5 Classic Features In Chambersburg Homes That Are Becoming Popular Again And 7 That Never Went Out Of Style

Chambersburg homes have a rich architectural history that blends colonial charm with modern functionality. As homeowners seek both character and comfort, certain classic features are making a surprising comeback while others have remained steadfast favorites through the decades.

I’ve noticed these trends while working with local homebuyers who value both tradition and livability in their Pennsylvania homes.

1. Clawfoot Tubs Making a Splash Again

Remember those elegant bathtubs with ornate feet? They’re back in Chambersburg renovations! Homeowners are salvaging vintage models or installing modern reproductions that combine old-world charm with updated plumbing.

I’ve seen these statement pieces transform ordinary bathrooms into spa-like retreats. The deep soaking capability beats modern shallow tubs, while the classic silhouette adds instant character to any bathroom renovation.

2. Pocket Doors Sliding Back into Fashion

Space-saving and sophisticated, pocket doors are returning to Chambersburg homes with gusto. These sliding doors that disappear into the wall were common in Victorian-era houses throughout our town but fell out of favor during mid-century renovations.

Today’s homeowners appreciate their space-efficiency and architectural interest. I’ve helped clients restore original pocket doors with their brass hardware or install new versions that solve modern space challenges while nodding to historical authenticity.

3. Butler’s Pantries Serving Up Style

Once a must-have in upscale Chambersburg homes, butler’s pantries are experiencing a renaissance! This transitional space between kitchen and dining room provides extra storage and serving space that today’s entertainers crave.

Modern versions feature wine refrigerators, coffee stations, and specialized storage. The charm comes from combining practical features with historical elements like glass-front cabinetry and marble countertops. I’ve helped several families incorporate these functional spaces during renovations of older Franklin County homes.

4. Wainscoting Raising the Style Bar

Wooden wall paneling is back with a vengeance in Chambersburg dining rooms and entryways! This decorative wall treatment adds texture, protection, and architectural interest that new construction often lacks.

Modern homeowners are embracing both traditional beadboard styles and more elaborate raised panel designs. I’ve noticed white remains the most popular finish, though some brave souls opt for dramatic painted colors or natural wood tones. The look instantly elevates ordinary spaces with a touch of heritage craftsmanship.

5. Transom Windows Letting Light Shine

Those charming windows above doorways are illuminating Chambersburg homes once again! Originally designed for cross-ventilation before air conditioning, transoms now serve primarily aesthetic purposes while allowing natural light to flow between rooms.

Homeowners are uncovering and restoring original stained or leaded glass transoms or adding new ones during renovations. I recently helped a client on Main Street incorporate salvaged antique transoms into their 1890s home restoration, preserving a piece of local architectural history.

6. Hardwood Floors Stand the Test of Time

Oak, maple, and pine floors have graced Chambersburg homes for centuries without ever losing their appeal. Their durability, warmth, and natural beauty make them the gold standard for flooring.

Many homeowners are tearing up carpeting to reveal hidden wood treasures underneath. I’ve walked through countless local homes where original hardwoods from the 1800s still shine after proper refinishing. Their ability to be restored multiple times makes them both environmentally and economically sound choices.

7. Fireplaces Remain the Heart of Home

Nothing beats gathering around a crackling fire on chilly Pennsylvania evenings! Chambersburg homes have long featured fireplaces as both practical heating sources and focal points for family rooms.

While heating technology has evolved, the fireplace’s emotional appeal endures. Many local homeowners maintain their original brick or stone fireplaces, sometimes updating with gas inserts for convenience. I’ve noticed the classic colonial mantel designs particular to our region remain especially prized architectural features.

8. Front Porches Foster Community Connections

The quintessential gathering space for Chambersburg neighborhoods has always been the front porch. These outdoor living rooms connect private homes to public life and provide perfect vantage points for watching parades down Main Street.

From simple farmer’s porches to elaborate Victorian wraparounds, they remain highly desirable features. I’ve seen families invest significantly in restoring original porch details like turned spindles and decorative brackets. Modern comforts like ceiling fans and weather-resistant furniture make them even more functional year-round.

9. Built-in Bookshelves Showcase Personality

Custom shelving flanking fireplaces or lining study walls has remained consistently coveted in Chambersburg homes. These architectural features provide both storage and display space while adding character impossible to achieve with freestanding furniture.

Local craftspeople still create these bespoke elements for both historic and new homes. I’ve helped clients design built-ins that honor traditional proportions while accommodating modern needs like component storage or display lighting. Their permanence makes them true investments in a home’s value and livability.

10. Crown Molding Frames Rooms Beautifully

The elegant transition between wall and ceiling has adorned Chambersburg homes since colonial times. Crown molding adds architectural definition that makes rooms feel complete and more luxurious.

Original plaster moldings in our historic district homes are particularly treasured. Newer homes often incorporate simplified versions that reference traditional profiles. I’ve watched homeowners’ faces light up when period-appropriate crown molding transforms their spaces from ordinary to distinctive with this relatively simple woodworking element.

11. High Ceilings Create Airy Elegance

Nine-foot-plus ceilings have graced Chambersburg’s finest homes since the 1800s. This architectural feature instantly makes spaces feel grander and more comfortable regardless of square footage.

The abundant natural light and improved air circulation they provide remain practical benefits. I’ve guided buyers through countless homes where tall ceilings become immediate selling points. Even in more modest homes, this vertical breathing room creates a sense of spaciousness that compact modern construction often lacks.

12. Formal Dining Rooms Honor Tradition

Despite open-concept trends, dedicated dining rooms persist in Chambersburg homes old and new. These spaces for gathering around the table represent our community’s commitment to family meals and hospitality.

Many homes in our historic districts feature original dining rooms with corner cabinets for displaying heirloom china. I’ve noticed younger families increasingly appreciating these formal spaces for holidays and special occasions. The separation from kitchen chaos allows for more gracious entertaining in a tradition-honoring space.