One of the hallmarks of Beaux Arts architecture is the ornate nature of both the interior and exteriors of the buildings. Ornate means elaborately ornamented as it applies to architecture. The style often employs monumental scale with formal elements meant to inspire respect. These homes and buildings are usually symmetrical and very theatrical in nature with many of the ornate functions of the exterior hearkening to ancient monolithic structures of Rome. The mansard roof is a common element in these structures which often employed slate shingles when they were originally built. Often times the roof would be hidden behind balustrades. Homes and public buildings widely employed the style in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These homes would employ large windows and heavy decorative stone sills and lintels. Often the large windows would be topped with arches. The exterior would be typically made from stone like marble, limestone or brick in some of the newer buildings in the early 20th century.
