Colonial-style is a design aesthetic rooted in American colonial history and incorporates many traditional elements. It typically features symmetry, squared off shoulders for doorways and windows, steeply pitched gable roofs and intricate window panes evocative of period colonial houses.
The colonial-style also makes use of rich noble materials such as mahogany, walnut and pine in its ornate furniture; deep jewel-colored fabrics, typically with distinct patterns like checkerboard, paisley, or chintz; and chic accessories with delicate trimmings.
Also common are strong architectural details like moldings, dentil detailing, shutters, columns, and fireplaces with heavy mantels. Colors lean toward neutral tones like warm taupe, classic white, and creamy off-white.
Overall, this combination of style and design choices creates a high-end and classic look that speaks of tradition and comfort.
What color were colonial houses?
Colonial houses could be any range of colors. Generally they were painted in bright whites, blues, greens, and yellows, as these shades often reflected the bright, sunny summers of the regions in which they were built.
Of course, the paints often used during the colonial era were not of uniform color or quality, producing houses of various hues and shades. Usually, the door was either red or a deep blue, with a white trim.
Dark green and brown were also common, although these colors were often used for larger homes, manor homes, or plantation houses. Details were often painted to highlight certain architectural features, like shutters, window frames, and other elements.
In addition, many colonial homes used natural pigments made from plants, animals, and minerals. These natural pigments came in a variety of colors, ranging from earthy beiges to bright crimson, adding a unique and interesting touch to colonial homes.
What did houses look like in Colonial times?
In colonial times, houses had very simple architecture, with a single chimney, narrow windows, and mostly two stories. Construction typically used local materials like masonry, brick, or timber and sill boards.
Roofs were usually made from thatch, clay tiles, or wooden shingles. Exteriors were generally painted white or in earthy tones, while the interiors were often decorated with natural elements like simple wood furniture and plain fabrics.
The interior walls were filled with panels of plaster or wood, painted a neutral color like white, gray, or beige. Floors typically featured wood planks or tiles, and the walls and ceilings may have had some sort of decoration such as corn stalks or flower petals.
In more affluent homes, there was also furniture carved from wood, wool and linen fabrics, tapestries, candle stands, rag rugs, and quilts. Overall, the architecture of colonial houses was simple and functional, relying mostly on local materials and reflecting the tastes of the residents.
What are the characteristics of a colonial house?
Colonial houses in the United States share a common architectural style, often characterized by a symmetrical facade with a central entrance, and typically constructed of wood. From the original Colonial homes of 17th century New England, to the Victorian-era homes of the late 19th century, the distinguishing features of a truly colonial house remain the same.
Some of the more common features of colonial houses in America include large, central, entryways that lead into a wide, rectangular floor plan, a central staircase, and a second-floor overhang that creates a porch-like covering over the main entrance.
Additional exterior details may include a front door with sidelights, a gabled roof, multi-paned, double hung windows, and decorative chimneys. Inside, these homes commonly feature high ceilings, paneled walls, open hubs or stairways, and fireplaces.
Other period details include hardwood floors and simple moldings, such as door and window casings. The use of columns and pilasters also adds to a unique colonial style.
Although modern amenities are now included in newer colonial homes, the American Colonial style of home was built to be simple and functional, featuring an imposing yet welcoming presence.
What is the difference between Georgian and Federal style?
The Georgian and Federal styles are both architectural styles originating in the United States during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Generally, Georgian style is seen as more traditional and stately, often with a symmetrical façade and classical-inspired ornaments, such as quoins or dentil cornices.
Windows tend to be tall and rectangular, while doors are typically two-paneled.
In contrast, Federal style utilizes simple and balanced design elements, with a focus on ornamentation and decorative elements, including intricate molding, fanlights, sidelights, curved window tops, and classical columns.
Commonly employed materials include wood, brick, and stucco, as well as stone, marble, or glass. Doors are typically four- or six-paneled, and windows are ornately designed, oftentimes with several small panes.
Compared to Georgian style, Federal is known for having a slightly more restrained and delicate appearance.
What is a colonial window?
A colonial window is a common style of window characterized by its double-hung wood frames, multiple panes, and muntins that divide the panes into square or oblong shapes. The traditional version of this style window includes a hinged sash that slides up and down, allowing homeowners to open or close the window as needed.
The muntins also provide a distinct look, making them a popular choice for a variety of home designs, especially in traditional architecture. As a result, colonial windows are often seen in older homes, especially those dating back to the colonial era in the United States.
This style of window is also popular in new construction homes; many builders continue to use it as part of traditional, historically-inspired designs.
What makes a Colonial Revival house?
A Colonial Revival house is a type of house built in the early 20th century in the United States, typically inspired by colonial architecture of the New England and mid-Atlantic regions of the country.
The style became popular during the periods of the Great Migration (between 1910 and 1930) and post-World War II suburban growth. Colonial Revival homes often take on a symmetrical form, with evenly balanced windows on either side of the main cross-gabled roof and centered gables and front entryway.
Generally, these homes have steep rooflines, hipped roofs, symmetrical façades, a large central entry with a pediment above, and an exterior of stone, brick, and/or wood siding. They often have double-hung windows with shutters, white trim and window frames, and a wide variety of decorative elements, including columns and shutters.
Additional windows may be present in the top corners of the front façade and dormers often adorn the roof. The interior of a Colonial Revival home typically includes traditional features such as fireplace mantels, paneled walls, and other classical details.
How do you modernize a traditional home exterior?
Modernizing a traditional home exterior can be accomplished in a few different ways. One option is to upgrade your current windows and doors to more modern, energy efficient models. You may also consider new siding, such as insulated vinyl, or even installation of pre-fabricated stone veneer for a contemporary look.
If budget allows, add-ons like modern entryways, outdoor lighting, and railings can help create a dramatic and sophisticated look. An easy way to help modernize a traditional home exterior without too much expense is to replace outdated hardware and fixtures with contemporary styles, or update the color scheme to something more modern.
This could include updating the soffits, trim and shutters. If you plan on painting the exterior, a fresh, even coat in a neutral color scheme can make a huge difference. Finally, adding modern landscaping can be a great way to add some eye-catching appeal to the surrounding environment and complete the overall modern look.
What color is good luck for a front door?
Choosing a color for the front door of a home is a personal choice, and some believe that certain colors are associated with good luck, or can help to bring good energy into the home. However, there is no specific color that is guaranteed to bring good luck, and what brings luck to one person may not bring luck to another.
Among the most popular colors for the front door are shades of red, yellow, and purple, as these colors are believed to be associated with good luck. Red is thought to be a color of protection and attract good luck, yellow is often seen as a sign of joy, and purple is believed to bring a spiritual energy to the home.
Natural or earthy tones, such as green or brown, are often seen as a positive influence, helping to bring a sense of peace into the home. Neutrals, such as grey and white, can also be a nice choice as they can give off an inviting feeling.
Ultimately, the decision of what color to paint the front door should come down to personal preference, and what speaks to you and your home. Bear in mind that no one color will guarantee luck and fortune, but by choosing something that speaks to you, this can help to bring positivity into your home.
Is painting your house black illegal?
No, unfortunately it is not illegal to paint your house black. However, if you live in a community that has a homeowner association, they may have restrictions or regulations in regards to the colors you use for your exterior paint.
Before heading to the local paint store, make sure that you have consulted with your local HOA to make sure your paint color is in compliance with their rules. Additionally, certain cities, towns, and villages may have regulations about the colors you can use for exterior paint, as well as rules about how your house or property must be maintained.
It is important to research these regulations before painting your house!.
What color were houses in the 1700s?
In the 1700s, most houses were painted white. This was primarily due to the fact that white paint was affordable and it provided an extra layer of protection against harsh weather conditions. Additionally, people of the time believed that the color white was a symbol of cleanliness and purity.
However, the color of one’s house did not necessarily reflect their social standing or financial status. Thus, people who could afford more expensive and vibrant colors would often opt for hues of red, yellow, blue, green, and gray.
The colors of the house were generally reserved for the trim such as doorways, window frames, and cornice boards. Common colors for these trim pieces included bright hues such as yellow, green, or red, as well as more subtle shades such as brown, gray, and black.
Is my home Colonial?
The answer to this question depends on the specific characteristics of your home. A home is generally considered to be colonial if it follows certain architectural features that were originally seen in colonial-era buildings.
These features include symmetrical windows, dormers, chimneys, cornices and pediments with triangular gables, and a center door surrounded by sidelights and pilasters. Generally, a colonial home will have a front façade with five or more windows evenly spaced across the top and a door in the center.
Additionally, colonial-style homes often have a hipped roof with two dormers, sashes with multiple panes of glass, and clapboard or shingle siding. If these features all sound familiar to you, then it is likely that your home is indeed colonial design.
