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Colonial
The Colonial is one of the most enduring and beloved home styles in the Western Reserve. Characterized by its symmetrical facade, centered front door, and evenly spaced windows, the Colonial conveys permanence and quiet authority.
Portfolio
Home Styles
J. Kapela Design & Construction specializes in over 20 traditional residential architectural styles of Ohio's Western Reserve. Select styles are illustrated with original watercolor renderings by Jim Polk.
Craftsman
The Craftsman tradition draws on the agrarian heritage of Northeast Ohio. Board-and-batten siding, exposed timber, and natural stone create a home that feels rooted in the land and honest in its materials.
Neo-Classical
Neo-Classical residential design blends classical references with contemporary massing. The result is a home that feels both timeless and of its moment — familiar in form, refined in execution.
Lake House
Designed for life on the water, the Lake House combines relaxed coastal living with the craftsmanship of a permanent residence. Generous porches, natural materials, and open interiors define the type.
Shingle Style — Lakefront
A lakefront interpretation of the classic Shingle Style — with its characteristic turret, wraparound porch, and cedar shingle cladding — adapted for waterfront living in the Western Reserve.
Shingle Style
The Shingle Style is native to the American Northeast and perfectly suited to the lake communities of Ohio. Continuous cedar shingles, broad porches, and informal massing give these homes a relaxed, enduring character.
Contemporary
Contemporary homes prioritize clean lines, open plans, and a seamless relationship between interior and exterior. Large expanses of glass, flat or low-pitched roofs, and natural materials define the type.
Farmhouse
The American Farmhouse is a staple of the Western Reserve landscape. Simple forms, covered porches, and honest materials — board-and-batten, metal roofing, and painted wood — give these homes their enduring appeal.
Modern
Modern residential design strips away ornament to reveal structure and space. Flat roofs, cantilevered volumes, and floor-to-ceiling glazing create homes that are as much architecture as they are dwelling.
English Cottage
The English Cottage brings storybook charm to the Western Reserve. Steep rooflines, dormers, stone or brick cladding, and lush landscaping create a home that feels both intimate and timeless.
Victorian
Victorian homes are among the most ornate and expressive in the Western Reserve's architectural heritage. Wraparound porches, decorative gingerbread trim, and asymmetrical massing define this exuberant style.
Select watercolor renderings by Jim Polk