The colonial-style house is a distinct architectural style that originated in America during the mid-17th and 18th centuries. This style originated from the colonials’ British roots, and its features were heavily influenced by existing British colonial houses that were found throughout the country.
The defining characteristics of colonial-style houses include a symmetrical façade, a side-gabled roof, and raised central-hall floor plans. Additionally, these homes usually feature multiple chimneys, small windows with shutters, and either a fanlight or transom window above the front door, which is usually a double-door.
Furthermore, the exterior of the house often features wooden clapboards and/or stone siding, and a large porch is also a common element.
On the interior, these homes typically feature high ceilings and heavy timber posts and beams. Their floor plans are often simple and center around the principle of having a central hall that leads off to other rooms, with at least one room on each side of the hall.
Additionally, fireplaces and built-in shelving are often part of the colonial-style house, adding to the traditional atmosphere.
In modern times, the colonial-style house has remained a popular option, with many variations and adaptations. As a result, there plenty of new takes on this classic American style, from historically faithful reproductions to more contemporary interpretations.
What is a traditional Colonial?
A traditional Colonial is a style of residential architecture that originated during the colonial period of American history. This style of architecture typically features a rectangular or square footprint, symmetrical design, central chimney, double-hung windows, and a door located in the center of the structure.
The roof is usually sloped and gables may be featured on the end. This style was commonly seen in the eastern United States in the late 17th and early 18th centuries and is associated with the birth of the country.
Traditional Colonial-style homes are typically constructed with wood frame and finished with clapboards, although some may feature brick details. The windows, doors, and trim work often feature a classic look with five or six-paned glass, wood planks, and historic motifs.
Inside a traditional Colonial, you might find beamed ceilings, exposed brick fireplaces, wide plank flooring, and wainscoting.
What is the difference between a Colonial and traditional home?
The main difference between a Colonial and traditional home is in the architectural style. Colonial homes originated in the 1600s and 1700s, when European settlers brought the style to America, and feature a symmetrical, boxy shape with uniform window and door placements on the front exterior.
Traditional homes typically have an eclectic look that features various styles and materials, such as brick, wood, and stone. It is much more common to see multiple types of windows and doors on the exterior of a traditional home than a Colonial home.
In addition to the differences in the architectural styles, Colonial homes were often built with large, formal rooms with 12-foot ceilings, while traditional homes usually feature more informal layouts with lower ceilings.
The materials used to construct these homes also differ. Colonial homes typically feature wood materials and natural finishes, while traditional homes can contain more modern materials, such as aluminum and synthetic stucco.
Overall, the primary distinction between Colonial and traditional homes is the style, which can have a dramatic impact on the look and feel of a home.
How do you decorate a traditional colonial home?
When decorating a traditional colonial home, there are a few key elements to keep in mind to create a timeless look. Start by sticking with neutral paint colors such as whites, beiges, tans, and grays.
This will help create a clean and classic look that won’t feel outdated over time. Include wood elements throughout the home, from floors to paneling to furniture. This rich, warm material will instantly create an inviting feel.
Natural fibers and materials like cotton, linen, and sisal will easily translate colonial style and add to the organic element. Incorporate pieces like pine furniture, four-poster beds, and jelly cabinets to give any room a traditional colonial look.
Accessorize with antiques, rustic lanterns, and something unique to add charm and character. When using patterns, tartan plaids make for perfect colonial accents, while abstract patterns are also a great choice.
Monochromatic artwork and a muted color palette will make any room look timeless, but don’t forget to add bursts of color with neutral-friendly shades like blues and greens. Finally, bring in plenty of plants and greenery to finish off the look.
What is an example of colonial architecture?
One example of colonial architecture is Georgian-style architecture. This style was popular in the American colonies during the early 18th century, prior to the Revolutionary War. Characterized by symmetry, formal proportions, and a focus on balance, Georgian-style homes featured only a few windows on the front facade, six-over-six sashes, columned porches, and side entrances located at the rear of the house.
This style was particularly beloved by the upper classes and wealthy landowners of the time, which was reflected in the richness of the decorations, such as intricate moldings and detailed pediments.
Georgian buildings combined Renaissance and Baroque elements to stunning effect, and the legacy of this style lives on today in the form of modern buildings inspired by their grandeur.
What architectural style did the British use?
The British used multiple different architectural styles in their history, depending on the period and region. The most popular styles included the Tudor style, which combined late-medieval building traditions with Renaissance-style motifs and design elements; Georgian architecture, which was marked by symmetry and order derived from classical Greek and Roman forms; and neoclassical architecture, which looked back to the ancient world for inspiration.
Other popular British styles included the Palladian style, the Baroque style and the Gothic Revival style. Many of these styles evolved over time and blended with each other, creating unique and distinctive hybrid styles.
Some of these traditional styles remain popular today, while others have seen a resurgence of interest from modern architects.
Is red brick out of style?
No, red brick is not out of style. In fact, it has become increasingly popular in home design in the past few decades. Depending on the style of red brick you choose, it can be used to create a traditional look that never goes out of fashion or a more modern industrial look that is trending now.
Red brick can be used in a variety of ways, from wall treatments and fireplaces to accent pieces and art. The key to making red brick look stylish is to balance it with the other elements in the space.
Use other colors to create harmony or add interesting textures or finishes, like stained glass or steel elements for contrast. Red brick can be a beautiful, timeless addition to any home.
How do you Modernise a brick house?
Modernising a brick house can range from a simple facelift to a complete overhaul. Most people will choose a little of both. Here are some tips on modernising a brick house:
1. Change the color: A fresh coat of paint can give a brick house a more modern look. Choose light or muted colors, such as greys and tans, to give the house a more contemporary look. A deep, bold color can also look great when paired with the right accents.
2. Repoint the mortar: In order to maintain the structural integrity of the house, it is important to check and repoint the mortar between the bricks. Repairing any loose or cracked mortar joints can help maintain the look and make the house look more modern.
3. Add accents: New siding, shutters, and trim can give the house a more modern look. Choose sleek and simple lines for the accents to enhance the overall design.
4. Upgrade your door and windows: Installing new doors and windows can give your home an updated look. Consider using energy-efficient materials, such as PVC or Fibrex depending on your needs.
5. Add lighting: Installing exterior lighting fixtures around the house can also modernise it. Choose lighting fixtures with simple lines.
With these tips, you can give your brick house a more modern and contemporary look. Always remember to pay close attention to detail and don’t be afraid to make bold choices. Good luck with your project!.
How do you make red bricks look new again?
To make red bricks look new again, start by cleaning them with a pressure washer and detergent specifically designed for the job. Additionally, you can use a wire brush on stubborn stains. Afterwards, if your bricks are heavily stained and discolored, there are a few options you can employ to help bring back their original luster.
You can use a chemical treatment, or you can paint them with a latex or oil-based paint. If you are up for the challenge, you can also attempt to repoint or recoat the brick with a specialized mortar mix.
Finally, if your bricks are structurally sound, you can also opt to seal them with a sealant to help protect them from the elements and keep their color vibrant.
Does painting a brick house reduce its value?
Painting a brick house can be a tricky situation, as it can both add and detract from the value depending on personal selectivity. On one hand, the addition of color may give the house a more uniformed, modern appearance and make the home more desirable to potential buyers.
On the other hand, it may reduce the appeal of the naturally aged, rustic look of the brick. The unique texture and patterns of brick also can be difficult to replicate with paint, and the end result can be less appealing.
The ultimate outcome of painting a brick house is primarily dependent on the homeowner’s individual situation, tastes, and goals. Some people will prefer the addition of paint and find it increases the value, while others may find that reducing the value of the house is an unfortunate but necessary sacrifice in order to make their home look the way they want it.
Ultimately, it is up to the homeowner to weigh their own options and decide whether or not painting their brick house will be a positive step towards increasing or reducing the value of their home.
What color goes with red brick?
The colors that go best with red brick depend on the shade of red. Generally, shades of grey and blue, such as light and dark charcoal, navy, and slate blue, go well with most shades of red brick. Other colors like beige, greige (a combination of beige and grey), and light browns will also work.
You could also consider adding contrasting colors like white, cream, sage green, and burgundy. These colors can either be full weight colors, or lighter colors can be used for accents and texture. Accent colors such as light yellow, peach, and lavender can also add a cheery, uplifting atmosphere.
When working with red brick, keep in mind that the red should remain the focal point and the other colors should simply enhance and supplement it.
Is Exposed brick modern?
Exposed brick has been popular in modern design for some time now, but it is certainly not a new trend. Actually, brick has been used both structurally and decoratively for centuries and is often credited as the oldest known building material.
For instance, the earliest known brick buildings are in the Indus River Valley of Pakistan and date back to around 2500 BC!.
In modern design, exposed brick has been embraced largely due to its rustic, textured, and industrial appeal. It can easily be used to make a space appear vintage, eclectic, and inviting. However, the exposed brick look is not just reserved for vintage spaces – it can be integrated in plenty of modern, contemporary, and minimalist designs too.
That said, exposed brick can be quite pronounced and, if not handled carefully, can easily overpower the interior of a room. As a result, exposed brick is usually best used as an accent or statement wall and should be balanced out with other materials, such as wood, metal, or fabric.
Ultimately, how ‘modern’ exposed brick is will depend on how it’s used and how it’s balanced with other materials. The right balance of materials and design elements can create a timeless, sophisticated and modern look.
Can you change red brick to GREY?
Yes, you can change red brick to grey. It is a fairly straightforward process, although there are a few considerations to make before you start. First, you should determine what type of brick you are working with.
If the brick is a clay or ceramic brick, you can achieve a consistent grey finish with the help of a concrete staining product or a commercial brick dye. If the brick is made of a concrete material, then you can use a brick paint or textured brick coating.
Both of these methods of changing red brick to grey will require a level of experience, so it is advised to either consult with a professional or thoroughly research the process before beginning. Supplies you may need include specialty cleaning products, a brush or roller, and protection wear such as gloves and a breathing mask, depending on the product that you choose.
What are the different types of colonial?
There are five main types of colonialism: settler colonialism, exploitative colonialism, surrogate colonialism, internal colonialism, and autonomous colonialism.
Settler colonialism is when a foreign power intentionally sends citizens to colonize another land, with the aim of creating an exclusively foreign-ruled society in the newly colonized area. They often effect violence and displacement of existing populations and resources, and seek to marginalize the indigenous people who already occupy the land.
Examples of this form of colonialism include the British in India, the Spanish in Mexico and the Dutch in South Africa.
Exploitative colonialism is when a foreign power takes control of a previously independent nation, or takes control of resources, markets and labour in the region, but does not necessarily send colonists to inhabit the area.
This form of colonialism is often less overt, or simply takes the form of trade and economic domination, but can still cause great disruption to the nations and people of the region. One example of exploitative colonialism is the British colonization of India during the 19th century, when the economic and political control Britain held over India allowed them to plunder resources, enforce unequal taxation laws and relegate the Indian population to a lower status.
Surrogate colonialism is when one indigenous group is encouraged and assisted by a foreign power to overthrow or take control of another indigenous group, allowing the foreign power to enact the same kind of domination as they might in a traditional colonial situation.
Examples of this form of colonialism include US involvement in Latin America and French involvement in Africa.
Internal colonialism is when a foreign power establishes hegemony over an existing nation, allowing the same kind of domination as a traditional colonial situation, but without displacing or removing the existing population.
For example, in the case of the United States, the federal government takes control of a the government of a state, and imposes its own policies and ideas, without actually removing the population or actively disallowing the autonomy of the state.
Finally, autonomous colonialism is when a foreign power takes control of an existing nation without overt violence or dominance, but without respect for the autonomy or identity of the local population.
This form of colonialism is often more subtle and is often seen in cases where a foreign power takes control of a weakened nation or takes control of resources, markets and labour in the region, but does not displace the existing population.
Examples of this form of colonialism include the British in India and the US in Latin America.
Do colonial houses have porches?
Yes, many colonial houses do have porches. Colonial-style porches often wrap around the entirety of the house and feature columns, balusters, and simple moldings. The porch might provide access to the entire house, or a separate entrance could be added for guests and family members.
Colonial porches are often covered structures that were designed to provide shelter from the sun and rain. Some even have open spaces with railings so the homeowner can look out at the surrounding property and admire the views.
Porches can be used to relax, entertain guests, or make a grand entrance. They typically have chairs and a table, so the owner can enjoy the fresh air without having to leave their home. Porches may also be made of brick, stone, or wood, depending on the design of the house and the homeowner’s preferences.