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A residential elevator dramatically improves your home's accessibility and value, but most homeowners likely aren’t thrilled about the idea of one of those stainless steel
beasts you see in hotels and office buildings. Fortunately, elevator design has come a long way over the years.

Envisioning an inviting shaker-style cabin featuring a beautiful maple finish? Or an impressive hardwood veneer interior with elegant mood lighting?

Today’s homeowners have elevator customization options up the wazoo!

But selecting an elevator design that complements your home’s architectural style… that can be a real challenge.

And that’s precisely what we address in the residential elevator customization guide.

First, Let’s Identify Your Home’s Architectural Style

Whether you’re building a brand new house or integrating an elevator into the home you’ve been living in for years, the first step is the same:

Determine your home’s current architectural style.

These days, common home styles include:

• Traditional: These evoke a timeless elegance, featuring “classic” design elements like symmetrical facades, rich wood finishes, heavy use of masonry (stone or brick), and ornate details such as columns and decorative moldings.
• Modern/Contemporary: Characterized by clean lines, open floor plans, and an emphasis on functionality and natural light, modern homes generally incorporate large windows and sleek materials like glass and metal.
• Minimalist: Minimalist homes embrace simplicity and functionality above all else. They prioritize essential elements, clean lines, and a lack of ornamentation to create a serene, uncluttered living space. While there is some overlap with contemporary styles, minimalist designs rarely include the glossy, metallic finishes unique to the modern aesthetic.
• Farmhouse: Distinguished by their rustic charm and inviting aesthetic, modern farmhouse designs typically boast comfortable open layouts, barn doors, neutral palettes, and natural materials like wood and stone—or even iron for a more industrial touch.
• Transitional: Transitional homes are a mixed bag of sorts, blending elements of traditional and modern design. They maintain modern components like clean lines and neutral colors while playing with texture and adding unique traditional details. The result? More meaningful, nostalgic spaces.
• Coastal: Reflecting a relaxed beachfront lifestyle, coastal homes often feature light and airy interiors, natural materials like shiplap and wicker, and design elements that maximize views and connection to the outdoors.
• Craftsman: Emphasizing handcrafted details, natural materials like wood and stone, and sturdy construction, craftsman homes typically feature wide porches, exposed beams, and a warm, earth-toned color palette.

What Are Your Home Elevator Customization Options?

While personalization options ultimately depend on your elevator supplier, the most flexible features include:

1. Cabin Siding
   The material and patterning of your elevator walls have the strongest visual impact. Go with glass or metal for a modern look or select a lovely bamboo or hardwood finish to create a uniquely cozy ambiance. Add an extra layer of personality with a custom raised panel design.
2. Floor Material
   Hardwood, stone, tile, vinyl—you’ve got tons of flooring options. While some homeowners prefer to match their elevator floor with the other flooring in their home, feel free to get a little creative with an intricate tile design.
3. Cabin Lighting
   Two recessed lights or four? Square or circle lighting fixtures? Nickel, chrome, brass, or stainless steel trim? There are a variety of ways to play with lighting to achieve your optimal cabin ambiance.
4. Door (or Gate) Style
   More often than not, homeowners opt for a sliding door or accordion-style gate. That being said, traditional swinging doors aren’t unheard of. Elevator doors and gates come in all sorts of finishes, including vinyl, wood, perforated metal, and even glass.
5. Hoistway Finishes
   In some cases, you may want a special wall finish or trim for your hoistway (the vertical shaft your elevator travels through).
   While painted drywall is most common, a hoistway constructed from metal, glass, stone, or brick can add some architectural interest to modern homes—especially if you’ve chosen glass cabin siding.
6. Operating Panels & Fixtures
   The trim around your cabin lights, buttons, and position indicator are almost exclusively made of some kind of metal. Common fixture finishes include chrome, nickel, brass, and stainless steel—often with both polished and brushed options.

Matching Elevator Design to Specific Home Styles

Below are our best recommendations for integrating your elevator design with different home styles.

Architectural Style	Elevator Design Suggestions
Traditional Homes	● Wood-paneled cabs ● Classic brass fixtures ● Swing gate with intricate detailing
Modern/Contemporary Homes	● Glass cab siding ● Stainless steel fixtures ● Sleek, glossy floors ● Stone or metal hoistway ● Touch-screen operating panel
Minimalist Homes	● Simple, unadorned walls (plain wood or laminate finish) ● Durable, neutral flooring ● Light-colored fixtures
Modern Farmhouses	● Natural wood siding ● Durable “wood-like” flooring ● Sliding barn door style ● Black fixtures
Transitional Homes	● Blend of wood & painted panels ● Sophisticated tile flooring ● Nickel or black fixtures ● Square fixtures and handrails
Coastal Homes	● Light wood paneling ● Embedded glass panels for maximum light and views ● Natural wood flooring ● Nickel or chrome finishes
Craftsman Homes	● Rich wood paneling (with inlays or detailing) ● Brass fixtures ● Durable, earth-toned tile or hardwood

Key Elevator Design Considerations (Beyond Aesthetics)

Creating the perfect residential elevator requires thinking beyond just visual appeal.
You also need to consider:

• Elevator type and operation
• Positioning and size for maximum accessibility
• Equipment and load capacity
• Safety regulations and building codes
• Logical flow through your home
• Maintenance requirements

Contact Alchemy Elevator Today to Design Your Ideal Home Elevator

Working with qualified elevator specialists ensures your project meets both aesthetic and functional goals. At Alchemy Elevator, we partner with premium manufacturers like Fox Valley, RAM, and Savaria to create custom residential elevators that perfectly balance style and functionality.

Need an elevator for your North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia home? Contact us today to start planning with our residential elevator experts.

Read More:

• Different Types of Home Elevators: A Comprehensive Guide
• Why Elevators are a Smart Investment for Multi-Story Homes