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Colonial houses are built in a traditional style of architecture that dates back to the U.S. Colonial era. They are designed to comfortably serve as a family home, and typically feature a rectangular shape with gabled roofs, symmetrical windows, neutral color schemes, and flat exterior walls.
What makes a house colonial-style?
Colonial-style houses usually have two or three stories, fireplaces, and brick or wood facades. The classic Colonial-style house floor plan has the kitchen and family room on the first floor and the bedrooms on the second floor. Colonial homes are easy to add on to at the side or the back.
What does a colonial home mean?
What Is A Colonial-Style House? A colonial-style home usually has a simple, borderline minimalist rectangular shape. They tend to be two to three stories tall with fireplaces and brick or wood facades. Colonial homes are traditionally found on the east coast of the United States.3 days ago.
What was a typical colonial house like?
Colonial-style homes normally have a square or rectangle shape, with the door located in the exact center and the same number of windows reflected perfectly on either side. They traditionally have two to three stories with similar, traditional room layouts.
How do you know if a house is a colonial?
Colonial homes are generally square or rectangular in shape, with the front door placed in the middle of the house’s front. It’s a very symmetrical look. The homes are almost always two-story structures with four rooms on each level. Frequently the house will have a chimney on one end.
What is the most common colonial-style?
1. British Colonial Styles. The most common type of colonial architecture in the USA is British colonial architecture which makes since given the US was a British Colony for approximately 200 years. There are several sub-styles that quality as British colonial architecture.
What is colonial decor?
Colonial Defined Colonial-style decorating reflects the styles of that era, varying from rustic to refined. Early American furniture was sturdy yet simple, but it evolved into the distinctive, formal style of furniture of designers such as Chippendale and Hepplewhite.
Why is it called a colonial house?
Evolved from the simple log cabin, these homes rose up in the days of the 13 original American colonies (hence the name) because they were “simple to build, efficient to use, and easy on the eyes,” Riordan says.
What does a Colonial Revival home look like?
So what do Colonial Revival homes look like? A lot like their predecessors, but bigger and fancier. Most of the houses are two or two-and-a-half stories tall, and the front doors typically boast a grander appearance than their predecessors had, with pediments and even columns accenting the entrance.
Are colonial homes good?
Appealing Architectural Features Colonial-style homes are detailed, aesthetic and well-proportioned. The front door is usually located in the center of the home with even numbers of windows and columns on either side, creating a uniform and symmetric appeal.
What were colonial homes made of?
Houses. Most of the first homes in the colonies were small and were built from wood. They would have wood frames, and then they would be held together by clay and mud. The colonists would collect dirt and grass and make it into a thick mixture with water, and this would make the clay.
When were colonial style houses built?
These styles are associated with the houses, churches and government buildings of the period from about 1600 through the 19th century. Several relatively distinct regional styles of colonial architecture are recognized in the United States.
What is considered a colonial?
Colonialism is defined as “control by one power over a dependent area or people.” It occurs when one nation subjugates another, conquering its population and exploiting it, often while forcing its own language and cultural values upon its people.
What is the difference between a Federal and a colonial house?
The key features of Federal homes are they’re symmetrical and with the same layout as what you’d find with colonial homes. However, Federal architecture is more ornate. You’d also find that these homes tend to be taller and narrower than colonial homes and may have oval or circular shaped rooms.
How tall is a colonial house?
As previously mentioned, colonial homes are usually two or three stories tall. The common spaces—living room, kitchen, dining room, and family room—are traditionally located on the first floor, with bedrooms on the second and third floors.
Do colonial houses have porches?
Colonial Architecture (1650-1850) The Georgian house did not usually have any form of porch. The porch of the Spanish Colonial House usually overhung the ground floor, such as a balcony porch, providing shade and coolness to the house.
What is Colonial furniture style?
Definition of colonial furniture : furniture made in the American colonies before the end of the Revolution and largely influenced by contemporary European styles (as the Queen Anne and Georgian) but having some indigenous features (as greater variety in woods and more extensive use of turnings).
What is modern colonial style?
This style has an asymmetrical façade, small windows, and rectangular shutters and is built on one floor of wood. source: homelight.com. Colonial-style houses are famous for their classic architecture where we can find some common features such as it has brick or wood facades, a fireplace and has two to three stories.
How do I get a colonial look?
Campaign furniture. Lightweight and eclectic fabrics. Tropical inspired furnishings. Natural texture. Light and airy colors. Traditional shutters. Ceiling fans. Eclectic accessories.
What type of roof does a colonial house have?
Clay tiles were commonly used as roofing material on Spanish Colonial homes, and they’re extremely heavy, so they require additional roof framing to ensure the structure can support their weight. Clay-tiled roofs are noncombustible and durable and typically last more than 50 years.
