describe old house creative writing

How to Describe an Old Home

Kristin dasher.

Using an old home as an element of an essay or a story can provide a spooky or mysterious backdrop to the story. First, consider and describe several elements of the old house. Focusing on the imagery, including sights, sounds and feelings surrounding an old home is a unique way to influence the reader.

Describe the house's general appearance. Focus on elements of the home's appearance that indicate its age. For example, the floor panels might be pulling up, the paint may be peeling off the walls and the shutters could be crooked.

Mention the house's smell. Use adjectives like musky, damp, dank or stale to describe the aged environment.

Include details about the temperature and atmosphere of the house. Describe the home as chilly, vacant or bare. Use imagery such as dusty furniture or dark hallways to detail the home's age.

Add details about the sounds the reader might hear in the home. You can include creaking stairs or floorboards, whistling in the windows, or mysterious noises in the attic.

• 1 DePaul University; An Example Story Description; Clark Elliot; October 1997

About the Author

Kristin Dasher has been writing since 2007. She has served as a technical writer for several software development companies and has won multiple awards in the annual competitions held by the Society for Technical Communication. Dasher holds a Bachelor of Science in professional writing and French from Missouri State University.

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57 Best Ways to Describe Buildings in Writing (+ Examples)

One of the key components of any setting is the buildings within it.

Knowing how to describe buildings can transport your reader right into the world you’ve built.

Here’s how to describe buildings in writing:

Describe buildings in writing by utilizing architectural style, historical periods, materials used, and their cultural significance. Incorporate sensory details like soundscapes and emotional resonance. Highlight unique features, transformations, legends, and personal memories for depth.

In this article, you’ll learn all the ways to describe buildings in your writing.

1. By Historical Period

Table of Contents

Different historical periods offer a plethora of architectural designs.

When you mention a building from the Renaissance era, the image of grandeur, classic designs, and meticulous details springs to mind.

Similarly, medieval structures might invoke images of castles and fortresses.

Some historical periods to consider are:

• Ancient : Pyramids, temples, and coliseums.
• Medieval : Castles, fortresses, and walled towns.
• Renaissance : Grand manors, theaters, and palaces.
• Victorian : Ornate houses, large estates, and townhouses.
• Modern : Skyscrapers, glass-fronted buildings, and minimalist designs.

2. By Material

The building material not only imparts a physical texture to a structure but also offers a tactile feeling to your narrative.

When we describe a structure made of sandstone, readers may visualize its ruggedness and the warmth of its golden-brown hue.

On the other hand, glass skyscrapers evoke modernity and offer a reflection (both literal and metaphorical) of the urban world.

Examples of materials :

• Brick : Often seen in traditional townhouses. Think of the classic brownstones of New York.
• Marble : Conjures images of opulent palaces or Greek temples.
• Wood : Wooden lodges or cabins evoke feelings of nature, simplicity, and coziness.
• Glass : Mostly seen in modern office buildings or high-rises, suggesting transparency and sleek design.

3. By Height

Height in buildings can be an implicit indication of many things, including the period in which it was built, its function, or the aspirations of its builders.

A towering skyscraper in a business district implies a beacon of commerce and ambition.

In contrast, a quaint, single-story cottage nestled in a village street whispers tales of simplicity and tradition.

The narrative contrast is stark between the dominance of a city’s tallest structure and the humble abode that clings to the ground, embodying a quiet, unassuming charm.

Both have stories to tell, and the tales are as different as the shadows they cast.

Every building, whether ancient or modern, stands as a silent witness to the passage of time.

When describing an old, moss-covered stone building, readers might imagine the countless seasons it has withstood, the generations it has seen, and the myriad stories embedded in its walls.

A newly constructed high-rise, with its shiny facade and contemporary design, hints at a world that’s rapidly evolving, racing towards the future.

It speaks of innovation, of fresh beginnings, and sometimes, of the relentless march of progress that leaves no room for the old.

5. By Function

A building’s function is its heartbeat. It dictates the rhythm of activities inside, the kind of people who frequent it, and the emotions it evokes.

A school, for instance, might resonate with the sounds of children’s laughter, the rustling of books, and the knowledge pursuits.

Examples of functions :

• Library : A sanctuary of silence, corridors filled with the musky scent of old books, and seekers of knowledge lost in its aisles.
• Factory : Buzzing with activity, and machinery noise, indicative of industry and production.
• Barn : Evoking rustic charm, the scent of hay, and the sounds of farm animals.
• Theater : A world of art, echoing with applause, dramatic performances, and cultural expressions.

6. By Atmosphere

More than its physical attributes, the atmosphere of a building defines its soul.

It’s the difference between a church’s hallowed silence, which commands reverence, and the bustling, lively cacophony of a market square teeming with life.

While the exterior might give a hint, it’s the interior atmosphere of a building that truly draws a reader in.

The interior offers them a seat in its world, whether that’s the tranquility of a remote mountain monastery or the energetic vibe of a downtown jazz club.

7. By Surroundings

Buildings don’t exist in isolation.

They’re part of a larger tableau. Describing the surroundings sets the stage.

A lone manor at the edge of a dark forest might evoke mystery and intrigue, while the same manor overlooking a serene lake offers tranquility.

Context, in essence, is a silent storyteller.

It provides clues about the building’s purpose, its history, and its relationship with its environment.

The quaint bookshop squeezed between two modern cafes speaks of resilience amidst change.

Just as a historic monument amidst skyscrapers stands as a reminder of the city’s rich past.

8. By Color

Colors are a palette of emotions.

Describing a building’s color is akin to painting its mood.

The pastel hues of a coastal villa might convey a laid-back, beachy vibe.

Meanwhile, the monochrome shades of an urban structure suggest sobriety and functionality.

Whether it’s the radiant gold of a palace under the sun, the deep blue of a nighttime diner, or the rusty red of an old barn, colors breathe life into descriptions, making them vivid and evocative.

Size can be both a physical measure and a psychological one.

A sprawling mansion, with its many rooms and vast lawns, can indicate grandeur and opulence.

On the other hand, a small, compact house might not be grand, but it could brim with warmth and coziness.

It’s about the space, its utilization, and the feeling it imparts.

Does the vastness of a castle make one feel lost, or does it evoke a sense of awe? Does the confined space of an attic room feel claustrophobic, or does it exude intimacy?

10. By Architectural Style

Every architectural style brings with it a set of aesthetics, principles, and histories.

A Gothic cathedral, with its pointed arches and intricate detailing, is more than just a place of worship

It’s a testament to a particular period of architectural achievement.

Examples of architectural styles :

• Art Deco : Think of the glamorous 1920s, with ornate details, bold geometric forms, and lavish materials.
• Brutalist : Characterized by raw, unadorned concrete structures, it often evokes strength and functionality.
• Colonial : Reminiscent of colonization eras, with large porches, brick facades, and symmetrical designs.
• Modernist : Simplified forms, open floor plans, and a strong emphasis on horizontal and vertical lines.

11. By Cultural Influences

Every culture has its distinct architectural imprints.

Buildings influenced by a specific culture bring with them a rich tapestry of history, traditions, and artistic nuances.

For instance, a pagoda-style temple immediately brings forth Asian influences, whereas a hacienda-style house could transport readers to the heart of Mexico.

A mosque, with its minarets piercing the sky, intricately designed domes, and calligraphy-laden interiors, speaks of Islamic artistry.

A Mediterranean villa with stucco walls and red-tiled roofs tells tales of sun-kissed coasts and leisurely lifestyles.

12. By State of Repair

The condition of a building can be a rich source of narrative information.

A dilapidated mansion covered in ivy, with broken windows and creaky doors, might hint at long-forgotten stories, neglect, or even hauntings.

In contrast, a well-maintained Victorian house, freshly painted with a manicured lawn, suggests pride, history cherished and sustained.

Structures in ruins, especially historic ones, often feel melancholic, reminding readers of the inexorable march of time.

Meanwhile, buildings under construction are beacons of progress, symbolizing hope, aspirations, and the future.

13. By Decorative Elements

Details matter.

An ornate balcony with wrought-iron railings, statues adorning entrances, or stained glass windows can offer readers visual treats and clues about a building’s history and the aesthetic preferences of its inhabitants or architects.

Examples of decorative elements :

• Gargoyles : Often found in Gothic structures, these stone creatures serve both decorative and architectural purposes.
• Frescoes : Painted walls or ceilings, common in Renaissance buildings, depict scenes or stories.
• Mosaics : Pieces of colored glass or stones arranged to form patterns or images, frequently found in Byzantine architecture.
• Columns : Pillars that might be Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian, each bringing a different historical and aesthetic layer.

14. By Lighting

Light, both natural and artificial, plays a significant role in setting the mood.

A cathedral bathed in the soft hues of sunlight filtering through stained glass windows offers a kaleidoscope of colors and emotions.

Conversely, an alleyway dimly lit by a lone lamp post might evoke feelings of solitude or mystery.

The glow of lanterns in an old inn or the harsh neon lights of a modern nightclub can drastically alter the way a building is perceived, grounding readers in a specific time or mood.

15. By Acoustics

Beyond the visual, what does a building sound like?

The echo of footsteps in a grand marble hall, the muffled sounds in a carpeted library, or the lively acoustics of a music hall can immerse readers deeper into the setting.

Acoustics can also serve as indicators.

Sound bouncing off the walls of an empty mansion might evoke feelings of loneliness or abandonment.

Buildings like opera houses or concert halls, specially designed for optimal acoustics, not only emphasize the significance of sound but also bear testimony to the architectural marvels dedicated to the art of sound.

16. By User Experience

How does one navigate or experience the building?

A labyrinthine palace with endless corridors and secret chambers can give a sense of mystery.

In contrast, an open-plan modern office emphasizes transparency and collaboration.

The ease or difficulty of navigating a space, the viewpoints offered by balconies or windows, and even the experience of ascending a grand staircase versus taking a modern elevator can offer readers insights into the building’s purpose and the era’s design principles.

17. By Integration with Nature

Some buildings seamlessly integrate with their natural surroundings, while others stand out.

A cottage with walls covered in ivy, almost hidden by the woods around it, offers a different narrative than a steel-and-glass structure stark against a forest backdrop.

Consider a treehouse that becomes one with the canopy or a desert abode designed for optimal cooling.

Either way, the relationship between a building and its environment can be a rich descriptor, highlighting harmony or discord.

18. By Innovations or Anachronisms

Certain structures stand out due to their innovative designs or features that are anachronistic for their time.

An ancient building with ahead-of-its-time water systems, or a futuristic house with solar integrations and smart tech in a traditional neighborhood, can be points of interest.

Such descriptions can surprise the reader, make them curious, or emphasize the uniqueness and significance of a structure.

19. By Symbolic Significance

Beyond their tangible attributes, some buildings hold symbolic meanings.

They might represent power (like a king’s palace), spirituality (like a temple or church), knowledge (like a grand library), or even decay and decline (like ruins).

The symbolic weight of a building can add depth to its description and make it more resonant in the narrative.

20. By Popularity or Notoriety

Lastly, how is the building perceived by the masses?

Is it a famous landmark, a tourist magnet with crowds always milling about?

Or perhaps it’s a notorious structure, shunned by locals due to dark tales or unfortunate histories.

The public’s perception of a building, whether a beloved local bakery or a haunted mansion, can influence its role in the story and shape the readers’ attitudes towards it.

21. By Ornamentation and Artistry

Buildings can be embellished with diverse forms of ornamentation, from intricate carvings to frescoes.

This decor often reflects the cultural and historical contexts, as well as the individual tastes of its creators.

A building adorned with gargoyles and flying buttresses, for example, might point towards Gothic influences.

• Baroque Churches : Filled with lavish ornamentation, gilded statues, and dramatic frescoes.
• Indian Temples : Carved with intricate sculptures depicting gods, goddesses, and tales from epics.
• Art Nouveau Buildings : Characterized by sinuous lines, floral motifs, and harmonious curves.

22. By Patronage or Ownership

The patron or owner of a building can provide essential insights into its style, purpose, and decor.

Palaces built by powerful rulers often reflect their ambitions, tastes, or the political needs of their time.

On the other hand, structures erected by philanthropists might emphasize utility and public welfare.

• The Medici family in Renaissance Florence sponsored numerous buildings that became masterpieces of their era.
• The Rockefeller Center in New York, financed by the Rockefeller family, is a beacon of art deco design and urban planning.

23. By Architectural Movement

Every era spawns architectural movements with distinct principles and aesthetics.

Describing a building by its movement aligns it with specific philosophies, materials, and designs.

The minimalist, functional approach of the Bauhaus contrasts with the ornate designs of the Rococo.

• Bauhaus : Emphasizes functionality and eschews unnecessary ornamentation.
• Rococo : Known for its playful, whimsical, and intricate designs, often in pastel colors.

24. By Social and Economic Status

Buildings can often depict the socio-economic status of their inhabitants or the region they’re located in.

Mansions, penthouses, and gated communities often exude opulence.

In comparison, slums, tenements, and worker cottages might highlight poverty or the working-class struggles.

Examples: The elegant townhouses of London’s Belgravia versus the narrow, crowded lanes of Dharavi in Mumbai.

25. By Sensory Appeal

Beyond sight, buildings can be described by how they appeal to other senses.

The scent of aged wood in a historic home, the touch of cool marble underfoot in a palace, or the distant sounds echoing through a vast cathedral can make descriptions more immersive.

• The warm, inviting scent of freshly baked bread from a French bakery.
• The gentle, rhythmic tapping of rain on a tin-roofed cottage.

26. By Folklore or Legend

Some buildings are shrouded in myths, legends, or local tales.

A castle might be infamous for its ghostly residents, or a historic home might be revered as a hero’s birthplace.

Such tales add depth, intrigue, and cultural context.

• The legend of the Tower of London’s ravens, suggesting the kingdom’s fall if they ever leave.
• The lore surrounding Transylvania’s Bran Castle, often linked with the Dracula legend.

27. By Climate Adaptation

Buildings can be designed or modified to adapt to their climatic conditions.

A desert home might have thick walls to keep the interiors cool, while houses in tropical regions might feature wide verandas and high ceilings for ventilation.

• The igloos of the Arctic, built from blocks of snow.
• Traditional Arabian homes with wind towers for natural cooling.

28. By Relation to Other Structures

The juxtaposition of a building with its neighboring structures can offer rich contrasts or harmonies.

A medieval church beside a modern mall might highlight the city’s layered history or the interplay of the sacred and the commercial.

• The Flatiron Building in New York, with its unique triangular shape, set against the backdrop of modern skyscrapers.
• Rome’s Pantheon, an ancient temple, surrounded by renaissance buildings and modern cafes.

29. By Adaptive Reuse

Old structures might be repurposed for new functions, preserving their history while adapting to contemporary needs.

Warehouses transformed into lofts, churches turned into bookshops, or palaces renovated into hotels.

Transformations show the evolving narratives of buildings.

• The Tate Modern in London, once a power station.
• Book and Bed Hostels in Tokyo, combining bookshops with sleeping quarters.

30. By Emotional Resonance

How does a building make one feel?

Describing the emotional response it evokes can be more powerful than detailing its physical attributes.

A derelict asylum might exude eeriness, while a childhood home could evoke nostalgia.

• The somber, reflective atmosphere of the 9/11 Memorial.
• The joy and wonder of entering the whimsical world of Gaudí’s Casa Batlló in Barcelona.

31. By Historical Events

Many buildings carry the weight of significant historical events.

These events can cast a long shadow over the building’s atmosphere and its place in society.

For instance, a palace that was the site of a famous treaty signing or an assassination takes on the weight and significance of those events, shaping how one views and describes it.

The mere mention of such a building might evoke a vivid picture in the reader’s mind, filled with the drama and emotion of the past.

• The Palace of Versailles in France, which witnessed numerous royal dramas and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.
• Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C., forever remembered as the assassination site of President Abraham Lincoln.

32. By Foundation

The foundation of a building is its bedrock, dictating its stability, longevity, and sometimes even its aesthetic appeal.

It speaks volumes about the building’s resilience, design intentions, and the environment it’s in.

Different terrains require different types of foundations.

A building’s foundation can indicate whether it’s designed to withstand earthquakes, floods, or other environmental factors.

• Stilt homes in flood-prone areas, raised above ground level, showcase the adaptation to the local environment.
• Buildings in earthquake-prone regions like Japan might have deep foundations and reinforced pillars to absorb shocks.

33. By Roof

Roofs provide shelter but also contribute to a building’s identity.

They often serve as an architectural highlight or adaptation to the climate of a region.

A roof can be symbolic of a region’s architectural history or a practical response to weather conditions. It can be decorative or functional, or both.

• The distinct pagoda-style roofs in ancient Chinese architecture, with their upturned eaves.
• Thatched roofs of English cottages, providing insulation and showcasing a rustic charm.

34. By Landscape Integration

How a building integrates or stands out from its surrounding landscape can be a focal point of description.

A mansion atop a hill overlooking a town tells a story of dominance or isolation, while a camouflaged cabin in the woods speaks of retreat and harmony with nature.

• Machu Picchu in Peru, a stone city seamlessly integrated into the mountainous terrain.
• Cliffside dwellings like the Hanging Temple in China, defying gravity and blending with the vertical landscape.

35. By Socio-political Context

Architecture often mirrors the socio-political climate of its time.

Structures built during totalitarian regimes might exude power and intimidation, while those from a renaissance period might reflect hope, curiosity, and the human spirit.

Describing buildings within this context can enhance the depth of a story, setting the stage for the characters’ challenges and triumphs.

• The grandeur of Stalinist architecture, like the Seven Sisters in Moscow, representing power and state dominance.
• The democratic openness of city halls and public squares in many European cities, symbolizing public participation and freedom.

36. By Architectural Philosophy

Some buildings are constructed based on specific architectural philosophies or principles.

Perhaps the Japanese philosophy of “Wabi-sabi” celebrating imperfection or the Modernist mantra “form follows function.”

These guiding principles can be a unique way to delve into the building’s essence.

• Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright, embodying the philosophy of organic architecture.
• The grid-like simplicity of De Stijl architecture , as seen in Rietveld Schröder House.

37. By Spiritual or Religious Significance

Many structures are steeped in spiritual or religious significance, making them more than just brick and mortar.

Temples, churches, mosques, and other religious edifices often come loaded with symbolic elements, rituals, and an aura of reverence.

• The Notre-Dame Cathedral i n Paris, with its Gothic spires, rose windows, and religious relics.
• The intricately carved Jain temples of India, representing non-violence and respect for all living beings.

38. By Reflection of the Times

Architecture can be a mirror to the prevalent trends, technology, and societal values of its era.

A post-war building might carry elements of resilience and simplicity.

Structures from a prosperous era might, instead, exude opulence and flamboyance.

• Art Deco buildings of the Roaring Twenties, like the Chrysler Building in New York, symbolizing prosperity and technological progress.
• The austere, functional buildings of post-World War II Europe, reflecting the continent’s recovery phase.

39. By Personal Stories and Anecdotes

Every building might have personal stories or anecdotes linked to it.

These tales, whether of love, tragedy, triumph, or everyday life, can turn a mundane structure into something special.

A house might be remembered for the family feuds it witnessed, or a bridge might be iconic for a legendary love story.

• The Romeo and Juliet balcony in Verona, believed to be the site of the famous Shakespearean love story.
• The childhood homes of famous personalities, like Mozart’s Geburtshaus in Salzburg, which tells tales of prodigious talent and early beginnings.

40. By Flooring

Flooring can reflect the luxury, practicality, or cultural elements of a building.

It plays a significant role in interior aesthetics and user comfort.

The choice of flooring material, its texture, and design can say a lot about the purpose of a room and the building’s overall theme.

• Design: The intricately designed marble floors of palaces, indicating opulence and grandeur.
• Material: Bamboo or tatami mat flooring in traditional Japanese homes, bringing forth an essence of simplicity and nature.

41. By Urban vs. Rural Setting

The setting of a building, whether in a bustling urban environment or a serene rural backdrop, affects its architecture, materials used, and its overall ambiance.

Urban structures might prioritize vertical expansion and efficient space use.

Rural ones might spread outwards, integrating with nature.

• The compact, upward-stretching skyscrapers of Manhattan versus the sprawling ranches of Montana.
• Ancient European farmhouses nestled in valleys versus modern urban apartments with their balconies facing busy streets.

42. By Ecological Impact

With the rising emphasis on sustainability, many buildings are now designed with their ecological footprint in mind.

Consider green roofs and walls to structures entirely powered by renewable energy.

There’s a growing trend towards eco-friendly architecture.

• The Bullitt Center in Seattle is called the world’s most eco-friendly office building.
• Ancient cliff dwellings, which utilized natural rock formations to maintain interior temperatures and minimize impact on the environment.

43. By Underground Space

A building’s underground space can reveal hidden functions, histories, or layers of utility that aren’t immediately visible on the surface.

Basements, cellars, underground bunkers, or parking spaces can add layers of mystery, function, or historical depth.

• Ancient catacombs or crypts beneath churches, like the Catacombs of Paris, harboring history and tales of the departed.
• Modern skyscrapers with multiple levels of underground parking and utility spaces, showcasing urban space optimization.

44. By Human Interaction

How people interact with a building can be a powerful descriptor.

Are its halls always crowded?

Do children play in its courtyards? Is it a place of solitude or social interaction?

Such descriptions bring the building to life, emphasizing its role in the community.

• The lively bustle of Grand Central Terminal in New York, with commuters rushing, tourists marveling, and couples reuniting.
• The tranquil corridors of monasteries, where the only sounds might be the soft footsteps of monks.

45. By Technological Advancements

In the modern age, buildings can be described by the technology they incorporate.

Smart homes, buildings with integrated AI systems, or structures with advanced security systems reflect the advancements of the age.

• The Edge in Amsterdam, touted as the world’s smartest building, where even the coffee machines are connected to the internet.
• Historical aqueducts and water systems, showcasing the engineering prowess of ancient civilizations.

46. By Adaptability and Flexibility

Some buildings are designed to be adaptable to different needs over time.

These structures might have movable walls, transformable spaces, or modular designs that can evolve with changing requirements.

• The Habitat 67 complex in Montreal, where prefabricated modules can be reconfigured.
• Japanese homes designed with large open spaces that can serve multiple purposes, from living rooms in the day to sleeping areas at night.

47. By Fragrance and Aroma

Though subtle, the distinctive smells associated with certain buildings can paint a vivid picture.

A library’s musty scent, the fresh aroma from a bakery, or the mix of incense in a temple can transport the reader to the location instantly.

• The cedarwood fragrance permeating ancient temples in Kyoto.
• The unmistakable scent of chlorine in indoor swimming complexes.

48. By Security Features

Security features can provide insights into the importance, vulnerability, or the treasures a building holds.

It can also reflect the socio-political environment of the locale.

A building heavily fortified indicates its importance or the potential threats it might face, whereas minimal security might indicate peace, openness, or a lack of valuable contents.

• The Buckingham Palace with its guards, high walls, and surveillance systems, highlighting the importance and the need to protect the monarchy.
• A quiet, open-plan library in a small town, with just CCTV cameras, showcases the trust in the community and the open access to knowledge.

49. By Mystique and Legends

Every region has its tales, its myths, and sometimes these stories are intrinsically tied to certain structures.

A haunted house, a castle rumored to have hidden treasures, or an inn with tales of historical figures stopping by can add a layer of mystique and depth to the description.

• The Tower of London, with its many ghostly tales including that of Anne Boleyn.
• Château de Brissac in France, also known as the “Giant of the Loire Valley,” renowned for its ghost, “la Dame Verte” or the Green Lady.

50. By Seasons and Weather

The way a building interacts with different seasons can be enchanting.

How it stands resilient during winter storms, becomes enlivened by spring blossoms, offers shade in summer, or is framed by autumn leaves can bring a dynamic quality to descriptions.

• Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, often pictured blanketed in winter snow, looking like a fairy-tale come alive.
• Traditional Japanese homes with engawas (verandas) designed to appreciate seasonal changes, especially the sakura bloom in spring.

51. By Movement and Dynamics

While buildings are inherently static, the environment around them isn’t.

Describe how shadows move across a structure during the day, how it appears through the mist, or how its reflection dances on water.

These details can capture a building’s dynamic interplay with the environment.

• The play of sunset hues on Petra’s Al-Khazneh in Jordan, making the ancient rose-red city look aflame.
• The Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore, with its surrealistic appearance as it reflects on the bay waters.

52. By Proportions and Geometry

A building’s proportions, symmetry, or lack thereof, and its geometrical design elements can serve as potent descriptors.

They can convey balance, chaos, grandeur, or coziness, depending on the design.

• The perfectly symmetrical facade of the Taj Mahal in India, representing balance and beauty.
• The twisted and unconventional design of the Dancing House in Prague, which challenges traditional architectural norms.

53. By Hidden or Secret Elements

Every building might have its hidden nooks, secret passages, or lesser-known elements.

Describing these can add an element of intrigue and adventure to the narrative.

• The hidden chambers and passageways of Hampton Court Palace in England.
• The concealed courtyards of Marrakech’s riads, which offer an oasis of calm in the midst of the city’s hustle.

54. By Time of Day

The time of day can drastically change how a building is perceived.

Dawn might cast a soft golden glow, midday could highlight the structure’s magnificence under bright light.

Dusk might lend a serene hue, while nighttime could unveil a structure illuminated in artificial lights.

• Eiffel Tower in Paris, which transforms from an iron lattice structure in the day to a sparkling jewel at night.
• Ancient ruins like Stonehenge, which take on a mystical aura during the solstice sunrise.

55. By Parking

Parking can offer a unique perspective on the accessibility, modernity, and practical aspects of a building.

A skyscraper might have a multi-level underground parking facility, while a countryside inn might just have a gravel lot.

The type and style of parking can shed light on the type of people frequenting the building and its location.

Parking is a functional aspect that often gets overlooked.

Yet, it can provide insights into the modern infrastructure and the building’s capacity to accommodate visitors.

• The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, known for its expansive parking decks, indicative of the structure’s modernity and the bustling crowd it attracts.
• A centuries-old church in a European town, with only a cobblestone path leading up to it and no dedicated parking, emphasizing its age and the pedestrian nature of the locale.

56. By What Is Missing

Sometimes, what a building lacks can be as telling as what it includes.

The absence of certain features can highlight its history, purpose, or the socio-economic conditions of its residents.

Absence can be telling. A building missing windows might suggest a need for defense or privacy in historical times.

Lack of modern amenities might indicate either a commitment to maintaining historical authenticity or a lack of resources.

• Castles like the Alhambra in Spain, where certain decorative elements are conspicuously absent due to religious beliefs of the Moors.
• An old house in a rural village, devoid of any electronic fixtures or modern plumbing, hinting at a simpler time or economic constraints.

57. By Literary Genre

Buildings can be described in a style reminiscent of different literary genres.

A haunted house might be described in a gothic or horror style, a futuristic building in a sci-fi manner, or an old mansion in a romantic or historic style.

Literary genres come with their own set of conventions, moods, and themes.

Utilizing these can offer a distinctive lens through which to view and describe a building, thereby setting a tone that aligns with the narrative’s intent.

• An abandoned asylum, its corridors echoing with eerie silences and shadows, drawing from horror literature.
• A building with sleek curves, neon-lit facades, and hovering platforms, reminiscent of science fiction settings like Blade Runner.

50 Words to Describe Buildings

Here is a list of words to describe buildings in your stories, reports, product profiles, and more:

• Dilapidated
• Minimalistic
• Symmetrical
• Breathtaking
• Picturesque
• Verdant (if covered with plants)
• Cobblestoned
• Flourishing

25 Phrases to Describe Buildings

Next, let’s look at some of the best “starter” phrases to use when you need to describe buildings in writing.

• Standing tall against the horizon
• Whispers of bygone eras
• A beacon of modernity
• The touch of nature’s embrace
• Frozen in time
• A dance of shadows and light
• Bearing the weight of history
• A testament to innovation
• Merging tradition and modernity
• Clinging to its past
• Resilient against the elements
• Melting pot of architectural styles
• Crafted with meticulous precision
• Heralding a new age
• Cradled in the lap of nature
• Drawing eyes skyward
• Seamlessly blending with its surroundings
• Shrouded in tales and mysteries
• Rising like a phoenix
• A canvas of artistic expression
• Carved with legends
• Keeping pace with the future
• Holding the stories of centuries
• Echoing the footsteps of the past
• A juxtaposition of epochs

Check out this video about how to describe buildings in writing:

Three Full Building Descriptions

I don’t know about you but I love to see full examples – especially when it comes to writing tips and techniques.

Therefore, here are three examples for how to describe buildings in writing.

The Old Manor House

Nestled on the outskirts of the town, the Old Manor House stands as a silent sentinel of the past.

Its weathered stone walls and time-worn wooden beams whisper tales of bygone eras. The structure, with its vast corridors and winding staircases, holds an enigmatic charm. Ivy covers much of its facade, lending it a verdant embrace.

The large, towering oak trees around it act as guardians, their branches swaying gently with the wind.

Here, every creak of the floorboard and rustle of the leaves seems to echo with stories waiting to be discovered.

Pinnacle Tower

Rising above the bustling city is the Pinnacle Tower, a beacon of modernity.

Its sleek, reflective glass surface mirrors the ever-changing skyline. As the sun sets, the tower transforms into a luminous gem, its lights dancing amidst the city’s constellation. Designed with innovative architecture, it stands not just as a workplace but a testament to human achievement and the possibilities of the future.

Its top floor offers a panoramic view, making the chaotic streets below seem like a rhythmic, orchestrated play.

Lilac Cottage

Tucked away in a quiet lane, the Lilac Cottage is the epitome of quaint charm.

With its cobblestoned pathway leading to a blue wooden door, and windows framed by blooming flower boxes, the cottage seems straight out of a storybook. The white picket fence and the small garden, bursting with colors, add to its picturesque beauty.

Inside, the intimate space, with its wooden furniture and lace curtains, radiates warmth and comfort.

The scent of freshly baked bread wafts from the kitchen, promising a sanctuary of homely delights.

Final Thoughts: How to Describe Buildings in Writing

Each building has stories etched into its walls, stories of the hands that built it, the eras it survived, and the people who occupied it.

By employing diverse descriptive techniques, writers can unearth and convey these tales, making structures more than just static edifices.

We have lots of other articles about how to describe people, places, and things in writing.

Check out a few of the others before you go :).

Related Posts:

• How to Describe a City in Writing (100+ Best Examples)
• How To Describe a House in Writing (21 Tips for Beginners)
• How to Describe Mountains in Writing (21 Tips & Examples)
• 400+ Words to Describe a Flower Garden: Best Writers Guide

Brittancia (Architechure)

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old house - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing

• a haunted house
• a spooky house
• abandoned house
• dirty window
• entering a house
• exterior of a modern house
• house of horrors
• Moving House
• Old wood floor
• viewing a house
• witch's home
• wooden floor

The old house is the sanity of these hills, the ever present home amid such change. I can remember each brick for as far back as my memory goes, touch them, feel the texture that has greeted strong summers and hail stones with such dignity. How I love the blue door, some years weather worn and in others sporting a shiny new coat, and imagine its pride in showing the countryside it is still loved. In my daydreams I sit by it in a wicker chair listening to the village, of the chattering wildlife around. I imagine that it is my home, that the calling of the years somehow takes me there.

The old house grew from the ground as an ancient seed of the hills born to blossom.

The old house was golden stone in golden light and was as splendid as a new spring flower in all weathers.

The old house with its centuries settled foundations brought feeling of welcome to the landscape.

The old house was the best of weathered antiques having hugged that lane from days of horses to days of solar horse-power.

The old roof had protected the house over the ages and would do so for many-a-time to come.

The old house brought the perspective of passing years in a world that had accelerated beyond sense.

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• The Writer’s Field Guide to the Craft of Fiction
• How to Find a Premise for a Story
• How to Develop a Premise into a Story
• How to Describe Setting
• How to Create and Develop Characters
• How to Write a Scene
• How to Structure a Story
• How to Move Through Time and Space
• How to Write (Or Write Around) Plot
• How to Raise the Stakes
• How to Build Suspense
• How to Write Dialogue
• How to Write with Style
• Interviews with Writers

How to Describe a House

Domingo Martinez’s memoir, The Boy Kings of Texas , was a finalist for the National Book Award.

Describing a house in a story ought to be easy. After all, real estate listings do it every day: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. For poetic purposes, maybe throw in a window and chair. Of course, more is needed—but is that  more simply more detail?

One of the best examples of a house description that I’ve read in a long time comes from the first chapter of  The Boy Kings of Texas . Domingo Martinez’s memoir tells the story of his family and growing up in Brownsville, Texas. It was a bestseller and a finalist for the National Book Award. You can  read the opening pages   at the website of The Diane Rehm Show..

How the Story Works

As a thought experiment, try describing the house or apartment where you live. (Seriously, give it a try.)

What happened? Odds are, you started with the property listings and then got stumped. A good description requires some organizational principle, and until you find it, you’re just listing things.

The house that Martinez describes belonged his father’s stepuncle. The two families did not get along, as Martinez explains here:

Elogio and his four sons clearly felt that Dad and his family did not belong in the Rubio barrio, since Gramma had married into the barrio when Dad was already four years old, a child from another man. Elogio was our Grampa’s usurping younger brother, and he wanted control of the family trucking business that Grampa had built. As Grampa’s stepson, Dad challenged Elogio’s succession. It was a Mexican parody of Shakespeare, in the barrio, with sweat-soaked sombreros and antiquated dump trucks.

That tension is important because it informs the way Martinez describes the Rubios’ house, property, and near-feral dogs:

The Rubios had kept these dogs unfed, unloved, and hostile. Presumably it was to keep burglars away from their prototypical barrio home: a main house, built by farmhands many years before, with subsequent single-room constructions slapped together according to the needs of the coming-of-age males and their knocked-up wetback girlfriends. As such, the houses were consistently in varying stages of construction and deconstruction, because the boys never left home; they just brought their illegitimate children and unhappy wives along for the only ride they knew, the one that headed nowhere.

Notice the word choices:  slapped ,  knocked-up ,  wetback , illegitimate, unhappy.  They’re all negative.

Now, think about what other words Martinez could have described the house (or the words that a Realtor would use):  big, hand-built ,  rambling ,  homey ,  comfortable . But those words would be totally out-of-place in this passage. Because Martinez has clearly defined his feelings toward the inhabitants of the house, the tone of the description is established. Once you’ve got the tone, the actual descriptions tend to present themselves automatically. The trick is to give your brain some guidelines. You’re not asking it to pull up every single detail about a place, just a few. The more clearly (and, usually, more emotionally) you define the guidelines, the easier it is to write the description.

It’s also worth noting that the description of the Rubios’ house is connected inextricably to the people who live in it. The main two sentences about the shape and construction of the house (beginning with Presumably… and  As such… ) end with the human rationale for the construction decisions ( according to the needs…   and  because the boys never left home ). The behavior and the needs of the family shape not only the house but the description of the house as well.

The Writing Exercise

Let’s describe a house or apartment (or wherever you or a character lives) using the passage from  The Boy Kings of Texas  by Domingo Martinez as a model:

• Choose your narrator or main character. If it’s you—good. If it’s a character in a story—also good. You need a primary perspective, a lens through which to view the house and everything else.
• Choose the house and its inhabitants.  Who lives there? How are they connected to your narrator or main character?
• Identify the emotional angle on the house. How does the narrator or character feel about the house or the people living in it? Don’t think too hard; just brainstorm. Does the character have warm feelings? Is the character bitter, disappointed, angry, nostalgic, sad? Are the first memories or scenes that come to mind funny? Tragic? Tense?
• Write a quick scene/anecdote that illustrates that emotion. Focus the scene or story on a character or two and a particular moment in time. Remember, the goal is to tell a story that conveys how you or your character feels about the place.
• Generalize about the people who live in the house (or spend time there).  This can be as simple as writing a sentence that begins, “They were the kind of people who…”
• Generalize how the people  used the   house.  Did they use in a communal way (everyone eating, talking, hanging out together)? Did they isolate themselves into rooms? Did they come and go at odd hours? What sort of activities did they do there? Keep in mind the sort of people you are (previous step). If they’re the sort of people who ____, that means they spent a lot of time _____, which really made me/your character feel ______.
• Generalize how the house was a perfect/imperfect fit for these activities and these people. Did the house allow the people to do the activities? Were the people cramped? Did the people modify the house in order to do the things they wanted to do? In what ways did they modify their own behavior to fit the house?
• Describe the house.  You’ve probably already written a few lines about the house. Now you’re summing them up. You might start with a sentence about the people: They were the kind of people who _____ or They spent a lot of time _____. Or, you can jump straight to the house with a sentence like this: It was the sort of house that _____ or It was a typical _____ house. Your goal is to write a description of the house that focuses on the ways it was used, the ways it fit a type of behavior, or the ways it shaped the inhabitants’ behavior. Keep in mind the cue words and phrases that Martinez uses ( according to the needs…   and  because the boys ). How can you describe the house in terms of causality?

As you likely know, people’s houses tend to become manifestations of their personality traits. The goal, then, is to write a description of a house that is as active as the people who live in it.

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Tags: character development , creative writing exercises , creative writing prompts , describing setting and place , Domingo Martinez , Hispanic literature , How to Write a Personal Essay , Texas literature , The Boy Kings of Texas

• Comments 9 Comments
• Categories Character Development , Setting and Place

9 Responses to “How to Describe a House”

This was very informative and very helpful! I look forward to trying these tips out very soon.

Thanks! Let me know how it goes.

Cool tips for writers like me. It’s really hard to describe a house in a story if you want to make it real for your readers. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

wow. great tips for bloggers like me. You did a great job on writing this post. I was impressed by your ideas.

Please I nedd help .

Please how can i become a writer

I like this

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Author, teacher, coach, geek

February 19, 2016

44 Ways to Describe Buildings–Homes I

For the next few months, weekly writing tips will include word choice suggestions. That includes:

• colorful and original descriptions
• pithy words and phrases
• picture nouns and action verbs
• writing that draws a reader in and addicts them to your voice

After taking some advice from Crawford Home Buyers , I keep a  collection of descriptions that have pulled me into the books.

It’s amazing how skilled writers can use just a few carefully chosen words to transport readers into the world of their story, capturing their attention and making them want to stay. While some authors might focus on describing homes in detail, others might take a different approach, relying on powerful imagery and sensory details to evoke a mood or feeling. No matter your writing style, it’s important to find a way to connect with your readers and draw them in. When it comes to bridging the gap between planning institutions and entrepreneurs, one useful resource is  https://netivey-hakama.co.il/ . This service produces professional content and promotes the transformation of licensing into a profession with required training and education, helping to connect planners and authorities with the wider community and promoting effective collaboration.

A note: These are for inspiration only . They can’t be copied because they’ve been pulled directly from an author’s copyrighted manuscript (intellectual property is immediately copyrighted when published).

• Fair-sized house built of red Lyons Sandstone with the most god-awful-looking picket fence I’d ever seen.
• Small upstairs apartment on Newport Island, a tiny piece of land accessible only by a bridge so narrow, it would admit just one car at a time.
• The weather-beaten slat cottage sat at the far end of a mostly brown lawn. Wood silvered by the sun. Roof shingles warped. Small stands of plantain and giant bird-of-paradise for privacy. Despite the weathered appearance of the slat cottage, there was hope for its revival thanks to the services of a reliable local company specializing in affordable roofing solutions. If you too wish to safeguard your home against the elements and enhance its aesthetic appeal, going for this local company is the answer. Their dedication to quality and affordability ensures that your roof not only withstands weather challenges but also adds to the charm of your dwelling. With their assistance, the weather-beaten cottage could regain its former glory, proving that a reliable roofing projects can breathe new life into any home.
• Rambling old farm house
• Gleamed with the spotless silence of for-company-only.
• He leaned on the old boards. They felt thin and veined, frozen by a hundred winters, baked by a hundred summers. They smelled of dust and age. A big house from buy houses syracuse ny , the kind in which most American kids dreamed of growing up. Secluded among trees on one of DC’s most exclusive streets, it had turrets, gables, dormers, balconies, a screened-in front porch, a free-standing garage, a gazebo, a pool, formal gardents, the American dream.
• Sturdy two-story residence designed without the least imagination
• A set of sagging wooden steps descended three treads from the door

Contact an Industrial Cleaning Services provider if you’re managing an industrial facility or planning to sell a commercial property.

• A room barely big enough to exhale into
• A room that showed her lack of interest in anything to do with what people thought of her
• Small with clean white walls, a twin bed, a desk with a blank blotter on it, sliding closets opposite the bed, and thin green shag carpet. Or make a call to Zerorez to do this job professionally.
• My Writing Area: My computer faces out the window. I like having the sky and buildings in the background. Occasionally a bird or plane flies by in the distance. To my far left is my 42″ flatscreen TV (size does matter), which often displays my daily dose of CNN or Grey’s Anatomy. Next to that is my Buddhist altar, which I need to make better use of. To my right is a framed poster displaying a poem of mine that had been on Chicago buses and trains. And to the far right is a black and white picture of Grand Central Station with wide beams of light gushing in through the windows. The beams look like they are about to make the commuters levitate at any minute and float skyward. A single light burned, casting light on a chintz couch and an antique Quaker chair
• Improvised kitchenette off to one side
• Walls and ceilings were covered with mirrors, a high-tech bordello.
• Furnishings were cheap, black-painted. A worn mustard-yellow bean-bag chair, a relic of the seventies. An old tape deck and a towering set of speakers whose cloth was fraying
• A front door that could accommodate a family of giraffes.
• A foyer that would accommodate the Serengeti Plant at the foot of a vast curving staircase that probably went to heaven
• Polished wood floors and a graceful banister that curved up toward a soaring second floor gallery.
• Persian rug cove red a shopworn carpet.
• Prints of gentlemen riding to hounds decorate the walls.
• Crumbling rock walls
• Beautiful high arched windows
• Velvet drapes framed the windows, the lace inner curtains remained drawn, allowing daylight to enter while rendering the heart-stopping view over the city a blur
• bay windows
• two tall windows allowed sunlight to flood the room
• the windows flanked a grey fabric sofa, burgundy throw
• sheer lace curtains bordered by heavy burgundy drapes matching

Click for the complete list of 70 69 writer’s themed descriptions .

Most popular collections:

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The old House - Creative writing.

Kaycee Groves

The old House

In the Western Part of Virginia, America, an old tattered house, sadly sat waited for a visitor. A year and then two past but still no one visited the sad lonely house. But on a cold September Night, a man with his dog came across the old lonely house. The man glanced into the woods, and noticed the old house in the distance. The trees were swaying backward and forward that surrounded the full moon in the sky. The man and his dog slowly walked across toward the house; where the old house cried for attention. The old house sat patiently in the dark windy woods. The loud sound of ‘hooting’ from the owls distracted the man walking toward the house. The old house got angry and was no longer patient. Thunder and rain fell from the dark sky; and crashed down into the woods. The man anxiously looked around with paranoia like an American soldier in Vietnam. The man looked for his dog but was she was no were to be seen. The man ran toward the house.

This is a preview of the whole essay

Through the trees, the man entered the house’s territory. The war had begun. He fell into the mud with his face drenched with soil and water. The storm stopped. At last they were face to face; the house stared at the man. The man slowly looked up towards the house like a puppy that has just wet itself. The night sky was lit up with tiny candles. The man wiped the mud off his face like if he was a criminal unmasking himself. The moon was just visible over the roof of the house, light shined into his face like a torch revealing his face. The mans face was like an old soggy newspaper. The old house looked at the man not knowing what to do. The man got up and picked up a shovel by the house and he held it underneath his arm like a gun. The man climbed up the old wooden stair. The old wooden house’s defence was low, and he kicked the broken doors in revealing the house’s secrets. The enemy was in.

The moon disappeared into the sky. Dark clouds blanketed the wet house drying it like a towel. The man inside looked around seeing nothing but an empty rooms. The sound of footsteps entered the room; the man had big old army boots on. The house was quiet but ‘scared’. However the man was terrified, he looked around anxiously with his long hair caught in his face like glue. His clothes were all wet with his green trousers all covered in mud, and his leather jacket that looked like it had been chewed by his dog.

Crows sat on top of the house. The wind became strong; the window blinds Banged and Crashed. The water was brushed off the roof of the house that watered corpses by the window. Inside the house the man heard the noise. It was from a small room by the watered window. The room was dark and dusty, the floorboards was broken. He heard a soft and quiet sound of humming of the song ‘You are my Sunshine’. The man slowly entered the room. He smiled and slowly put the rusty shovel down by the door. It was a little girl sitting, facings towards the wall. He asked the girl what she was doing here, she didn’t reply, but kept on humming the song ‘You are my Sunshine’. The sound of the old grandfather clock struck twelve midnight. He looked around, he saw masks. Masks of humans, faces of humans, the flesh decomposing on head stands. The man was span around seeing people’s body on the wall, arms and legs that had rotted and the stench was like milk that had gone off.

The man screamed to the girl: “let’s get out of here”.

He grabbed her, she turned around. Her face was filled with rooting flesh and blood, and her eyes were all white. Her face crinkled up revealing her inside of her mouth. Her teeth, rotted in blood like the house is in the woods. The man stared at the girl screamed. The crows flew away with their wings brushing in the wind. Now just the sound of the clock that struck twelve midnight filled the sound in the air.

In the Western Part of Virginia the tattered old house, sadly sat and waited for another, unsuspecting visitor...

Document Details

• Word Count 750
• Subject English

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The GSAL Journal

Passion, Curiosity & Creativity

An Old-fashioned Room

Oliver – Year 7 Student

Editor’s Note : Students were asked to complete the following creative writing task under timed conditions: ‘Describe an old-fashioned room as suggested by the picture’. Oliver’s response demonstrates some truly fantastic writing. ADM

The room had a musty odour, evocative of grandparents’ houses – the type that makes you feel safe and cosy. It was lit dimly by a tall lamp in the corner with a green lamp shade decorated with light, undulating patterns, all but lost under a thick coat of dust. There was drab, vile, green wallpaper; dark green contrasting curtains; a wide, thin rug with tassels on. A wooden rocking chair sat in the corner, furnished with an old, dilapidated cushion. A small, coal fireplace graced one wall beneath was a white, marble mantelpiece. On top of the mantelpiece danced porcelain figurines and ornaments.

On walls hung portraits of long forgotten people, who looked about the room with a proprietorial air. There was a sofa against one wall – a bland, beige coloured lump, which looked as if it would be itchy if you sat on it. A pink doll’s house was pushed up against a wall and enveloped in dust. It looked sad and lonely, as if it knew it would never be played with again. Next to it sat a hobby horse with chewed-looking ears, missing its rocker.

If you looked out of the ornate window, you would see an overgrown jungle of a garden: brambles and an oak tree with branches like twisted fingers and gnarled, twisted roots protruding from the ground like snakes.

This was my home, all those years ago.

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The student-led academic journal of the Grammar School at Leeds, showcasing passion, curiosity and creativity. Also on X @gsaljournal - we would love to hear from you! View all posts by thegsaljournal

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NeeNee Member

How would you describe this house.

Discussion in ' Setting Development ' started by NeeNee , Jul 10, 2016 .

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); I am trying to describe how someone would see this for the first time - from the outside. Anyone know what style architecture this is ? I know it was built around 1840 - 1850 and there are several buildings with a similar style in town. I want to describe how my MC is seeing it for the first time.  

doggiedude Contributor Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); Try googling - images - Victorian house - That's what it looks like to me.  

IHaveNoName Senior Member Community Volunteer

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); Yeah, that's immediately what I thought when I saw that. 1840-50s is the right era for Victorian, too.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); besides Victorian style, how would you describe it to someone who can't see a picture of it? Give me some ideas on how to word the description.  

Catrin Lewis Contributor Contributor Community Volunteer Contest Winner 2023

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); North Oxford Gothic Revival. My, oh my. Homesickness in all its hideous beauty. https://www.google.com/search?q=North+Oxford+Gothic+Revival&rlz=1C1SAVS_enUS549US549&espv=2&biw=1280&bih=879&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwirxqu9j-jNAhVMVT4KHU3KCFIQ_AUIBigB#imgrc=ABaEjGUI2fs5aM:  

Brindy Senior Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); Gothic was the first word that sprang to mind when I saw the photo.  

Iain Aschendale Lying, dog-faced pony Marine Supporter Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); NeeNee said: ↑ besides Victorian style, how would you describe it to someone who can't see a picture of it? Give me some ideas on how to word the description. Click to expand...

Vagrant Tale Active Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); Musty, old, antiquated, dirty, historied  

Shadowfax Contributor Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); Victorian neo-gothic...with any or all of @Iain Aschendale 's adjectives as modifiers.  

King_Horror Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); Haunted, worn-down, rickety, dusty, and eerie. Those came to my mind after lookin' at that photo. It'd be even better if there were eerie clouds surrounding it; or is that cliche?  

Laurin Kelly Contributor Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); Stately but dilapidated.  

karmazon Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); Like something an elderly reclusive widow, often accused of being a witch by the local kids, would live in.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); King_Horror said: ↑ Haunted, worn-down, rickety, dusty, and eerie. Those came to my mind after lookin' at that photo. It'd be even better if there were eerie clouds surrounding it; or is that cliche? Click to expand...

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); karmazon said: ↑ Like something an elderly reclusive widow, often accused of being a witch by the local kids, would live in. Click to expand...

GNRoberts New Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); Now that's the kind of little surprise factoid I like to find in a good book.  

Francis de Aguilar Contributor Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); Definitely Gothic Revival; The brickwork was somehow blackened, throwing the dirty cream window frames and the ornate doorway into stark contrast. Topped with an unusually steep roof, it had the look of an Alsatian castle about it. The grandeur of its design belonged to a larger structure, leaving the house looking like a segment of something far greater.  

Cave Troll It's Coffee O'clock everywhere. Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); Gothic Tudor style, maybe...  

matwoolf Banned Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); Tudor? Haw haw haw haw...hew. Oh I see, the chimneys  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); Looks like a school. I could do a lot with a house like that: a jacuzzi on the roof, my bicycle upon the first floor, views out the window of little people. Probably cycle naked in a house that size. Cook naked even, slip into my twin coffins. Not really, I would wear a silk gown, pipe, slippers, eat steak regularly. Definitely more LP than MP3. How I miss the '40s.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); @matwoolf Well at least you have interesting tastes, and a little class with house like that. Of course one must cycle in the nude about their expansive house while listening to old 45's.  

Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); Yes, yes...white wisps on her chin, her rocking chair, her gin.  

tonguetied Contributor Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); Those clouds don't look too sinister but certainly more so than the blue sky. It is a shame that so many saw only the bad aspects of the house, cleaned up with a power washer I bet those walls would glisten, some scraping on the wood work with the peeling paint then some fresh paint, that home would be very nice in many ways. It has architectural beauty that you seldom see in new homes, too costly to duplicate all that fine wood work and no longer appreciated. Is that a clock in the gable? Also I picture it with a multitude of balloons floating it away on an adventure, matwoolf rocking on the front porch.  

peachalulu Member Reviewer Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); Victorian Gothic - perfect for the Addams family, Norman Bates, Edgar Allen Poe. A house where their should be a crow on the roof, a dead tree in the yard, and a walled up area in the basement. One has a feeling looking at it that it will smell like a funeral parlor.  

TheWriteWitch Active Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c83efd058db741b43f4022f3d70aef29'); }); NeeNee said: ↑ View attachment 8169 I am trying to describe how someone would see this for the first time - from the outside. Anyone know what style architecture this is ? I know it was built around 1840 - 1850 and there are several buildings with a similar style in town. I want to describe how my MC is seeing it for the first time. Click to expand...

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About Words – Cambridge Dictionary blog

Commenting on developments in the English language

Cluttered and homely (Words to describe buildings and homes, Part 2)

by  Kate Woodford

In part 1 of our ‘describing buildings’ post, we focused mainly on adjectives to describe the size of buildings. This week, we’re looking inside the building and, amongst other things, considering words that are used to describe its décor (= style of its furniture and decoration). We’re also focusing on the state of the building.

Starting with a very basic feature, a house or apartment that is furnished contains furniture. We also use this adjective in descriptions of the type of furniture in a place: I’m looking for a furnished apartment. / a tastefully furnished apartment The opposite is unfurnished : an unfurnished apartment . A self-contained apartment/flat is complete, including its own kitchen and bathroom: a self-contained, two-bedroom flat

A room that is airy has a lot of light and space, in a way that is attractive. We often use this word in the approving collocation ‘light and airy’: The waiting room is light and airy, with plants and flowers. The opposite – a room that is unattractively dark – may be described as dingy , gloomy or dimly lit . (‘Dingy’ also suggests that somewhere is dirty.): It was a dingy, poorly furnished apartment. / We entered a gloomy old dining hall. / a dimly lit corridor

If you describe a building or room as UK homely , ( US homey ) you mean that the noticeable thing about it is that it is comfortable and relaxing rather than stylish and elegant: Inside, the restaurant has a homely feel, with candles on tables and comfy chairs. Somewhere that looks lived-in , meanwhile, looks comfortable but not perfect, with furniture that has obviously been used a lot: The house has a charming, lived-in feel.

An untidy room with too many things in it is often described as cluttered : She invited me into her rather cluttered office. We use the noun clutter to refer to a lot of untidy objects: We need to clear out some of this clutter!

The adjective uncluttered describes somewhere that has few objects in it and looks tidy and attractive: Try to keep a well-organised and uncluttered workspace. Somewhere that is perfectly clean and tidy may be described as immaculate : The whole house is immaculate.

Meanwhile, a room that looks very comfortable and expensive may be described as plush or luxurious : She was taken into a large room with luxurious furnishings. / They held the meeting in the plush surroundings of a West End hotel.

Let’s move on to the state of a building. Somewhere that is shabby looks old and in poor condition: The family occupied a shabby, two-room basement apartment. A run-down building hasn’t been looked after for a long time and is in poor condition: They bought a couple of run-down cottages and fixed them up. The adjective dilapidated is very similar, meaning ‘old and in poor condition’: She’s been restoring a dilapidated farmhouse just outside Bath.

A derelict building is not now used and is in poor condition: There are several derelict houses on the street, with boarded-up windows.

That concludes our two-part post on houses and rooms. We hope you found it useful.

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10 thoughts on “ Cluttered and homely (Words to describe buildings and homes, Part 2) ”

Truly, a nice lesson with very useful words to distinguish the good or bad condition of a building, flat or apartment.

Thank you! I’m glad you found it useful.

In my personal opinion it would be nice to have some posts about techincal English words to describe buildis and their structures.

Good job 👍 we can enhance are vocabulary with the help of such blog.

Thank you! That’s great to hear.

I really enjoyed reading the paragraph but i have got the last 2 vocabularies are bit difficult

Thank you. It is so useful for us. We should have more posts like this for description of houses/flats/condos.

This lesson is so nice ! I was looking for some vocabulary to describe houses and here it is ! Thank you! This blog is so interesting 😄

Maria Grazia, what a lovely comment – thank you! Best wishes from Cambridge.

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Descriptive and creative writing lessons - describing an attic

Subject: English

Age range: 7-11

Resource type: Other

Last updated

22 February 2018

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How to Describe a Palace in a Story

By Isobel Coughlan

Does your novel feature members of a royal family ? Do you need some help with describing a palace setting? Scroll down to get some tips on how to describe a palace in a story.

Something that belongs to a distant era.

“She looked around at her ancient surroundings and gasped. The palace was reminiscent of old times.”

“The team of archaeologists examined the ancient palace, and they couldn’t believe its good condition.”

How it Adds Description

Palaces are often linked to the past due to the history of the families that lived in them. If your palace is especially old, “ancient” can hint at its age. Characters might be in awe of “ancient” buildings, especially if they’re interested in the past. Royal characters might also feel extra proud of their home’s “ancient” history.

Something suitable for a queen or king due to its high quality.

“The palace looked especially regal with the country’s flags flying and the extra guardsmen.”

“It’s not the most regal palace I’ve ever seen, but I guess it will do.”

If you want to explicitly link your palace to royalty, “regal” is an adjective that shows it’s suited to kings and queens. Non-royal characters might find the “regal” palace intimidating due to their lower status, or they could be impressed by its impressive architecture. Alternatively, some characters might feel contempt and jealousy towards the “regal” palace if they have less.

Something that feels haunting , scary, or resembles the literary movement.

“The whole establishment was gothic , from the stained glass windows to the decaying brick walls.”

“Despite the team’s best interior design efforts, the palace still looked gothic and unwelcoming.”

“Gothic” implies that the palace looks haunting, mysterious, or scary. In “gothic” places, strange things might happen, and this word can also hint at supernatural happenings. Characters might fear “gothic” surroundings, and it might make them avoid the place. Strange characters might be drawn to the “gothic” palace, and this increases your reader’s intrigue about the building.

Something that’s graceful or pleasing to look at.

“She danced through the elegant ballroom, admiring the refined decor of the palace.”

“Her mother splurged on an elegant dress to ensure she matched the event’s elegant environment.”

Many palaces are gorgeously designed and impeccably clean, and “elegant” is an apt adjective to describe this. Though “elegance” is a positive trait, some characters might feel nervous before visiting the palace. They might also be on their best behavior to make sure they fit into the sophisticated environment.

5. Timeless

Something that’s beautiful and isn’t affected by changes in fashion or society.

“The king lived in a timeless palace, and every day he walked through the halls admiring the exquisite craftsmanship.”

“A visit to the palace revealed its immense beauty to the tour group. It was simply timeless .”

Not all beautiful things can withstand the test of time without becoming dated. “Timeless” can be used to show the palace doesn’t look stuck in a specific time period and rivals the fashions of the present day. This could wow characters and some might become inspired by the art or design of the building.

Something luxurious , grand, and expensive.

“The opulent room was filled with jewels, silks, and of course, a golden throne.”

“The palace walls were decorated with marble stone and intricate carvings. It was an opulent scene and hard to ignore.”

If your fictional palace is covered in expensive decorations, it could be described as “opulent.” Royal families with lots of wealth often showcase their riches and status through “opulent” decor, and this might make civilians feel disgruntled — especially if their living situation is significantly worse. However, the “opulent” design could also make visitors feel patriotic about their country’s past.

7. Decrepit

Something that’s old , weak, or in bad condition.

“He tried to imagine the palace in its heyday, but it didn’t align with the decrepit building that stood before him.”

“One day, that beautiful palace will be decrepit . Mark my words.”

“Decrepit” can showcase that your palace has fallen into disrepair due to years of neglect or poor-quality construction. Characters might find this sad, as the palace could represent the end of an era. Some characters might revel in the “decrepit” palace, though, as it symbolizes the end of a reign they didn’t agree with.

8. Mystical

Something that has spiritual influences or powers that people don’t understand.

“He was drawn to the mystical palace, despite his conscious attempts to stay away.”

“All who enter the mystical palace disappear forever.”

If you’re writing a fantasy novel, “mystical” can show your palace has supernatural powers or a spiritual aura. This can help to build curiosity around the location, especially if characters keep their knowledge of the magic a secret. The “mystical” palace might fascinate some characters, and they could develop an obsession with unleashing its secrets.

9. Imposing

Something that has a large or impressive appearance .

“He feared the imposing building, but his loyalty was to the crown, and he had to attend the ball.”

“To newcomers, the palace was imposing , and the royal family enjoyed seeing their faces on arrival.”

You can use “imposing” to stress the size of the impressive nature of your palace. This might make characters feel small or insignificant when they’re there. However, it may also make characters dream of spending an evening there due to its impressive nature.

10. Dignified

Something that deserves respect and recognition.

“She glanced at the dignified palace, and a nervous chill shot through her spine.”

“Despite the graffiti and damage, the palace remained dignified throughout the riots.”

The word “dignified” implies that the palace is well-built or historically significant and deserves respect or recognition. This might intimidate some characters, and they could be very nervous or anxious when visiting the building. Characters with higher status or more confidence will likely feel more at ease in a “dignified” setting.

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The most fairy-tale houses of old Moscow (PHOTOS)

The Pertsova House

At the turn of the last century, Russia was gripped with a trend for reviving medieval Russian art and heritage sites. Artists and architects found a new appreciation for the uniqueness and artistic value of old Russian icons and architecture. They began to incorporate images and elements of Old Rus into their works, while at the same time re-imagining them. Medieval Russian art was the strongest influence on the Russian avant-garde. In architecture, the emergence of this Russian style (also referred to as the neo-Russian or pseudo-Russian style) was further bolstered by the lifting of strict regulations governing building design, as well as by several industrial exhibitions in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Paris that featured houses and interiors inspired by medieval Russian architecture. Subsequently, buildings and entire neighborhoods built according to these designs began to appear in many cities in Russia and beyond.

GUM and the Historical Museum

The Russian style consists of fashioning modern buildings on the wooden architecture of Slavic masters, sometimes deliberately exaggerating their most pronounced features. The most famous Russian style buildings in Moscow are the GUM department store in Red Square, the Yaroslavsky and Kazansky railway stations, and the Historical Museum in Manezhnaya Square. In addition, Moscow has preserved several unique mansions that look like they came right off the pages of a book of Russian folk tales.

1. The Lopatina Mansion, 1876

This house decorated with colorful mosaics is located in the very center of Moscow on Bolshaya Nikitskaya street. Before the Bolshevik Revolution, it belonged to Anna Lopatina, who ran a business that supplied seafood to Moscow. In addition to the owners' apartment, the building contained apartments that were rented out as well as warehouses and administrative offices on the ground floor.

The building was designed by architect Alexander Kaminsky, the son-in-law of Pavel Tretyakov, who founded the Tretyakov Gallery—which was also built in the Russian style. Kaminsky decorated its facade with an ornament made of small multi-colored bricks and ceramics resembling cross-stitch, while the design for its arched windows was borrowed from boyar chambers.

The third floor was added in the 1920s, when the mansion passed into the hands of the Soviet authorities and was turned into a residence hall. These days it houses the Brazilian Embassy.

2. The Tsvetkov House, 1899-1901

This small house on Prechistenskaya Embankment was commissioned by the art collector Ivan Tsvetkov. He was a devoted admirer of Russian art and planned this mansion as an art gallery, having hired artist Viktor Vasnetsov (author of The Bogatyrs and Alyonushka) to create its architectural design. The result was a house that was canonically “Russian” both from the outside and on the inside.

Ivan Tsvetkov in his gallery.

It features a domed roof above carved stone balconies, bright tiles on the lintels, rooms with massive censer-like chandeliers and wooden chest benches. The view from the house opened to the Krasny Oktyabr confectionery factory (which at the time was called Einem).

In 1909, Tsvetkov donated the house and his extensive collection of paintings (including more than 1,800 canvases and sculptures) to the city, while retaining the right to live in the house and rebuild the gallery. After his death in August 1917, the building was turned into an art museum and even served as a branch of the Tretyakov Gallery for some time.

In the 1930s, however, the collection was distributed among regional museums, while the house itself was converted into a residence hall. During the war, the building was home to the headquarters of the Normandie-Niemen Fighter Regiment. Currently, it is used as a foreign diplomatic residence.

3. The Pertsova House, 1905-1907

This fairy tale house on Prechistenskaya Embankment is one of the most striking buildings in Moscow. It was commissioned by a railroad engineer named Pyotr Pertsov, who registered the house in the name of his wife Zinaida. Pertsov became obsessed with the idea of building a mansion in the Russian style after visiting his friend Ivan Tsvetkov.

A plot of land was available nearby, and this is where Pertsov built his apartment building. A huge fan of Russian art, he planned to rent out apartments in the building to artists, writers and other members of the creative class at a very modest price. The house was designed by the architect Sergei Malyutin—designer of the famous Russian nesting doll—who deliberately included windows of different sizes and asymmetric facades. The attics housed workshops, and inside there were elevators and even a telephone.

The owners' apartment occupied four floors in a separate wing and was stylized as a Russian hut, complete with tiled stoves, carved oak furniture and stained-glass windows. The house became a popular meeting place for Moscow's art scene. There was a cabaret in the basement, and passers-by would often stop outside this mansion to admire the intricate details of its facade.

After the Bolshevik Revolution, the house was nationalized, and representatives of the new government moved in, including Leon Trotsky. Most of the original interior decoration has been lost over the years, but on the outside the building has changed very little. Since the 1970s, the mansion has been used by the Foreign Ministry.

4. The Igumnov House, 1888-1895

The owner of this mansion in Bolshaya Yakimanka street, Nikolai Igumnov, built it using old Russian chambers as an inspiration. Igumnov owned a gold mine and spent a million rubles on the building’s construction, which was an incredible amount at that time (the plot of land in the center of Moscow on which the house stands cost only about 17,000 rubles).

The building’s red bricks were ordered from the Netherlands, and each element of the façade—the windows, doors, balconies—has its own distinctive decor. The mosaic adorning the mansion depicts birds, flowers and plants from fairy tales. The building’s roof was made in different shapes.

In 1901, Igumnov left for Abkhazia and never returned to Moscow. After the revolution, he voluntarily handed over the property to the Soviet government. Nowadays, the building houses the residence of the French ambassador.

5. The Shchukin Mansion, 1893-1898

This huge house on Malaya Gruzinskaya street belonged to the merchant and philanthropist Pyotr Shchukin, who was an avid collector of Old Russian art. As his collection grew, he decided to build a separate building for it in the Russian style, which was fashionable at the time.

The main building had a wide porch decorated with a balcony (a smaller copy of the balcony of the Romanovs' chambers on Varvarka street) and multi-level pointed roofs. Inside, visitors found themselves in vaulted halls painted with floral designs. Several years later, another building was built next to the first one, also in the pseudo-Russian style but more spacious. Later, the two houses were connected by an underground passage.

In 1905, Shchukin donated his house to the Historical Museum but remained the curator of the collection until his death and even gave guided tours of the house himself. During the Soviet years, the building continued to be used as originally intended, exhibiting items from various museums. Today it houses the Timiryazev Biology Museum.

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