One great way to modernize a colonial home is to focus on updates that bring natural light and air into the home. This can be done with larger windows and skylights, as well as French doors or a sunroom addition.
Additionally, adding a new deck or patio area can create an outdoor living area that can bring natural light in, as well as give the home a more modern, open-concept feel.
Painting the interior and exterior of the home in a light color can open up the space and give it a modern feel. Painting the trim in a brighter color also helps to modernize colonial homes. Replacing older doors and windows with newer, energy-efficient ones also helps to modernize the home, as does updating outdated fixtures and hardware with new, modern pieces.
Finally, updating the kitchen or bathroom can have a dramatic impact in modernizing a colonial home. New appliances, cabinetry, countertops, tiling and hardware can give the home a fresh, modern look.
Adding features such as an island, peninsula or breakfast bar can also help to open up the space, while a backsplash can give the home an elegant, contemporary look. Any updates you make should be modern, while also maintaining the original charm and character of the space.
What is the popular design feature of colonial homes?
The popular design feature of colonial homes is their symmetrical exterior. These homes feature classic, timeless architecture that includes elements such as shutters, gabled roofs, and columns. Windows are typically evenly spaced and tend to be tall and narrow, allowing for natural light.
These windows are often accompanied by decorative window boxes for added style. Large, welcoming front porches are common, too. The interiors generally reflect the colonial style as well, with high ceilings and classic detailing, such as crown and picture molding, throughout.
These homes are typically simple and comfortable while still maintaining an elegant, timeless appeal.
What element is important in a colonial house?
One of the most important elements in a colonial house is the design. Colonial style homes typically incorporate a symmetrical façade with an emphasis on balance, which often creates a sense of elegance and grandeur.
exteriors are often characterised by: the presence of shutters; a central entrance; a placement of windows (usually multi-paned) in two or more sets of three; a hipped roof; and a chimney. This kind of classic style can be seen in many historical buildings and homes throughout the United States and parts of Canada.
Inside, colonial homes often feature décor that is inspired by the culture and ambitions of past settlers, such as wooden furniture and vintage textiles. The overall design of a colonial house creates an inviting atmosphere that brings the past to the present.
How can I make my house look more classy?
Making your house look classier can be achieved in a variety of different ways. Here are a few suggestions that can help to create a more upscale and sophisticated look:
• Paint: Freshly painting your walls with a neutral color in matte finish can elevate the look and feel of your home. Adding contrasting trim can also give your home a more polished appearance.
• Exterior Landscaping: Utilizing plants and flowers in your outdoor landscaping can make your home look more inviting and add a touch of class. If you need privacy, consider installing a decorative fence to complete the look.
• Furniture: Investing in quality furniture can give your space an elegant touch. Look for furniture with sleek lines and intricate details such as tufted, velvet, or leather fabrics.
• Window Treatments: Selecting the right window treatments can bring a more lavish feel to your home. Install luxurious curtains, classic shades, or a combination of the two. To add a personal touch, you can use decorative hardware such as tassels, finials, and tie-backs.
• Accessorize: Be sure to incorporate pieces that are reflective of your style and personal taste. Utilizing accents such as area rugs, framed artwork, accent pillows and throws, and decorative lamps can add a touch of sophistication to any room.
These simple yet effective tips can help you to make your house look more classy and inviting. With a few changes and the right touches, your home will be transformed in no time!
What makes Colonial style?
Colonial style is defined primarily by its neutral colors and symmetry. Interiors of colonial style homes often contain plush furniture with fabrics such as toile and chintz, dark wood furniture, and ornate moldings or paneling.
Kitchen designs tend to feature cherry wood cabinets, tile countertops, and Colonial style hardware. In terms of paint colors, neutral shades such as off-white, beige, gray, and gray-blue are commonly used for walls, with darker colors such as navy, forest green, and burgundy used on furniture and accents.
Patterns are kept simple, such as stripes, checks, and florals, which often feature in curtains and lamp shades. Hallmarks of Colonial style include symmetry, carefully spaced and regularly sized windows, quaint shutters, hardwood floors, and shuttered doors and doorways.
Outdoor areas feature brick walkways and patios, textured stone retaining walls, and sculpted gardens. Colonial style also has a historical significance. It originally emerged as a way to represent the European look of the time, with styles brought to the Americas by European settlers during the 17th and 18th centuries.
The style continues to be popular today, as evidenced by its presence in so many American homes.
What does a colonial style house look like?
A colonial style house typically features a symmetrical shape and stature, with a low-pitched gabled roof and clapboard siding. Many colonial style homes feature five or more windows across the front and a central door, typically with two stories and an attic.
There may be some variation in the design elements but these features remain consistent. The windows are often rectangular, double-hung and in a six-over-six, or nine-over-nine, configuration. The main entrance door is usually spaced symmetrically on the central axis of the house, with sidelights flanking it, and a fanlight transom above it.
There are often decorative accents such as dentil-molding and pediments above windows. The facade may have porticos and columns, emphasizing the stylish symmetry of the colonial style. Inside, you may find plain and timeless touches such as tall baseboards, paneled doors, and chair rail moulding, as well as steeply pitched stairs.
Why do colonial houses have two front doors?
Colonial houses have two front doors for a variety of reasons. It was quite common for these homes to feature two separate entrances – one a main entrance front door and the other a side or back door.
This was often due to a desire to separate the aristocratic wealthy classes from the lower classes.
An additional reason may have been to facilitate the transition of goods and materials into the home. The main entrance was probably where more ornate items, such as tables and chairs, were brought in, while the side or back door was a much more practical entrance that could be used to bring in such things as firewood, food, and other more mundane items.
The use of two doors also served a symbolical purpose. For example, the main entrance was often reserved for more grand occasions, such as welcoming a noble guest or hosting a party or ball. The ‘back door’ was used for more everyday business and served as a reminder of the need for class distinction and of one’s place in society.
Ultimately, these two doors played an important role in creating a separation between the wealthy classes and the working classes that could be seen and felt throughout the house.
How many levels does a colonial house have?
The number of levels in a colonial house can vary depending on the specific design and regional architecture, however, it is common for a colonial style home to have two levels. Typically, the main level of a colonial house has a kitchen, living room, dining room, and entryway.
This main level often also contains a den, an office, or a guest room. The upper level of a colonial style home typically contains the bedrooms, including a master bedroom and bathrooms. Some houses may also have a third level which would typically be an attic, play room, or additional storage space.
What were the 3 most popular architectural styles of the colonial period?
The three most popular architectural styles of the colonial period were Georgian, Federal, and the Adamesque style.
The Georgian style was the most popular style especially in the Southern colonies, and it was characterized by red brick construction, symmetrical and balanced elements, and classically inspired interiors.
The homes were usually rectangular or square with a large center hall for entertaining and multiple rooms for family living. Detailing of the enframement doorways, fanlights, and dentils were large influences in the period.
The Federal style became the most popular style of the 18th century and was a refinement of the Georgian style. Characterized by its ornamental, delicate details and demure features, homes in this style held a more restrained look with more delicate interiors than the bold and more abrupt style of Georgian.
It also focused on the Greek, Roman and Adamesque styles.
Lastly, the Adamesque style was one of the most popular styles during the late 18th century. The style was inspired by the works of English architect Robert Adam, and was similarly characterized by delicate, Greek and Roman-inspired details, symmetrical and balanced facades, Palladian windows, and elaborate interior dcor.
Interiors of Adamesque-style homes were detailed with fine woodwork, including elaborately carved mantels, medallions, and other decorative elements. The style was a fusion of Georgian and Federal features, as well as design and details of the Renaissance period.
What is the difference between Colonial and traditional home?
The primary difference between colonial and traditional homes is the style. Colonial homes typically adhere to a certain style of architecture that originated in the New England region of North America.
These homes are commonly characterized by symmetry, a rectangular facade, a centered front door, shuttered windows, and a symmetrical gable roof. Traditional homes, on the other hand, can be from any period or style and generally refer to the classic look of a home.
Traditional homes are often distinguished by the use of harmonious design elements such as columns, detailed mouldings, and ornamental features. Additionally, colonial homes often have a specific palette of colors such as white, cream, grey, and blue, whereas traditional homes may include a wider variety of colors to create a more classic and timeless look.
Do Colonial houses have porches?
Yes, Colonial houses often have porches. A porch can be a defining feature of a Colonial-style house, which is why it is commonly seen. It usually features several columns or pilasters that support a large overhanging roof, which was typically made of cedar shakes or shingles.
The porch also typically extends along the façade of the house, with classically-styled balusters, or spindles, that extend alongside the stairway. Although the porch is sometimes built at the very front of the house, some Colonial-style homes feature a side porch.
These typically showcase two or sometimes three entrances to the home from the outside, one of which is the main or front entrance, leading directly into the home. Most commonly, these porches were used for added outdoor living space by the family, for receptions and other entertaining, and for observing the passing scene.
Can you put modern furniture in a traditional home?
Yes, absolutely! One of the great things about modern furniture is that it can work well in a variety of home decor settings. While traditional homes often feature furniture with classic styling, such as ornately carved wood or tufted fabrics, modern pieces provide a great contrast to these traditional elements.
With a few well-placed pieces, you can create an interesting blend of old and new, giving a modern spin to your traditional home. To make the most of this style, look for pieces with sleek lines and minimal embellishments that add a modern touch without overwhelming the existing decor.
When mixing modern and traditional furniture, use accessories to help bridge the gap between styles—this could include colorful throws, metallic accents, and patterned pillows. With a thoughtful combination of pieces and accents, it’s easy to incorporate modern furniture into a traditional home.
What does traditional decorating look like?
Traditional decorating typically incorporates warm, inviting, and classic elements such as symmetry, subtle patterns, light textures, and iconic style pieces like rugs and chandeliers. Typically, traditional décor utilizes more muted tones, such as pastels and off-whites, while bringing out the traditional gold and brown hues in furniture and accents.
Wood floors with classic rugs can add a softer touch. Wall hangings and framed art, classic lampshades, and drapery window treatments often add a finishing touch. When it comes to furniture placement, traditional décor typically works best when placed in a simple, symmetrical fashion.
Adding timeless pieces from classic furniture companies, finishing off with traditional greenery, such as plants or a classic topiary and a statement-making classic chandelier will further enhance the overall traditional feel.
What are the three basics of decorating?
The three basics of decorating are color, texture, and scale.
Color can be used to instantly change the mood and energy of a room, while texture adds depth and interest by introducing different materials and prints. Textures can be achieved in a variety of ways, such as achieving a smooth finish with flat paint or creating a more textured look with rugs, throw pillows, and wallpaper.
Scale is the size and proportion of the furnishings and decor. It helps to ensure that furniture, wall art, and other pieces look right when paired together. When using large pieces, such as a sectional sofa, pick smaller accent pieces like an armchair or a smaller coffee table.
Additionally, when using small furniture, such as a loveseat, adding larger elements will help to balance the room.
Finally, when tying these decorations together, use accessories to add the finishing touches. These can include wall art, vases, sculptures, rugs, and more, depending on the desired look. By using these three basics of decorating along with accessories, one can easily design a room and create their desired atmosphere.
What is timeless home decor?
Timeless home decor is a type of home decor that is classic and versatile, not easily replaced or going out of style. It is pieces that are always fashionable and its style transcends trends and works in any home.
Examples of timeless home decor are items like neutral-toned furniture pieces such as couches, armchairs, tables and chairs that can transition from one home to the next; neutral-colored artwork such as abstracts, landscapes, and photography; and traditional items such as framed mirrors and rugs.
Another example of timeless home decor are classic wall hangings like black-and-white prints, a gallery wall of loved ones and art, and decorative rugs. Qualities of timeless home decor typically include a mix of subtle hues, neutral palettes, and occasional striking colours and statement pieces.
This type of decor is often built around a classic form; furniture pieces that have been around for years, like Chesterfields and tufted chairs, and collectibles like library ladders or old-fashioned globes.
A room with timeless home decor feels comfortable, collected, and larger than life, making it both beautiful and functional.