A center hall colonial floor plan is a traditional style of house featuring symmetrical rooms and corridors leading up to a central hallway. This style of architecture was popularized during the colonial era in the 18th century and is a common style of house still seen today throughout parts of the United States.
A center hall colonial typically consists of a two-story home laid out with a large entrance hall, flanked by two symmetrical living and dining rooms, with a staircase leading up to the second floor, usually featuring four bedrooms and one or two bathrooms.
Depending on the style, the outside of the house may feature a central stairway, cupola, portico, or other exterior features original to the style. The interior of a typical center hall colonial home may also include features such as fireplaces, built-in bookcases, ornamental moldings, or wainscoting.
The classic center hall colonial style of home provides classic, timeless style and is often accessible in all price ranges.
What are 3 types of floor plans?
There are three main types of traditional floor plans:
1. Rectangular Floor Plans: These floor plans consist of four walls with rooms arranged neatly along the walls, creating a rectangular shape. Commonly used in older homes, rectangular floor plans are efficient and usually boast a large center area.
2. U-Shaped Floor Plans: This type of floor plan is a variation of the rectangular plan and features two sides that bend into a U shape, often with the middle of the U being an open space, like a courtyard.
It’s efficient for families that need multiple private areas, such as a master suite in one wing and bedrooms in the other.
3. L-Shaped Floor Plans: This type of floor plan follows the same concept as a U shape, but the two sides of the “U” form an “L” shape, typically with the middle area being an open space, such as a family room.
These plans are great for giving one private area, such as the master suite, while allowing other areas to be open.
What does Colonial style look like?
Colonial style is a blend of several different European styles, and is recognizable for its classic and timeless appearance. Common features of the Colonial style include symmetrical design, traditional materials, and classic designs that have been handed down over time.
Colonial style architecture consists primarily of strong, bold lines, geometric shapes; and, depending upon geographic origin, these elements may be expressed in a variety of ways.
In the United States, Colonial style homes feature large brick chimneys, wood-shingled rooflines, symmetrical front facades, shuttered double-hung windows, and front doorways that are usually positioned in the center of the home.
The color palette of homes styled with this look are usually earthy colors, such as soft yellows and greens, as well as shades of white.
In the interior elements and furnishings of Colonial-style homes, there is an emphasis on the use of natural materials, particularly wood, often in the form of wainscotting, paneling, and floor-to-ceiling bookcases.
Furniture pieces are often distinguished by heavy tapered legs, rounded edges, and brass accents. Upholstery and curtains tend to be traditional and muted, typically in shades of blue, rose, sage green, or burgundy.
Overall, the Colonial style is timeless and inviting, and its traditional and orderly designs are loved by many all over the world.
Why do colonial houses have two front doors?
Historically, colonial houses from the 1600s and 1700s had two front doors for a few different reasons. One of the main reasons was for convenience and practicality. Instead of having to go all the way around the house, the two doors allowed people to cut through the house and reach their destination quickly and efficiently.
Another reason was for status and prestige. People had servants who were responsible for taking care of their property and the two doors allowed them to move more freely between the house and the yard, while still keeping their master’s house separate and private.
In addition, having two front doors was also thought to bring good luck and prevent illness and other bad luck from entering the house. People believed having two doors symbolized a barrier between the inside and outside, and that it could ward off evil spirits and negative energies.
Ultimately, the reason for having two front doors on colonial houses is a mix of practicality, convenience, and superstition.
How many rooms does a Colonial house have?
A Colonial house typically has between four and six rooms. The most common proportion for a Colonial house is four square rooms situated around a central hallway. Most Colonial homes are two stories and may have a basement, attic, or additional rooms on the first level.
Depending on the size and style of the house, additional rooms may be added onto the original floor plan. Popular features of Colonial-style homes include large fireplaces, symmetrical facades, and covered porches.
The traditional Colonial house is typically a four-room, center-hall plan, with a living room, dining room, and master bedroom located on each side of the main hallway. In some cases, the main hallway could be used as an extra room, typically referred to as a keeping room.
The layout of the home may be modified for modern tastes, but the basic four-room floor plan typically remains the same in these traditionally styled homes.
What is the difference between Colonial and traditional home?
The difference between a Colonial and a traditional home largely comes down to just that – tradition. Colonial homes typically refer to the iconic style of home popularized in the eastern United States during the colonial period, which lasted from the 1600s to the mid-1700s.
Common features of a Colonial style home include symmetrical exteriors, shuttered windows, a centered front door, multi-pane windows, and a central fireplace.
Traditional homes, however, are rooted in the style of architecture and design that influences the homes we see today. Some traditional homes incorporate colonial elements, but the overall feel is usually more modern and updated than a typical colonial-style home.
These homes often feature steeper pitched roofs, wide front porches, two stories, and large windows on multiple sides. Additionally, traditional homes are usually characterized by open floor plans and a balance of contemporary and traditional elements that provides warmth and comfort.
In summary, a traditional home is less formal and rooted in the design and architecture style of today, while Colonial homes are associated with the iconic style popularized during the colonial period in the eastern United States.
What style is colonial?
Colonial style refers to a specific type of architecture, furniture, and decor from the 1600s to the late 1700s, especially the British colonies in America. The style was heavily influenced by the English and Dutch settlers’ need to adapt new materials and styles to the climate and cultural elements of different countries.
Common characteristics of colonial style include wooden furniture with simple lines, solid-color upholstery, and geometric patterns; wooden paneling; symmetry and balance; and unembellished fiberglass, stone, and brickwork.
Examples of colonial architecture include Georgian, Federal, and Dutch Colonial. Common elements of colonial decor, regardless of geography, include flag motifs, tapestries, braided rugs, and oil lamp fixtures.
Furniture pieces such as armoires, tables and chairs, four-poster beds, and cabinets made of oak, cherry, and mahogany, often had brass hardware, cupboards, and drawer pulls.
Is colonial an architectural style?
Yes, colonial is an architectural style, characterized by the use of traditional materials and designs associated with the colonial period. This style of architecture evolved in the late 18th century, when the English and French settlers in North America adapted the Barbados and Georgian styles of architecture from the West Indies region and the Middle Colonies, respectively.
Some of the typical features of the colonial style are symmetrical shapes and proportions, gabled roofs, Palladian and Colonial Revival features, and the use of brick, stone, and wood. Additionally, decorative elements such as cornices, pediments, balustrades, and shutters are often included in typical colonial designs.
The most popular examples of colonial architecture in North America are the Georgian, Dutch Colonial, and Spanish Colonial styles, all of which still exist today in various parts of the United States and Canada.
How do you get the colonial look?
The colonial look is a traditional, classic style of décor that first became popular in the American colonies during the 1700s. This look is characterized by an aesthetic style of muted and neutral colors, handcrafted furniture and antiques, toile fabrics and quilts, floral and botanical motifs, and sophisticated and elegant window treatments.
To achieve the colonial look in your home, begin by focusing on the paint colors you choose and using neutral muted colors like ecru, beige, khaki, navy, taupe, or olive green. Additionally, incorporate some antiques and vintage furniture pieces like armoires, settees, and accent tables in your living space.
Textured fabrics like toile, linen, and matelesse can also help to create this look, as fabrics such as these were popular during that time. Curtains and drapes are a great way to add a traditional and sophisticated style.
Layering window treatments in airy sheers and sumptuous drapes with warm colors, muted patterns, and intricate detailing will instantly bring a regal ambiance to any room. Finally, to add a touch of natural beauty, incorporate botanical accents in the form of prints, artwork, and sculptures, as this was an important element in colonial décor.
What would a colonial girl wear?
A colonial girl living in the 17th or 18th century would typically wear a long dress made of cotton, linen and/or wool, depending on the climate and available resources. The styles varied depending on location and the family’s wealth, but all garments were relatively simple, with modest decoration and constructed from basic shapes.
The dress would almost always have a low neckline and a fitted bodice and the skirt would either hang straight from the waist or be slightly full and voluminous. Girls who were a bit older might have a fitted bodice with a ruffled lower sleeve, while younger girls might wear a dress with a pleated collar and puffed sleeves.
Underneath the dress, a colonial girl would wear a chemise, also made of cotton, linen and/or wool, for warmth and modesty. The chemise would come to the knee or lower and be laced or pinned at the shoulder.
To keep the chemise in place, a colonial girl might also wear a sleeveless kirtle or two.
When going out of the house, she would cover her dress with a cloak, shawl or cape. All of these garments were typically made of linen or wool and often they were decorated with lace, embroidery and ribbons.
Footwear would usually be made of leather and consist of simple shoes, clogs or moccasins depending on the location. A bonnet would be used to protect the face and hair from the sun and keep the drafts out.
Overall, the clothing of a colonial girl was designed to be durable, practical and modest. Clothes were often passed down within the family, as they tended to be made with small details and with the intention of being used for many years.
How can you tell if a house is a Colonial?
To determine if a house is a Colonial, look for certain architectural elements that are associated with Colonial design. These can include symmetrical windows with shutters, a central door positioned between two windows and a boxed shape or gambrel roof with a chimney on either end.
Common traits of a Colonial home also include dormer windows, a covered entryway and a facade with five bays. Additional details, such as brick walls and an entry porch, can also help you identify the style of home.
Additionally, look for interior details that are consistent with a Colonial design, such as beamed ceilings, a central stairway and paneled walls.
What clothes did colonial people wear?
Colonial people wore clothing that was mostly made from wool and linen, with many handmade clothes and with items shared, mended and handed down in families. Men wore waistcoats, breeches, and tri-cornered hats and women typically wore gowns, shifts, aprons and Mob-caps.
Layered clothing was common, with simple cottons and linens worn in warmer months and woolens and furs used in cooler months. People also enjoyed using bright colors and distinctive patterns in their clothing in the form of prints, embroidery, and brocade, depending on their available resources.
Clothing was often elaborately and carefully decorated, with items such as beads, bows, and lace used to add texture. Shoes were usually made from leather. In some places, large hats with wide brims were a feature for those working outside such as farmers.