What Does Colonial Style Mean?

The popularity of colonial-style homes has a lot to do with the country’s history itself. So much of the present-day American identity relies on the first homes and communities of pioneering settlers. Several Old World European powers laid claim to parts of a nascent America, so colonial-style homes often feature design choices from their “parent” imperial powers. This makes the colonial style varied but distinct.

American colonial homes date back to the 1600s, when colonists first settled along the eastern seaboard. Despite a variety of styles that include French, Spanish, Dutch, and Georgian colonial architecture, American colonial homes closely resemble the English style. They were most popular in New England and the Southern United States.

Other colonial-style homes include:

• Georgian — Box-shaped and rectangular with a symmetrical set of windows along the front facade, semi-circular porch or stairs, small entryway
• Federalist — Almost the same as Georgian but with a semi-circular fanlight window about the door and columns at the entryway
• French — Every room has its own exit to the exterior, multiple exits oriented outwards, homes raised above ground (due to building in flood-prone areas), large, wraparound porch, often supported by columns.
• Spanish — Usually found in states along the Western and Southwestern U.S., from Texas to California, homes feature thick walls, small windows, and flat roofs, minimal exterior decoration, some have cantilevered porch on the second level of the home
• Dutch — Quite austere and simple, with stone or brick construction, double chimneys, parapet gabled roofs, flared eaves
• Early classic revival — Full height entry porch with columns framing the doorway and a triangular pediment above the door (Example: Jefferson’s Monticello)

Some architects like to stipulate definitive rules for what can be considered colonial, colonial revival, and colonial “inspired.” Purists of the style like to point out that the only real colonial homes are those built in the 17th and 18th centuries in America. However, even homes built during wartime and post-war America still count as colonial.

These “replicas” were so much more than their features. American colonial homes built in the 1950s and onward represented the idea of home and a more idyllic time for descendants of colonists. Because of the massive social upheaval of the Civil War, the evolution of industries, and a steady stream of European immigrants, colonial architecture experienced a “revival.” Colonial homes gave Americans a sense of identity and rootedness at a moment where the social and cultural ground was shifting beneath their feet.

Since colonials are built to withstand the harsh New England climate, it seemed that little could tear them down.

Common Features Of a Colonial Style Home

Colonial style homes are somehow both decadent and simple. Their boxy, rectangular frames give them a sense of sturdy construction. Yet, these very uncomplicated frames have a distinct advantage: the interiors are spacious and flexible in function. It also allows the home to be modified to include as many bedrooms and bathrooms as needed.

At the same time, the modern American colonial style home seems ornate and grand thanks to details like:

• cornices,
• coffered ceilings,
• oversized glass door and window openings,
• overhangs, and
• bay windows.

These additions and accents aren’t a part of every colonial style home design, but homeowners can always modify the colonial style’s highly flexible look. As long as you keep a few stipulations alive, your home can still count as colonial style.

Exteriors

• Have a symmetrical and rectangular exterior
• Usually feature steep, side-gabled roofs (the triangular or “peak” formation is only visible from the side)
• Are at least two stories tall, with a staircase prominently featured close to the entrance
• Have a front door right at the center of the home’s exterior, which opens directly to the staircase and has a formal entryway
• Can have quite a large porch area, depending on the type of colonial “sub” style (Georgian, English, French, etc.)
• Are traditionally one room deep and at least three rooms wide
• Have one or two fireplaces at either end of the home

Interiors

• Ornate, large door frames with an arched entryway that lead to a spacious foyer area
• A dining and/or living room that is adjacent to or flanking the main passageway, leading from the entrance
• Family or “Grand” rooms with details like vaulted or coffered ceilings
• Decorative molding
• Bedrooms are traditionally located on the second and third floors
• Can include a mudroom leading to the backyard porch area

Why Colonial Style Homes Continue Living Today

Colonial style homes preoccupy the American imagination because they’re uniquely customizable. Floorplans can range from 1,500 to 7,000 square feet. The rectangular dimensions make it easy to either add extensions on the side or back or opt for a floorplan with five or even six bedrooms.

This is perfect for families who have large social circles, are constantly entertaining, or who plan to have extended family members age-in-home with them. They’re also very spacious and have a natural layout that helps homeowners “flow” through the home.

Colonial style homes are also highly functional. Every room in the house has a designated purpose, and every space has a particular type of utility. Of course, much of the division of these rooms depends on how much square footage you have to play with. For floorplans with larger overall space, however, you will find space for dens, offices, guest bedrooms, mudrooms, pantries, and even a server’s hallway. This makes it easy for growing families to stay organized and avoid clutter accumulating in common areas.

Making A Colonial Style Floor Plan Work For You

The art of making a colonial-style home work for your family is to customize and personalize the original layout or floor plan. The exterior remains just as simple, sturdy, and even formal-looking as ever. However, it’s the colonial home’s interiors that can help you express your creativity and future plans for your family.

To expedite your building process, choose Monster House Plans. Your dream home is only a click away, and you can use our powerful advanced search to find the right style of colonial home for you and your family. Add a new floor, a cellar, or a rec room. Modify your pre-existing spaces to reflect your family’s growing needs.

Monster House Plans gives you access to a variety of colonial home plans ranging from 1,000 square feet to well over 6,000. Take charge of your vision and build your dream home today!