Colonial architecture remains one of themost popular architectural home stylesthroughout the United States.
These simple, clean-lined structures were built by early settlers who used local timber and post-and-beam construction.
They were built around a central chimney that provided heating throughout the house.
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Today, these are most prevalent in northeastern states like Massachusetts and Connecticut.
They were mostly built during the reigns of Britains four King Georges, between 1714 and 1830.
They remain popular today in the Northeast and the South.
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French Colonial
French Colonials are highly prevalent in the American Southeast, particularly Louisiana.
The rooms had high ceilings to accommodate the heat and tall skinny windows to aid cross ventilation.
It has a gambrel roof, which is symmetrical and sloping on each side.
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Historically, both sides of the exterior had a porch.
The home is constructed of stone or brick, while the doors and window shutters are made of wood.
The houses usually have a chimney on either one or both ends.
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The style was popularized in the 1700s and remained a classic style in the American Northeast.
Extensive ornate molding can be found inside and outside the house.
This style is also considered “Greek Revival.”
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Fireplaces were also focal points in the room.
Early Colonial style was very simple, straightforward, and rustic.
The furniture was handmade from wood with hand-sewn patchwork quilts.
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Later furniture styles included cabriole chairs, claw-foot tables, and highboys.
The color palette was muted, using calm tones often paired with soft white walls.
Interior and louvered shutters and draperies were commonly used to surround windows.
The Rebecca Nurse Homestead in Danvers, Mass.DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
In more opulent homes, 17th-century French-style toile wallpaper was often used.
The paper featured pastoral scenes in its pattern with trees, flowers, animals, and cottages.
History of Colonial-Style Homes
The first American Colonial-style homes developed during a period of British colonial rule.
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The first wave ofColonial Revivalhomes from 1880 to 1945 were well constructed from quality materials.
Still, it was good enough for suburbs nationwide, where they became ubiquitous.
Colonial homes remain an iconic part of the American architectural landscape that never seems to go out of style.
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They appear as sought-after historic homes in New England and as reproductions.
The hallmark of a Colonial-style home is its symmetry and square or rectangular shape.
Colonial-style homes are so popular because they have classic curb appeal and feel familiar.
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They are also in a modular shape, making them easy to work with if you plan to redesign.
A Colonial-style house typically has two to three stories.
The first floor has an entranceway, kitchen, dining room, and living room.
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Larger homes may also have a library, sitting room, and bathroom on the first floor.
The second and third floors house the sleeping quarters and additional bathrooms.
Colonial colors are muted and simple.
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Today they are often white and with black shutters.
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Design byCrisp Architects/ Photo by Rob Karosis
