that reflect classic turn-of-the-century style.

Cool Coastal 

From the classic Cape Cod-style shingle-sided homes to the colorful beach homes of the Carolinas, coastal style is always a fun, breezy style to channel in your home. To channel the traditional New England shingle-sided coastal homes—which can feature classic oak and pine finishes on the interior—the Bellawood Select Red Oak Solid Hardwood Flooring has just the right balance of timeless and traditional appeal to give your home a classic American feel. 

Or, for a coastal style in a more humid environment, the CoreLuxe Potomac Point Maple Waterproof Rigid Vinyl Plank Flooring offers waterproof protection and stability in climates with more moisture, with beachy blonde tones that reflect the breezy, sunny vibes of the coast. 

Very Victorian 

For an uber-classical American style, Victorian homes contain several different sub-styles—Queen Anne, Eastlake, Stick-style—that can be found in virtually every part of the country. Characterized by intricate and ornamental details and a mix of colors and eclectic decor, the maximalist aesthetic has been making a comeback in recent years.  

But you don’t need to live in a Victorian home to channel the opulence and colorful flair of the aesthetic in your own home. To keep things grounded, Victorian style leans on classic hardwood floors in darker tones, like the Bellawood English Brown Oak Solid Hardwood Flooring, or even darker like the Bellawood Pioneer Leather Oak Solid Hardwood Flooring.

Whichever way your decor leans, there’s a timeless American aesthetic that can give you the perfect historic inspiration to make your home feel unique and timeless.