The 8 Types of Colonial Houses Explained Plus 18 Photo Examples in America

colony house design

The roofs were steep, gambrel style, and the windows were often framed by an arch. Colonial homes tend to be large and spread out to accommodate room for a formal living room, formal dining room and kitchen. The central staircase is located in the center of the home off the entry with each of these rooms surrounding it. This placement of the rooms and the stairs makes the entryway of a Colonial home more formal and and impressive. The large amount of living space and multiple floors tends to incur a high maintenance cost; all that square footage needs to be heated and air-conditioned. Older Colonial homes definitely have higher utility costs, but due to the simple boxed or rectangular shape, new Colonial style homes are surprisingly simple to build which affects the total cost of labor.

Colonial House Plans FAQ

Another possible drawback to the colonial-style floor plan is that the centrally located staircase could be in the way should you ever decide to renovate the home. Due to the design of these homes, colonial-style floor plans are boxy and have rooms that are closed off to other parts of the house. For instance, the living room may be on one side of the front door while the dining room is on the other side, and the kitchen is in another area.

Plan 41430

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These characteristics are noticeable in shaping a home's overall atmosphere and appeal.

History of the colonial-style house

Today, whether as storage spaces or extra living areas, attics remain a distinctive feature of many colonial-style homes, adding to their character and versatility. Colonial-style houses, a category that encompasses several distinct architectural subtypes, share several defining characteristics that collectively evoke the historic charm of early American homes. Colonial homes commonly have 2-3 stories, all of which are comfortable and balanced levels. The bedrooms usually reside on the upper levels of the home, while living spaces and kitchens are on the lowest. Although the idea of colonial homes may seem extravagant, the homes actually focus on minimalistic color schemes and uncomplicated geometric lines. Additionally, these homes have columns, mostly for an extra decorative touch, but at times, they’re there to support covered front porches.

Colonial homes are known for their symmetry with a front door that can be found in the middle of the home featuring round columns. Evenly spaced windows with shutters and paired chimneys are highlighted on the homes exterior. The architectural beauty of Colonial-style homes can be dated back to European settlers who arrived in North America during the late 17th and 19th centuries. Colonial homes were primarily built in America at the time, blending various architectural influences from European countries. These European styles can now be accreted for the timeless elegance and symmetrical designs these homes possess.

colony house design

What are the cons of building a Colonial home?

The above home balances historic preservation with enjoying present-day comforts. It’s obviously been renovated over the years to it’s current tasteful interior, yet there are many remnants of historic interior elements. Here’s a side profile of a saltbox style house consistent with a saltbox roof.

What is a colonial style house?

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Inside One of Singapore's Black-and-White Colonial Bungalows: Photos.

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There are several sub-styles that quality as British colonial architecture. Below is our extensive article all about colonial house styles which includes several examples and a list of the different types. Today's Colonial homes feature plans that are more open than their predecessors, a material mix on the exterior, and updated entries with staircases. While the integrity of the design has remained nearly the same, the updates for today's buyer have been favorably received by potential homeowners. Garage placement on the exterior of a Colonial home can also be tricky while trying to maintain the integrity of the style. Early Colonials had stables as cars were widely available until the early 20th century so the keeping the design symmetry of the front was relatively easy.

Plan: #140-1086

French Colonial style houses, found in the South East, in particular Louisiana, exude elegance with their steeply pitched roofs and wraparound porches, verandas and balconies, as shown on the house above. Designers Frank Slesinski and Serena Brosio collaborated on the charming living room in the Gatehouse. “One of the main things we did was add a window seat, which looks like it should always have been here,” Slesinski says.

colony house design

Choose shrubs and flowering plants like hydrangea, boxwood, hollyhock, daylily, and rose bushes. French Colonial architecture is seen primarily in Louisiana and the surrounding area. Type the word “Colonial” into the Keywords box, and press Apply Filters. All colonial-style houses within the city name or zip code you entered will populate the page, and you’ll be able to begin your search.

Inspired by the practical homes built by early Dutch, English, French, and Spanish settlers in the American colonies, colonial house plans often feature a salt box shape and are built in wood or brick. Colonial style homes may also sport classical details, such as columned or pedimented porticoes and multi-pane double-hung windows with shutters. Inside a colonial house you'll typically discover a center stair hall with living room on one side, dining room on the other, and kitchen at the rear. If you're looking for family-friendly design that makes entertaining a special pleasure, a colonial home plan might be just what the doctor ordered! To see more colonial house designs, try our advanced floor plan search.

In addition to the many classic and historical designs, California also includes many contemporary homes. These houses can vary noticeably in appearance, though many focus on simple exteriors incorporating a wide range of building materials. Available in both one-story and two-story layouts, these homes bring modern design elements into play by increasing the flow between rooms and incorporating numerous windows. If you are looking for a unique exterior design for your colonial home, consider incorporating stone walls.

Large chimneys are a prominent feature of colonial houses, used for practical and decorative purposes. A brick-walled patio became a party-ready outdoor kitchen and dining area thanks to Douglas R. Santicola of Outdoor Elegance. Santicola and Monique Wood installed Caesarstone countertops fabricated by Carlito’s Way Stone to create a functional space for outdoor entertaining.

Georgian colonial houses were very popular along the Eastern seaboard, and they continue to be a popular design in new townhouses and suburban homes today. Some are quite authentic reproductions from the American Colonial period, but most have floor plans with today's desired amenities. You'll see features from similar styles, such as Cape Cod, saltbox, Georgian and Federal, like symmetry, columns, gables and dormers. The Colonial-style house plan's striking exterior could be fashioned of brick, shingles, lap siding or even stone. Passersby will appreciate the historically accurate look of your new home. Visitors will notice, however, that the interior goes beyond the boxy design of the 17th and 18th centuries to an up-to-date and open floor plan.

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