When it comes to different architectural housing styles, there is arguably nothing as iconic as A-frame homes. And it is no wonder because they have been around for centuries. Here in the states, they became wildly popular at the start of the mid-century as vacation houses.
If you are not in the know, abodes like these are famously known for their relaxed rustic vibes and steeply pitched roofs. Both qualities make these resilient houses reasonably inexpensive to build—not to mention 100% Insta-worthy.
Planning your own A-frame home—or just want to get to know the unique concept home a little more intimately? Below, we’ve gathered a handful of our favorite examples of A-frames homes that will inspire you.
-
01 of 15
Consider an Open Concept Interior
“A-frame houses lend themselves well to open concept interiors,” explains Priscilla Moiseoff, lead stylist and interior designer at Walker Edison Furniture. This creates an excellent opportunity to foster a space made for entertaining and spending time together as a family.
Continue to 2 of 15 below. -
02 of 15
Opt for a Full Wall of Windows
A-frame houses typically have more windows on one side—but Moiseoff suggests leaning into that idea even further. “If you have a great view you might consider having a full wall of windows,” she suggests.
Continue to 3 of 15 below. -
03 of 15
Go Neutral
“Going with a more neutral color scheme allows architectural details such as wood beams or hardwood floors to stand out,” explains Moiseoff.
Continue to 4 of 15 below. -
04 of 15
Envision a Statement Wall
According to Moiseoff, a statement wall, such as a gallery wall or a wall of plants, can look really nice in an A-frame house as it will accentuate the unique lines of the house.
Continue to 5 of 15 below. -
05 of 15
Go Lengthwise
Most A-frame houses are significantly longer than they are wide—which lends itself well to a lengthy kitchen or gathering space. Consider adding a long island with a couple of bar stools to foster a sense of community in the open concept kitchen.
Continue to 6 of 15 below. -
06 of 15
Let It Be Natural
“Most A-frame homes make the most of their natural surroundings with smart design choices such as large windows and an unfinished floor plan,” says Zac Houghton, CEO of the home improvement website Loftera. This allows the space to breathe and really take advantage of the views outside.
Continue to 7 of 15 below. -
07 of 15
Bring in Geometric Touches
A-frame houses are an example of how curves can complement angles, says Houghton. “The curved walls that flank the front and back of the home provide a place for a small seating area, as well as an art display,” he explains.
Continue to 8 of 15 below. -
08 of 15
Add Light Wood Accents
“This space has a rustic mountain cabin vibe, with light wood covering nearly every surface,” shares Houghton. “The floors, beams and walls are all done in light wood paneling while the sloping ceiling adds to the cozy feeling of this living area.”
Continue to 9 of 15 below. -
09 of 15
Stick to a Theme
“The interior of an A-frame house is often an open concept, with the living room, dining room and kitchen all in one space,” says Houghton. “This means that you should decorate your entire home with one theme.”
Continue to 10 of 15 below. -
10 of 15
Bring the Outside In
Sure—A-frame houses don’t exactly lack views of the natural landscape, but the addition of houseplants will foster a sense of natural splendor that flows from the inside out.
Continue to 11 of 15 below. -
11 of 15
Strategize With Furniture Placement
“When decorating your A-frame home, you want to make the most of the space you have and make use of any tricks that might make the space look bigger than it is,” says Andre Kazimierski, CEO of home improvement website Improovy. “You can help make a narrow room look wider by placing the largest pieces of furniture (like the bed or the couch) parallel to the shorter wall. This squares up the remaining floor area and gives the impression of width instead of length.”
Continue to 12 of 15 below. -
12 of 15
Build a Generous Sky Light
Building in a generous sky light will not only add even more natural light to the space, it’ll also allow for the perfect sky gazing opportunities come nightfall.
Continue to 13 of 15 below. -
13 of 15
Consider Modular Furniture
“A-frames have smaller areas than traditional homes, so I suggest steering clear of bulky furniture and keep decorations minimal,” says Giovanni Scippo, director at 3D Lines, a 3D design studio. “Opt for furniture pieces that double as storage. And don't leave the nooks and corners empty.”
Continue to 14 of 15 below. -
14 of 15
Mix and Match Materials
Scippo also suggests mixing and matching materials like wood and steel to throw a touch of modern into your space without taking away from the rustic and natural splendor that the A-frame shape affords.
Continue to 15 of 15 below. -
15 of 15
Opt for Monochromatic Touches
The open concept nature of A-frame houses can quickly look cluttered if you’re not intentional with furniture and accent colors. Opting for monochromatic touches like all-white will give the space dimension without looking overdone.