The Queen Anne style came over to the United States and began getting popular around 1880, not long after its popularity was booming in England. Just like with some other things, the term Queen Anne style is loosely used. Many of the same architectural elements seen in England are not the same seen here in the United States.
In fact, the US version of the Queen Anne style is much more similar to the Craftsman style than its British counterpart. While some of the features of these two design styles are similar, there are more differences. The biggest similarities are the asymmetrical facades paired with overhanging eves, towers, and Dutch Gables. Large wraparound porches often accentuate all of the above in classic Queen Anne Style.
Some of the most decorative elements that are significant in this architectural style are not found on the outside of the home, but rather in the decorations and hardware that adorn the interior. Door hinges, door knobs, cabinet hardware and much more are pieces that characterize the Queen Anne style perfectly, and may be similar or even identical to pieces found over in Great Britain.
The Craftsman/Queen Anne style can be found throughout the country, but perhaps the most famous example of this are the painted houses that line the streets of San Francisco. They are the epitome of this style.
If you want your home to portray the Queen Anne or Craftsman Victorian architectural styles, the best way to achieve this is from the inside out. If your home already has some of the exterior elements, that is an added bonus. Adding little touches throughout the interior are a great and affordable way to change the style of your home.
When picturing a Queen Anne house, what most often comes to mind are "gingerbread" houses.
These houses have lacy, delicate features like turned porch posts and ornamental spindles. This design is often called Eastlake, because it shares characteristics of the work by Charles Eastlake.
While many Queen Annes have been preserved as private homes, others have been converted into apartment houses, offices and inns.