A house classified as a Colonial typically has a symmetrical, box-shaped layout, usually two stories with decorated windows, a chimney on each end, and a central entrance in the center of the house. Colonial homes typically feature five top elements: a formal floor plan, central entryway, symmetrical windows, dormers and a central chimney.
This style of architecture was first used by the English during early settlement of the colonies in the 1600s and 1700s. The interior often includes details like wide plank hardwood floors, multiple fireplaces and divided-light windows.
Additionally, the exterior often includes dormer windows, clapboard or cedar shakes, and shutters. Whether a modern interpretation of a classic or an original antique, a Colonial house is still one of the most iconic architectural styles in American.
How can you tell if a house is a Colonial?
When determining if a house is Colonial, there are a few key features to look for. The exterior of a Colonial house typically consists of symmetrical architecture, featuring an even number of windows on both sides of the door.
It may also have a central, box-style layout and a front doorway with columns on either side, or a gable roof with a dormer window. Colonial houses also tend to feature brick, wood siding, or stone detailing on the exterior.
Inside, a Colonial house has traditional, boxy rooms and a central staircase, often made of wood. The interior also usually features simple moldings, plank floors, and fireplaces. Finally, Colonial style homes often have balanced, symmetrical facades, whether the house is two story or one story.
What did a Colonial house look like?
A Colonial house was a style of house found in the American colonies during the 1700s. Colonial houses are known for their simple, symmetrical shape and their development of basic materials. The most common type of Colonial house was the Saltbox style, which featured a steep roof that slanted from a taller front wall to a shorter back wall and a porch or lean-to at the rear.
Other Colonial style houses included the Cape Cod, Dutch, and Spanish Colonial styles. Common features of all of these colonial house styles included a centered main entrance, central chimney, symmetrical wall massing, and modest, balanced ornamentation.
Rooflines were simple and the roofs could be gabled, hipped, flat or gambrel. Colonial houses were typically constructed of brick, wood and stone, with the use of foundation footers and fascias. The windows usually had shutters and the siding was usually clapboard or wooden shingles.
What is the difference between Colonial and traditional home?
Colonial and traditional homes both refer to classic American architecture, but there are many subtle differences between the two styles. Colonial homes generally originated in the early 1600’s, while traditional homes developed in the mid-1800’s.
The most obvious difference between colonial and traditional homes is the overall look and feel of the design. Colonial homes often feature symmetrical lines with an emphasis on horizontal lines and windows that are evenly spaced throughout.
Traditional homes, on the other hand, can be a mix of various styles and periods of architecture. They often feature pitched roofs, dormers, and porches, with decorations of a more classic nature.
In terms of materials, colonial homes often use brick or wood siding, while traditional homes might be made of brick, stucco, stone, or even siding. In their construction, many of the elements of a traditional home are slightly more intricate than those of a colonial home, as they are designed to be more ornate and detailed.
Finally, the interiors of colonial and traditional homes are quite different as well. Colonial homes usually feature large rooms and distinctly defined living areas that give the home a more classic, formal feel.
Traditional homes, on the other hand, may have more open floor plans with an emphasis on the living room, den, and kitchen as the most important parts of the home.
What is a modern Colonial home?
A modern Colonial home is a type of house that follows the design principles of the colonial style of architecture, which was popular in the United States in the 17th and 18th centuries. A modern Colonial home generally has a symmetrical front facade and a central doorway, as well as two stories and sometimes a dormer.
Historically, the door is often flanked by two windows on either side. The roof is typically sloped and the walls are constructed of wood. On the inside, one can expect to see wide wooden floorboards and true-divided double-hung windows, as well as typically three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Modern Colonial homes often have additional features that incorporate updated stylistic influence, such as outdoor living areas, modern materials, and varying room sizes. Siding is often composed of a durable material such as vinyl, siding, or brick, and the windows are typically double-paned for better insulation.
Despite the updates, a modern Colonial home still maintain the classic features that provide the look that is associated with colonial architecture.
What are the three types of colonial?
There are three main types of colonial societies: plantation, mercantile, and charter colonies.
Plantation colonies relied heavily on large-scale agricultural production and involved the transportation of enslaved people from Africa and the Caribbean to work the land. Colonial governments granted plantation owners large tracts of land, which enabled them to exercise a great deal of power over their workers.
The profits from the crops were mostly sent back to the colonial government or the European power that controlled the colony.
Mercantile colonies were established to gain access to local markets and resources and to assist in trade and manufacturing. As such, they emphasized trade relations, often creating monopolies to gain control of the local markets.
The primary goal of the European powers was to generate profits, so the production and sales of goods was their main focus.
Charter colonies were the most common type of colonial settlement in North America. They were created by formal charters, which were granted by the English crown to the American colonies. The purpose of the charters was to establish self-rule, and local governments were given the power to create their own laws, enforce taxes, and maintain order.
Countries and organizations establish charter colonies today as well, granting autonomy to the local population in exchange for cooperation and loyalty.
Why do colonial houses have two front doors?
Colonial houses often have two front doors, with one leading to the main living area and the other to the service area. This is due to the practical needs of a colonial lifestyle; the main entrance was used by the family, while the additional door was used for business, deliveries, and to keep out unwelcome visitors.
This separation made the home more secure and allowed the family to more easily control access to the main house. Another primary reason for this design element was symbolism; the two doors were seen to represent the marriage of the man and woman, providing a visual representation of the bond in the household.
The horizontal part of the door often represented the male, while the top section was thought to signify the female. In some cases, the style and sizes of the two or even three doors would differ to further drive home this point.
What years are considered colonial?
The term colonial generally refers to European colonization of non-European lands in areas such as the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. This colonization began as early as the 16th century and lasted until the late 20th century.
More specifically, the colonial period is usually broken down into three distinct eras – the mercantilist, classical, and imperial eras.
The mercantilist era began in the 16th century, as European nations began to explore and settle in far-off lands. During this period, trade was the primary focus of colonialism, with England, France, and other European nations vying to become the dominant economic powers of the day.
This phase of colonization lasted until roughly 1763.
The classical era of colonialism began during the 17th century. During this phase, European nations sought more formal control and direct administration of their colonies. Ideas of racial superiority, institutionalized hierarchies, and use of slave labor to extract resources such as gold, silver, and rum all became common features of colonial rule during this time.
This period extended until the late 19th century.
The imperial period of colonization started in the late 19th century, with European nations exercising a greater degree of control, both politically and economically, over their colonial possessions.
During this period, colonization was based upon ideas of cultural superiority, with the goal being to install, educate, and influence the people of each colony to become more like those of European nations.
This period ended in the late 20th century.
In summary, the years generally considered as colonial are from the 16th century to the late 20th century, broken down into three distinct eras – the mercantilist era from the 16th-1763, the classical era from 1763-late 19th century, and the imperial era from the late 19th century to the late 20th century.
What were houses like in colonial times?
Houses in colonial times varied greatly depending on the wealth, geographical location, and materials available to the builders. Generally speaking, though, colonial houses had one or two stories, and were built in an Georgian Colonial style (with symmetrical designs and a low-pitched roof).
Most were constructed using wood, though wealthier families might have the means to build using brick and stone. These houses had a center hallway and multiple rooms, with most rooms being used as general living spaces, but some being designated as kitchens and parlors.
Fireplaces played a crucial role in keeping the interior warm, and typically, the house would have several as many as six fireplaces and a large brick chimney that ran up the side of the house. Common building materials used included clapboard, board and batten, and beaded board on the exterior.
Floors were often wide-planked to keep the interiors dry, and were usually painted with detailed designs or left in a light, natural hue. To keep the interiors airy and well-ventilated, most homes had either shuttered windows or narrow double-hung windows with smaller panes of glass.
Colonial-style homes were typically painted either white, yellow, or a soft pastel shade, and were often lined with decorative trim. Roofs were typically cedar shingles or wood shakes. Fun fact: wattle and daub was often used to add insulation to the walls.
What element is important in a Colonial house?
A variety of elements are important when constructing a Colonial house. The most essential element is a solid foundation. Whether you are beginning with a traditional post and beam frame or a modern concrete foundation, a secure base will support the structure of your home and ensure its longevity.
Once the foundation is complete, other important elements to consider include energy-efficiency, weather-resistant materials, and a compatible style. For example, if you’re building a colonial home, you’ll want to use traditional clapboards for exterior siding.
This provides a classic aesthetic and will hold up well against the elements. Additionally, using energy-efficient insulation, modern windows and heating systems, and other features will keep your home comfortable in any weather conditions.
Finally, a Colonial home requires attention to detail with fixtures, finishes, and decorations. Traditional paint colors, shutters, door handles, and other accents will lend charm and authenticity to your home.
Ornamental elements, such as period-accurate furniture and decorations placed throughout your home, will create an inviting atmosphere that brings the Colonial look to life.
How many rooms does a Colonial house have?
The number of rooms in a Colonial house varies widely depending on the size and type of Colonial house. Generally, however, a Colonial house will have between five and seven rooms. The traditional layout tends to consist of a main entry with a staircase, a formal living room, a family room or parlor, a dining room, a kitchen, and a few bedrooms.
Additional rooms such as a study, media room, library, or playroom may also be included depending on the style of the house and the size of the family.