The main difference between colonial and traditional homes is the way they are built and their designs. Colonial homes typically feature symmetrical, symmetric designs that focus on the central entryway and emphasize vertical lines along its exterior walls.
They are often made from wood, brick, or stone, and typically have a classic, timeless look. Features may include two or two-and-a-half stories, columns, a medium-pitched roof, and an enclosed front porch.
Traditional homes, on the other hand, have a more personalized design that differs depending on the region and local customs. They are normally made from a variety of materials such as stone, wood, and more recently vinyl and metal siding.
Features may include one-story or two-story designs, irregular shapes and lines, multiple gabled roofs, and wrap-around porches. They often evoke a more homey and charming feel.
Both colonial and traditional homes can be beautiful, comfortable, and livable spaces. Ultimately, the best home for someone is the one that fits their lifestyle, budget, and personal tastes.
How can you tell if a house is a Colonial?
First, look for the hallmarks of Colonial architecture. This includes the symmetrical shape of the house, often with a central front door, columns or pillars, and a side-gabled roof. The exterior could be finished with clapboards, shingles, or brick – all common materials used in Colonial homes.
Look out for Georgian or Federal-style window and door details, as well as a wide overhang and delicate railings, which are all common architectural elements of a Colonial home. Finally, compare the home to known Colonial houses in the neighborhood or area and look for telltale signs that it may have been inspired by this particular style.
What does colonial-style mean?
Colonial-style is a term used to refer to a variety of design aesthetics that originated in America during the 17th and 18th centuries in response to early colonial settlements. The term is most widely used to describe an American architectural style, which was developed as houses were built and adapted by colonials from England and other European countries.
Colonial-style architecture is generally characterized by its use of symmetry, balanced proportions, and simple, symmetrical lines. Common features of this style of homeowners include clapboard siding, dormers, and a low-pitched roof.
Interior elements of this type of style often feature traditional large fireplaces, eat-in kitchens, and dining rooms. Other associated finishes often found in colonial-style homes are white painted walls, wide trim and crown moulding, and vintage wooden flooring.
In addition to the architecture, colonial-style design also refers to interior decorating elements which often include furniture and accessories that utilize natural wood, as well as floral designs, muted colors, and traditional decor pieces.
What color were colonial houses?
Colonial houses were typically painted white, with green and brown used for shutters. This was a trend that was followed in the Colonial Period — even when other colors were available, the colors most often used were white and brown.
This allowed for the houses to reflect heat, thus protecting them from the summer sun and increasing the comfort level inside. Often times, colors were used to set off particular architectural features, but in general these colors followed the neutral tones.
Do colonial style houses have basements?
Yes, colonial style houses do have basements. Basements are an integral part of a colonial style home and were often used for storage and as root cellars to preserve perishable foods. The size of the basement would depend on the house and the land it was built on and it may either be small or quite large.
In areas with high water tables, such as some parts of New England, basements were often built with a crawl space rather than a full, traditional basement. The colonial style house may also feature a full cellar, which is an extension of the basement, often below the ground level, used for food storage or to house mechanical equipment and the HVAC system.
How do you decorate a traditional colonial home?
Decorating a traditional colonial home is a great way to bring a historic feel to your home. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect look in your home:
1. Choose classic, timeless furniture. Look for pieces in popular colonial styles like Queen Anne, Chippendale, or Hepplewhite. Fall back on classic designs and balanced proportions instead of busy patterns and shapes.
2. Pick muted, softened colors for your walls. Think about the bright, vibrant colors that colonial homes often used, such as yellow and pink, but opt for pale, muted tones to compliment the classic furniture.
3. Decorate with traditional colonial accessories. Accessories like vintage wall prints, reproduction period pieces, and hurricane lamps are ideal for this look. You can also look for artifacts and antiques to include in your decor.
4. Consider wood flooring. If a colonial home has wood floors, consider refinishing them in a classic finish that brings out their beauty. Even an engineered wood floor can be an option.
5. Balance modern touches with the classic colonial look. When it comes to modernizing your colonial home, consider adding unique pieces and larger appliances. But, stick to items with classic lines and tasteful finishes so they don’t disrupt the style.
By following these tips, you can create a stunning, classic colonial home decor that stands the test of time.
What makes a house a Colonial Revival?
Colonial Revival houses are typically characterized by symmetrically-shaped, boxy, two-story residences with a central front door and two windows on either side. It often has a central chimney, as well as a gabled roof and clapboard siding.
They may also feature a simple pediment at the entrance, columns or pillars, Palladian window arrangements, shutters, and decorative elements such as a fanlight transom, dentil moldings, and other notable elements of colonial-era architecture.
Generally, Colonial Revival houses are modest in size and details, but may include more impressive elements than those of the mainstream classical style, such as a cupola or second-story balcony. Additionally, the inside of the house typically reflects the simplicity and charm of colonial American architecture, with shiplap walls, wood floors, and distinct craftsman features.
What is British West Indies style?
British West Indies style is a type of architecture that is heavily influenced by the colonial presence of the British West Indies during the 18th and 19th centuries. This style combines traditional Caribbean and British design elements, such as shutters, gables, and balconies, with the practicality of English construction techniques.
The characteristics of British West Indies style are asymmetrical luxury and comfort, large verandas and balconies, lots of open space, white stucco walls, keystone arches, and columned entrances. Each structure typically showcases a combination of flared roofs, gabled verandas, slated shutters, and recessed columns.
These elements often reflect the Colonial styles popular in Britain during the 18th and 19th centuries, such as Palladian and Georgian Architecture, fused with traditionally British style applications, such as doors and windows, to create a unique, luxurious, and timeless style.
British West Indies style is often used in high-end beachfront resorts, villas, and compounds, and provides an elegant yet practical architectural solution.
How many rooms did a Colonial house have?
The number of rooms a Colonial house contained was largely determined by the size of the house, the size of the family, and the size of the town or area. For example, in a town with a small population, it was not uncommon for a larger two-story house to contain only four rooms.
The ground floor contained the kitchen, an all-purpose room (which could serve as a bedroom, storeroom, or sitting room), and a “keeping room” (often used as a family room). Upstairs, there would be one or two bedrooms.
In a larger town, the size of the house usually increased as well, along with the number of rooms. Upstairs, a house could have up to four bedrooms, while down stairs it might well have an entry hall, a parlor, a dining room, a family room, and a kitchen, in addition to perhaps an upstairs hall.
In a very large or wealthy family, a house might include a game room, library, viewing room, cloakroom, or even a sewing room.
In summary, the number of rooms a Colonial house contained could range from four to as many as one dozen or more.
What are the interior elements of colonial architecture?
The interior elements of colonial architecture typically involve baroque and classical European styles, which are characterized by intricate details and elegant proportions. These interior elements may include intricate wooden trim, heavy drapes, paneled walls, wooden floors, classic furniture, recessed doorways, and wide fireplaces.
Plasterwork featuring carvings, scrollwork, and other decorative designs also lend a formal touch to a colonial-style home. Ornate fireplaces are usually the focal point of a room, with wood and stone detailing often used to add additional decor.
Lighting was often limited by candle sconces, but some spaces also featured intricately-patterned wallpapers, tall windows, and crystal chandeliers. Ultimately, many of the interior elements of colonial architecture were designed to evoke a classic, timeless style that is still popular today.
Where are colonial homes popular?
Colonial homes are popular in many areas throughout the United States. They are especially popular in New England and in the South, where the style first became popular in the 17th and 18th centuries.
These regions are known for their historical architecture and offer plenty of original and restored Colonial homes.
Colonial homes can also be found in other areas throughout the United States, including parts of the Midwest and the West Coast. They are usually associated with stylish, traditional design details and an open floor plan that emphasizes the home’s connection to the outdoors.
In addition to the United States, Colonial homes are also popular in Canada and Central and South American countries. Their architecture reflects the various influences of their countries of origin, providing a mix of styles and designs.
Why is a colonial house called a colonial?
Colonial houses are named as such because they were inspired by the building styles popular in Europe during the colonial period (1600s-1800s). These buildings served as the American colonies’ answer to the grandeur of the Old World.
The architecture of the colonial house is commonly characterized by the use of certain key features, such as symmetry, a central door, shuttered windows, and a peaked roofline. This style of building recalled the large, stately manors of the affluent in England, France, and other European nations at the time.
Often, builders would employ ornamental elements such as oval windows, fanlights, and quoins, to further emphasize the classic look.
What did colonists houses look like?
Colonial houses in the United States varied in size, shape, and materials used depending on the geographic location and socio-economic status of their inhabitants. Generally, colonial houses were constructed of wood, although some were built of brick, stone, or mortared fieldstone.
Many were two stories, with the exception of farmer’s cottages, which were often just one large room to minimize the heating and cooling needs of much smaller houses. Most colonial homes had a central door and several windows with shutters.
The roof was either a gabled, side-gabled, or hipped roof depending upon the styles popular in the particular colonial region. The outside walls were rarely plastered, and were instead covered with horizontal clapboards or cedar shingles.
During the colonial period, the interior of the house followed the style of the exterior. It was designed to be practical and efficient, because the colonists had limited space and resources. Inside, walls were usually paneled or covered with mud plaster.
The main wall was usually made of wood, while the other walls were constructed of stone, brick, and straw. The main room usually served as the living room and kitchen. If space allowed, a separate dining area or room was added.
Chimneys provided heat and allowed for separate fireplaces in each room, which was a desirable feature made possible by the abundant supply of wood.
Colonial houses in America were both a reflection of the practicality and ingenuity of the people who built them. In spite of their limited resources, the colonists found ways to construct warm and welcoming homes.
