10 Decorating Trends In Pennsylvania Homes That Still Hold Strong (And 3 That Didn’t Stand The Test Of Time)
Pennsylvania homes have always reflected a unique blend of historical charm and modern sensibility. Over the years, certain decorating styles have become signature elements in homes across the Keystone State, from rural farmhouses to Philadelphia townhomes.
I’ve noticed that while some design choices have impressively withstood changing tastes, others have faded faster than wallpaper in direct sunlight.
1. Farmhouse Sinks Make a Splash
Nothing says Pennsylvania kitchen quite like a deep, white farmhouse sink. Homeowners across the state embrace these practical beauties for their timeless appeal and functionality.
Farm sinks originated in a time when people needed large basins for washing everything from dishes to children. Today, they’ve become the heart of many kitchens, allowing for easy cleanup of large pots and pans used for family gatherings.
2. Exposed Brick Walls Reveal Character
Brick walls tell stories in Pennsylvania homes. Whether in converted factories in Pittsburgh or historic row houses in Philadelphia, exposed brick provides texture and history that can’t be replicated.
Many homeowners have removed plaster to reveal these architectural treasures. The warm reds and oranges of brick walls complement both traditional and modern furnishings, creating a perfect backdrop for family photos and artwork.
3. Hardwood Floors Stand the Test of Time
Pennsylvania’s abundant forests have blessed homes with gorgeous hardwood flooring for centuries. Oak, maple, and cherry floors continue to be prized features in homes from Erie to Allentown.
Even in new construction, hardwood remains the gold standard. I’ve seen 200-year-old floors in Lancaster County farmhouses that still shine with character after generations of footsteps. Modern homeowners appreciate both the warmth and the practical durability these natural floors provide.
4. Built-In Bookshelves Showcase Personal Libraries
Custom built-in bookshelves remain a cherished feature in Pennsylvania homes. From Craftsman bungalows to Colonial revivals, these architectural elements provide both storage and style.
Flanking fireplaces or lining study walls, built-ins offer the perfect place to display family treasures and beloved books. Unlike mass-produced furniture, these custom features often incorporate moldings and details that match the home’s original character, creating continuity throughout living spaces.
5. Dutch Doors Welcome Visitors with Charm
The split Dutch door represents Pennsylvania’s rich cultural heritage. Originally brought by German and Dutch settlers, these practical doors allow fresh air while keeping children and pets safely inside.
Modern homeowners love the versatility and character these doors bring to entryways and mudrooms. When painted in cheerful colors like barn red or colonial blue, Dutch doors create an instantly welcoming first impression that honors Pennsylvania’s agricultural roots.
6. Subway Tile Backsplashes Keep Kitchens Classic
White subway tile has maintained its popularity in Pennsylvania kitchens for good reason. This simple, rectangular tile offers a clean backdrop that works equally well in Philadelphia brownstones and suburban homes.
Originally used in actual subways for its easy-to-clean surface, today’s homeowners appreciate how it brightens kitchens and bathrooms. Many Pennsylvania renovators choose slightly handcrafted versions with subtle irregularities that add character while maintaining the timeless appeal.
7. Barn Doors Slide into Modern Spaces
Salvaged barn doors have found new life inside Pennsylvania homes. These weathered wooden treasures serve as stunning room dividers, closet doors, or decorative wall features throughout the state.
The hardware allows these substantial doors to slide smoothly along tracks, saving space while adding rustic character. Homeowners particularly love using authentic doors from local barns, creating a direct connection to Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage while solving modern space challenges.
8. Stained Glass Windows Cast Colorful Light
Stained glass windows remain cherished features in many Pennsylvania homes. Victorian-era houses in Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods and Philadelphia’s historic districts often showcase these jewel-toned treasures.
Beyond their beauty, these windows provide privacy while still allowing colored light to dance across interior walls. Many homeowners have preserved original stained glass or commissioned new pieces that reflect Pennsylvania’s natural beauty – from Pocono landscapes to native flowers.
9. Stone Fireplaces Warm Pennsylvania Winters
Stone fireplaces serve as both functional heating sources and stunning focal points in Pennsylvania homes. Using locally quarried stone, these hearths connect directly to the state’s natural resources.
From fieldstone gathered from farm fields to carefully cut limestone, Pennsylvania fireplaces reflect regional building traditions. Modern homeowners often update these features with efficient wood stoves or gas inserts while preserving the beautiful stonework that has warmed families through countless snowy Pennsylvania winters.
10. Covered Porches Extend Living Space
The front porch remains an essential transition space in Pennsylvania homes. From Philadelphia’s trinities to sprawling country houses, these outdoor rooms connect private homes to public streets and neighbors.
Rocking chairs, porch swings, and comfortable seating invite conversation and community. During hot summers before air conditioning, porches provided crucial cooling space. Today, they continue to serve as gathering spots where families can enjoy morning coffee or evening conversations while watching fireflies dance across Pennsylvania yards.
11. Avocado Appliances Spoiled the Kitchen
Remember those avocado green refrigerators and stoves that dominated Pennsylvania kitchens in the 1970s? This short-lived color trend quickly dated otherwise beautiful kitchens across the Commonwealth.
Paired with harvest gold and burnt orange, these appliances created a color scheme that screamed “disco era.” Unlike timeless white or stainless steel, avocado green appliances became instant markers of outdated design. Pennsylvania homeowners spent millions replacing these fashion victims once their color fell from favor.
12. Popcorn Ceilings Created Texture Troubles
Sprayed-on popcorn ceilings were once considered modern in Pennsylvania homes built between the 1960s and 1980s. This bumpy texture promised to hide imperfections and dampen sound.
Reality proved less appealing. These ceilings collected dust, were impossible to clean, and often contained asbestos. Pennsylvania homeowners have spent decades scraping away this textured nightmare. Unlike classic plaster medallions or wooden beams, popcorn ceilings never achieved the timeless quality that makes a design feature worth preserving.
13. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting Covered Beautiful Floors
The trend of installing wall-to-wall carpeting over hardwood floors baffles today’s Pennsylvania homeowners. From the 1950s through the 1990s, perfectly good hardwood was hidden beneath shag, berber, and plush carpets.
Often in questionable colors like mauve or teal, these carpets trapped allergens and quickly showed wear patterns. The greatest tragedy? Many Pennsylvania homes had their original hardwood floors damaged by carpet tack strips and staples. Today’s homeowners celebrate when they discover salvageable wood floors beneath these textile mistakes.
