While this inspirational gallery of beautiful work will include various architectural styles from multiple designers, it’s heavy on amazing projects from Michael Abraham Architecture. What can I say? I’m a Chicago girl, and many of the firm’s glorious projects are near enough to drive by. Since my husband and I love stalking lovely homes for their architecture in a few favorite neighborhoods across Chicagoland, it feels proper to feature heartland beauties. Onward with house façade inspiration and dream home ideas.
![Beautiful painted brick house exterior with charming Old World cottage front door flanked by lanterns. via @jadeexteriors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Aguilar-House-exterior-gray.jpg)
House Façade Inspiration & Dream Home Ideas
No, madame. I am not collecting ideas with any specific building project or dream home in mind for myself! My Valentine and I are simply always dreaming of all the dreams that may come, of what could be.
![Bevolo Williamsburg lantern fixture on a beautiful home with steep roof and dormer. #housefacades](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/bevolo-williamsburg-fixture-on-beautiful-house-facade.jpg)
Of course, we are also always dreaming of “what has been” since old houses continue to speak to us! If you have a moment, view this relaxing assemblage I made of lovely exteriors:
A Few Favorite Timeless House Façade Designs
You’ll soon see there isn’t a singular architectural design style we’re considering in this post.
![Fairytale French farmhouse style stucco house exterior with magnificent antique limestone around arched front door - Reagan Andre Architect - appeared in preview issue of MILIEU magazine, 2013. #frenchfarmhouse #pamelapierce #annetteschatte](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/011-french-farmhouse-exterior-reagan-andre-annette-schatte-guest-house-houston-pamela-pierce.jpg)
Although you will definitely see European influences,
![Murphy Mears designed Houston property (River Oaks) with limewashed brick. Gunn Construction.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/murphy-mears-river-oaks-houston-house-exterior-limewashed-brick-gunn-construction.jpg)
Old World style,
and traditional details.
![Gratitude quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #thankfulness #gratitutdequote](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/grateful-courageous-quote-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![Beautiful minimal and pale entry of home of Robin Rains; architecture by Jeffrey Dungan - photo Leslee Mitchell for MILIEU magazine Spring 2021. #jeffreydunan #robinrains](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/001-front-door-jeffrey-dungan-robin-rains-leslee-mitchell-milieu-spring-2021.jpg)
But plenty of these gorgeous house exteriors reflect modern sensibilities.
Because great home design is about the dance between past and present with an eye too on future inhabitants.
![Charming traditional house construction by The Fox Group. Grey door with white siding. #thefoxgroup #houseconstruction #englishcountry #architecture](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/iron-mountain-benjamin-moore-paint-color-front-door-white-traditional-house-exterior-thefoxgroup.jpg)
I hope you’ll discover a wealth of inspiration to tuck away from these lovely examples.
And I hope you’ll visit the portfolios of the firms mentioned here.
![Timeless European inspired stone house exterior with light blue shutters in @fredericmagazine. Architect: Pursley Dixon; Interiors: Suzanne Kasler; Photo: @melanieacevedophoto. #europeancountry #luxuryhomeexterior](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/suzanne-kasler-stone-house-exterior-light-blue-shutters-fredericmagazine-melanieacevedophoto-pursleydixon.jpg)
Follow them on IG and support their social media presence so they will all continue to share projects that demonstrate what is possible.
![Funny tweet about chocolate chip cookies by @elykreimendahl on Hello Lovely Studio. #funnyfoodtweet #chocolatechipcookies](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/funny-tweet-elykreimendahl-chocolate-chip-cookie-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Finally, do pin all of the images you admire most and maybe devote a Pinterest board to exteriors if you don’t have one. It helps to spread the word!
![BM Balboa Mist painted brick exterior of a beautiful Tudor in Atlanta (Linda MacArthur Architect) renovated by Ladisic Fine Homes & Sherry Hart. #balboamist](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/sherry-hart-balboa-mist-brick-house-exterior-ladisic-fine-homes.jpg)
Michael Abraham Architectural Inspiration
Photos: Michael Abraham Architecture
![Beautiful Chicago home facade and architectural design from Michael Abraham.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/michael-abraham-architect-quincy-facade-house.jpg)
His architectural practice is self-described as “a creative melding of traditional forms with modern lifestyles.”
![Beautiful Chicago home facade and architectural design from Michael Abraham.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/michael-abraham-architect-zook-redux-front-door.jpg)
Michael Abraham Architecture has projects throughout North America.
![Beautiful Chicago home facade and architectural design from Michael Abraham.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/michael-abraham-architect-zook-redux-facade.jpg)
Founded in 1992, this award-winning firm has grown to 14 architects since its inception.
![Beautiful Chicago home facade and architectural design from Michael Abraham.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/michael-abraham-architect-ulm-place.jpg)
![Encouragement quote, struggle quote, uncertainty quote by Bob Goff on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/encouragement-quote-uncertainty-bob-goff-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Awards?
![Beautiful Chicago home facade and architectural design from Michael Abraham.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/michael-abraham-architect-preservation-victorian.jpg)
Oh, goodness, too many to list here, but do take a peek at the accolades HERE.
![Beautiful Chicago home facade and architectural design from Michael Abraham.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/michael-abraham-architect-old-world-european-tudor-stone-exterior.jpg)
Currently MAA has active projects throughout the Midwest, California, Montana, Florida and New York.
![Beautiful Chicago home facade and architectural design from Michael Abraham.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/michael-abraham-architect-old-world-european-exterior.jpg)
Distinctive Qualities of Their Architectural Work
What sets them apart?
![Beautiful Chicago home facade and architectural design from Michael Abraham.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/michael-abraham-architect-old-world-european-country-home-lake-geneva.jpg)
A straight-forward design palette, timeless yet innovative materials and techniques, and the unexpected sing harmoniously.
![Beautiful Chicago home facade and architectural design from Michael Abraham.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/michael-abraham-architect-old-world-european-country-home-lake-geneva-2.jpg)
“Our team believes in the steady collaboration between architect, designer, builder and client, and embraces the challenges of a project to create casually elegant homes that are both inviting and comfortable.” – MAA
![Beautiful Chicago home facade and architectural design from Michael Abraham.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/michael-abraham-architect-old-world-european-cottage-exterior.jpg)
I love not just the beauty and integrity of the architectural designs, but the synthesis involved in the design journey from start to completion for this firm.
![Beautiful Chicago home facade and architectural design from Michael Abraham.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/michael-abraham-architect-new-construction-european-brick-stucco.jpg)
How do they measure success?
![Beautiful Chicago home facade and architectural design from Michael Abraham.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/michael-abraham-architect-modern-eastern-ave.jpg)
“We understand that the most successful design comes not from a predetermined style, but bares itself through the steps of the design process.”
![Beautiful Chicago home facade and architectural design from Michael Abraham.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/michael-abraham-architect-hidden-manor.jpg)
I so admire that sense of mystery and fluidity in the design process.
![Beautiful Chicago home facade and architectural design from Michael Abraham.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/michael-abraham-architect-hidden-manor-2.jpg)
Such a parallel to a life’s journey, philosophy, and beauty.
![Beautiful house facade and architectural design from Michael Abraham.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/michael-abraham-architect-freshwater-farmhouse-6.jpg)
When you leave room (and perhaps it’s more accurate to say when you make room) for the delightfully unexpected and the new…
![Pool pavilion with architecture by Michael Abraham.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/michael-abraham-architect-freshwater-farmhouse-5.jpg)
There is a world of possibility and magic in your midst.
![Beautiful home facade and architectural design from Michael Abraham.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/michael-abraham-architect-freshwater-farmhouse-2.jpg)
Primarily specializing in residential new construction and repurposing of older homes in the mountains, suburbs and city, the firm is often recognized with architectural awards.
![Beautiful Chicago home facade and architectural design from Michael Abraham.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/michael-abraham-architect-european-cottage-walnut.jpg)
Winning designs have been recognized for new homes as well as the renovation of older architecturally significant local treasures.
![Beautiful Chicago home facade and architectural design from Michael Abraham.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/michael-abraham-architect-classic-old-world-ivy-covered-brick-south-elm-2.jpg)
What a team this firm assembles for each collaboration!
![Beautiful Chicago home facade and architectural design from Michael Abraham.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/michael-abraham-architect-american-beauty-chicago-victorian.jpg)
“We pride ourselves in collaborating with the designers, contractors and artisans that ultimately define the quality of our work.” -MAA
By the way…
![Summer Thornton quote from WONDERLAND. #designquotes #decoratingquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/summer-thornton-quote-drop-the-facade-of-effortless-decorating-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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Great collection of exteriors, Michele, especially the Mediterranean ones. And you can bet I’ll be ordering my chocolate chip cookies ‘medium rare’ from now on!!
Author
Hahaha. Thanks for taking this post for a whirl. 🙂