The timeless look and simple, symmetrical design of a Colonial house never goes out of style.
A colonial house has a classic and stately appearance, appropriate to their place in our country’s history.
The timeless aesthetic offers a sense of continuity and an elegant look that remains popular today.
Credit: David A Land
These examples of Colonial style feature classic American architecture and enduringcurb appeal.
Colonial House Design
Colonial houses typically include two or three stories stacked directly on each other.
Historically, this simple layout made the homeseasier to heatin the winter, a practical necessity for early colonists.
Credit: Laura Moss
However, there are many ways to update these classic houses for contemporary life.
Colonial houses are the flip side of that architectural coin, with few ornaments andrestrained color schemes.
These facades often rely on white to play up the geometry and proportion of the homes.
Credit: David A Land
Symmetrical Colonial Houses
Many Colonial-style homesexhibit a soothing visual symmetry.
Geometric Colonial Architecture
One of the hallmarks of Colonial houses is the simplicity of their geometry.
Most homes are squares or rectangles and have few flourishes.
Credit: Kim Cornelison
The straightforward design often makes Colonial houses easy to modify withadditions and other renovations.
Colonial House Details
Centuries ago, many Colonial-style homes were built withoperable shuttersto keep out inclement weather.
Today’s Colonial houses might still have this design element, although it’s more often just for show.
Credit: Emily Followill
Shutters flanking each window help establish a uniform exterior facade.
Colonial House Exteriors
When many Colonial houses were constructed, builders used readily available local materials.
Although many moresiding types are available today, somemodern Colonialhouses still incorporate traditional materials for a more authentic look.
Credit: Michael Partenio
Also, Colonial houses were oftenbuilt with steeply pitched roofsthat enabled practical drainage and access to an attic space.
Precise geometry and symmetry deterred the random placement of detailssuch as windows.
Brick Colonial House
Regional availability influenced the design and construction of Colonial houses.
Credit: Werner Straube
Colonial Home Landscaping
Like the stripped-down details of Colonial house styles, their landscapes usually lackconspicuous ornamentation.
Instead, many rely on geometriccombinations of shrubsand trees as a restrained accent.
This more formal landscaping underscores the style’s refined appearance.
Credit: John Bessler
An on-center entry typically opens into afoyer or hallwith rooms on either side.
Many rely on a no-frills, covered portico to mark the front door.
Decorative molding orcolumns around the entrancesometimes provide minimal embellishment.
Credit: Edmund Barr
Many Colonial homes had double chimneys on either side to provide warmth throughout.
Inside,fireplaces are often foundon every level of the house.
Although Colonial houses are relatively understated, some have columns supporting thefront porchor portico.
Credit: Kim Cornelison
Many of these spaces were designed as four-over-four: four rooms downstairs and four rooms upstairs.
Respectful additions likethis home’s sunroomincrease square footage while maintaining the original design aesthetic.
However, to this day, they are still one of the most popular architectural home styles.
Credit: Gordon Beall
Credit: Beth Singer
Credit: Brie Williams
Credit: Alise O’Brien
Credit: Gordon Beall
Credit: Gordon Beall
Credit: Richard Leo Johnson
Credit: Helen Norman
