Our Five Favorite Types of Old Money Exteriors

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Quiet luxury never goes out of style. While trends come and go, homes that feel refined and elegant endure. That’s the heart of old money exteriors. These homes don’t shout for attention – instead, they feel confident and balanced.

In this article, we’ll share five of our favorite classic types and styles of old money exteriors and dive into the design elements that make them so endearing.

An example of old money exteriors designed by brick&batten.

1. Classic Colonials

Colonial architecture is one of the most recognizable expressions of old money style. Symmetry, balance, and proportion define this look. Everything feels intentional without feeling overdone.

A classic colonial exterior often features evenly spaced windows, centered front doors, simple rooflines, and defined trim. The materials are traditional, yet durable, such as brick or natural wood. Color schemes lean toward warm whites, soft creams, and deep heritage tones for doors and shutters.

What makes colonial-inspired old money exteriors feel luxurious is the restraint. The elegance comes from scale and craftsmanship, not decorative excess. When updated thoughtfully, this style feels polished and timeless, rather than dated.

brick&batten design of an old money exterior.

2. European-Inspired Old Money Exteriors

European influences bring another layer of sophistication to these homes. Think French country estates, English manors, and subtle Mediterranean influences.

These old-money exteriors often have stone or stucco finishes, along with arched windows and doorways. You’ll also see steep rooflines and natural material variation. The colors tend to be warm and layered, such as soft limestone, warm taupe, or muted olive. 

Texture is a big point for these homes. Their charm comes from subtle imperfections in stonework and layered architectural depth. Ultimately, they feel rooted in history even when newly built, which is exactly what defines them.

A home designed by b&b.

3. Coastal Heritage Exteriors

Not all old money exteriors feel formal or grand! Some of the nicest ones stem from coastal heritage styles, inspired by classic East Coast estates and seaside towns. These homes offer a lighter, breezier interpretation of timeless luxury.

These homes tend to use painted wood siding, shingles, or subtle clapboard paired with crisp trim and soft, weathered palettes. You’ll see warm whites, soft grays, pale blues, and muted sage tones. Natural wood doors and metal lighting add warmth and charm to these homes.

Simplicity and consistency are what elevate coastal old money styles. The palette is calm, and nothing feels forced. Its elegance feels lived-in and effortless, rather than trendy.

A virtually-designed brick house.

4. Brick Estates

Brick exteriors have long been associated with wealth and tradition. These estates are some of the most recognizable old-money exteriors due to their durability and visual weight. 

These homes feature symmetrical facades, detailed masonry, and refined trim. Brick can be left natural, limewashed, or painted in soft neutral tones, depending on your desired aesthetic.

When paired with black windows, classic lanterns, and mature landscaping, brick estates give an aura of stability and understated luxury. They feel established, even when they’re newly built.

A country manor.

5. Country Manor Old Money Exteriors

Country manors blend rural charm with refined elegance. These old-money exteriors feel warm, inviting, and grounded while still offering sophistication.

Common features include mixed materials like stone, wood siding, and brick. They also tend to have large porches, subtle gables, and natural landscaping. Color palettes lean earthy, with warm neutrals, soft greens, and natural wood tones.

The magic of country manors lies in balance. It feels comfortable without being too casual. It’s a style that ages beautifully and adapts well to many climates and regions. 

What All Old Money Exteriors Have in Common

Though these styles all vary in architecture and influence, they all share a few common characteristics:

  • Timeless, High-Quality Materials: Materials on these homes age gracefully, rather than relying on flashy finishes.
  • Restrained, Layered Colors: Rather than harsh contrast, these homes rely on warm neutrals and subtle depth to create cohesion at every angle.
  • Strong Proportion and Symmetry: This allows the structure to feel balanced and intentional.
  • Understated Details: Any details like lighting or landscaping feel intentional, but don’t demand attention. 
  • Quiet Confidence: Old money extroverts don’t try to impress. They just feel right and enduring.

How to Bring Old Money Style to a Modern Home

You don’t need a historic estate to achieve the feeling of old money elegance. Many modern homes can adopt these same principles with a few thoughtful updates. 

  • Start with your color palette: Choose warm, neutral base colors with subtle depth, rather than stark contrast.
  • Invest in materials wherever possible: Even small upgrades like a wooden front door, stone accents, or quality lighting can make a huge difference.
  • Simplify architectural clutter: Clean lines and restrained trim feel more refined than overly decorative elements.
  • Pay attention to landscaping: Mature greenery, symmetrical plantings, and natural textures reinforce a timeless aesthetic.

Remember, consistency is key! Old money exteriors feel cohesive because every element supports the same story.

Final Thoughts: Timeless Design Never Goes Out of Style

Old money exteriors aren’t about extravagance. They’re about quality materials and restrained elegance. Whether your inspiration leans toward colonial or country manor, the underlying principles remain the same.

Focus on proportion, texture, and subtle color palettes, and you too can create an exterior that feels grounded and enduring. Remember: True luxury doesn’t shout, it whispers.

If you want help designing your own old-money exterior, our pro designers are here to help. Our team can create a virtual rendering of your home with new updates, along with a plan ready to hand over to your contractor. Plus, we offer comprehensive revision, so you can feel confident in your design. 

Contact us today to see how your home could look with an old-money feel.

Author

Alexis Bishop is a professional writer and journalist based in East Tennessee. As a writer for over a decade, she has created content on a wide variety of topics ranging from tech to healthcare for small businesses. As a journalist, she primarily follows the latest music and entertainment trends and has written for publications like WUOT, K FUSE, and Teen Vogue.  Outside of writing, Alexis has worked as a secondary science teacher and a professional development consultant in higher education. She is also a homeowner passionate about home design and regularly finds herself DIYing throughout her house on the weekends. 

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