In the realm of home remodeling, the true mark of excellence is the ability to blend the old with the new, create stylish opportunities for the inclusion of natural light, design seamless additions, and other practices that exhibit architectural expertise.
In the Greater Cleveland area, there is no shortage of good architecture, but what makes it great?
How to Spot Great Architectural Design in the Greater Cleveland Area?
There are a few telltale signs of excellent architectural prowess. When you know what to look for, you'll be better prepared to spot the difference between okay design work and exceptional design work by home remodelers in Cleveland.
Here's a peek of what you'll find in this article:
1. A Nod to Original Architectural Features
2. Custom Built-Ins
3. Mixing Eras
4. Pops of Personality
5. Designing for Natural Light
6. The Right Finishes
7. Neutral But Not Boring
8. Contemporary Warmth
9. Function As Fashion
10. Natural Wood Features
1. A Nod to Original Architectural Features
Original architectural features carry the soul of a home. Arched doorways, vintage hardware, and classic millwork tell a story that can’t be replicated—and preserving them adds instant depth and charm.
Thoughtful design is about honoring what came before and blending it beautifully with the present.
This stunning sitting room—once a garage—proves that honoring a home’s architectural roots can go hand-in-hand with bold, modern updates. The original exterior door, now a showstopping interior feature, anchors the space with dramatic black trim and historic charm.
Paired with graphic tile, sculptural lighting, and sunlight streaming through steel-framed doors, the room bridges old and new with style.
It’s a prime example of paying homage to Cleveland architecture and proof that thoughtful design can elevate even the most unexpected spaces with unique architectural designs.
2. Custom Built-ins
The “measure twice, cut once” mantra is especially true for custom built-ins. The perfect fit and proportions necessary for a custom shelf, cubby, wet bar, closet, and entertainment center take a keen eye.
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The image on the left is a dressing room in Pepper Pike and a fantastic example of what custom built-ins can do.
Floor-to-ceiling open shelving keeps everything visible and accessible, while sleek white drawers and cabinetry offer a clean, tailored look. The central island provides extra surface area and storage, making outfit planning a breeze. A cozy vanity nook under the window brings in natural light—ideal for getting ready—while the built-in dresser on the opposite wall balances beauty and practicality.
On the right, soft blue cabinetry creates a calming and cheerful entryway, while upper and lower storage keeps coats, shoes, and bags tucked away and organized. The built-in bench offers a comfortable place to sit and take off shoes, and integrated hooks add convenience without clutter.
This thoughtfully designed mudroom is a perfect showing of how custom built-ins can blend beauty with everyday function.
From the paneled back wall to the floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, every inch was designed to make busy routines easier—and make this transitional space feel just as intentional as the rest of the home.
3. Mixing Design Eras Seamlessly
Not every homeowner feels compelled to commit to one era of design. Mixing design eras takes a deep knowledge of each to know exactly how they can play off one another to create a cohesive look. As they say, “You must know the rules first in order to break them."
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This kitchen is a masterclass in mixing design eras!
The fluted walnut island base with brass trim nods to mid-century modern style, while the curved edge detail brings a subtle Art Deco influence. The sleek marble countertop adds a layer of contemporary luxury, effortlessly grounded by the traditional white shaker cabinetry.
The bold, veined black marble backsplash—a striking element in many unique architectural designs—introduces modern drama, while the inset stained-glass panels offer a whimsical Arts and Crafts touch.
Overhead, sculptural brass pendants reflect the best of 1960s Italian modernism, floating above classic oak floors that bring warmth and cohesion. This blend of materials, forms, and finishes is a perfect example of interesting Cleveland architecture that's both striking and tells a story of style across decades.
4. Major Pops of Personality
Every luxury home deserves a few moments that make you stop and say, “Wow.” Thoughtfully placed color, pattern, and texture don’t just bring a space to life. They add the flair of personalization that make a house your home.
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This powder room doesn’t whisper—it speaks up. Bold zebra wallpaper, a geometric floor pattern, and a vintage-inspired alabaster chandelier take this space from practical to unforgettable.
Luxe finishes, like brass hardware and a sleek black vanity, add polish while keeping the mood playful. These high-contrast elements celebrate unique design and show that even the smallest rooms can deliver big style.
For fans of interesting architecture, this jewel box of a bathroom is the definition of fearless design.
5. Designing for natural light
Every homeowner yearns for more natural light in their home. It saves energy, is a fantastic mood-lifter, and offers the perfect lighting to highlight great design. However, not every space in a home is conducive to injecting natural light. In these tricky spaces, creativity is a must.
This serene primary bathroom is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can elevate natural light into a true architectural feature. A trio of arched windows draws sunlight into the space, accentuating the clean lines of the freestanding tub, the soft veining of the tile, and the delicate geometry of the statement wall.
The brass fixtures shimmer in the daylight, adding warmth without overwhelming the peaceful palette.
Light, airy, and luxurious—this space is a reminder that your home should feel just as rejuvenating as it is beautiful.
6. The Right Finishes in the Right Places
The wrong finish can distract from the intended style of any space. A wood tone with a clashing paint color, tile that’s ill-proportioned to the space, and overly ornate hardware that distracts from a sleek cabinet will disrupt the overall design of a room.
A skilled designer will know how to create a cohesive look, where every detail communicates with the next.
In this 1960s ranch home, ensuring the statement fireplace feature both stands out and fits in was key. The width of the fireplace is accentuated by the horizontal linear pattern on the facade, making it appear more grand, but is subtle enough to not overpower the living space.
Additionally, the rift white oak mantle adds just enough contrast to stand out but not enough to take away from the fireplace
The warm wood tones of the lower cabinetry pair seamlessly with the cooler gray uppers, creating contrast without conflict. This kitchen is a bold example of fine-tuned finish selection and visual balance.
A checkered wood floor adds just the right amount of boldness, anchoring the space with pattern and rhythm. The blush-toned Zellige backsplash brings softness and variation, catching the light in a way that adds movement to the walls.
Every material—from the unlacquered brass hardware to the honed marble countertops—has been carefully chosen to complement the others, resulting in a space that feels harmonious, dynamic, and beautifully composed.
7. Neutral but Definitely Not Boring
A neutral palette can be calming and refreshing, but it can also be underwhelming without the right finishes and colors to create some interest without being fussy. To pull this off, visual texture, careful attention to corresponding details, and a palette that offers variation without too much contrast can take a neutral palette from sanitized to refined.
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This dreamy breakfast nook proves that neutral design doesn’t have to play it safe.
A cloud-like wallpaper, exposed brick, and sculptural lighting layer textures and artistry without straying from a soft palette. The curved banquette, paired with a walnut and brass pedestal table, adds cozy elegance while still feeling refreshingly modern.
This is cool modern architecture made livable, with touches that quietly steal the show. It’s the kind of space that invites slow mornings, lingering conversation, and maybe just one more cup of coffee.
8. Contemporary Warmth
Unfortunately, the contemporary design aesthetic has a reputation for being cold and uninviting. Flat front cabinets, sleek lines, glossy finishes, and minimalistic features make up the contemporary design style. However, these features can easily be infused with warmth and character with the right designer.
This living space is a primo example of cool modern architecture with a warm, inviting twist.
The bold vertical fireplace wall features wood slats and stone accents, giving texture and height while anchoring the room with organic elegance. Soft textiles and sculptural furniture add comfort without compromising the sleek vibe.
It’s the kind of space that exhibits how Cleveland architecture can be equal parts cozy and cutting-edge.
9. Function As Fashion
Functional spaces don’t have to fade into the background.
With the right materials, layout, and design intention, rooms like laundry areas, back kitchens, and mudrooms can be some of the most stylish—and surprising—spots in your home.
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On the left, deep, moody cabinetry with gold hardware sets a glamorous tone in this back kitchen, while the marble herringbone backsplash adds just the right amount of refinement.
The star of the show? A bold, patterned ceiling and faceted chandelier that elevate the space from utility to luxury. Glass-front uppers keep everyday essentials looking polished, and the integrated wine fridge and sink demonstrate that even hardworking spaces can (and should) be absolutely stunning.
Soft blue cabinetry, elegant trim, and scenic wallpaper in the right image create a calm, polished feel that makes it a space you’ll actually enjoy spending time in. This laundry room is a great example of how function and style can easily go hand in hand.
The built-in dog-washing station adds a brilliant dose of practicality, designed to blend seamlessly with the room’s elevated aesthetic. Luxe details like the herringbone floor, brushed nickel lighting, and vintage-style runner pull it all together into a space that’s as hardworking as it is beautiful.
10. Natural Wood Features
Natural wood has long been favored for adding warmth and depth to a space.
Use too much and a home can feel like a lodge. Use too little and a home can feel cold. How wood is integrated into a home’s design must be measured carefully. But, hey, that's why you'll do a great job finding the right design-build architect and designers to strike that perfect balance.
From the soaring, exposed beams overhead to the custom-built fireplace mantel and arched shelving nook, every wood feature feels intentional and rooted in craftsmanship in this expansive living room.
The tones are rich without feeling heavy, balancing beautifully against soft textures, serene blues, and crisp white walls. Even the window trim becomes a design moment, framing the outdoor views like a piece of art.
This outdoor space shows how natural wood can completely change the feel of a home’s exterior. Here, the warm wood beams and trim add just the right amount of contrast to the stone, softening the overall look and making the space feel more welcoming. It’s not overdone—it’s thoughtful and balanced.
The wood details draw your eye in, while still letting the rest of the design shine. This is how you add warmth and charm without sacrificing structure or style.
YOur Cleveland home deserves great, not Just good
You don’t need to follow a formula to create a beautiful home—you just need to follow what feels right to you.
The best spaces reflect the people who live in them, from the bold design choices to the subtle, meaningful details. When every finish, fixture, and feature feels intentional, that’s when a house becomes a home.
Great architectural design is about personality. And when you work with a design-build team who gets that, the results are always something special.
At Payne & Tompkins, our favorite part about the design process is learning about each homeowner's personal style and how they want to feel in their space, rather than following cookie-cutter and overdone designs. Feeling inspired by our list? We'd love to hear from you!
