Category Colonial Style

When referring to the beginning of this country’s history, people commonly think of Colonial-styled houses. As a result, there is a natural appeal to the type of architecture these homes have as it has been around for a long time. Though their style may seem dated by today’s standards, they offer an elegant look that everyone can appreciate.

Colonials are a specific type of urban architecture that originated in the 17th or 18th century. Cities like Boston and Philadelphia are likely to come to mind as they’re common examples. It does have a very traditional, formal feel because of when it was first developed.

The term Colonial can refer to an architectural style that originated in the Colonies. The Colonial style is a mixture of English, French, Spanish, Dutch and Georgian architectural elements. Because they were heavily influenced by where they were located and the people who settled there, each design varies from one place to another.
Geometric Colonial Architecture

One thing that distinguishes homes of the early Colonial era is the uniformity in size and shape. Most are simple rectangles or squares, with few architectural flourishes. This simplicity often makes it easy to make additions and renovations with minimal disruption to the overall design.
Colonial House Details

Many Colonials were built a long time ago and had an operable shutter design that made it easy to protect the house from bad weather. Today’s Colonials might also make use of this, although often it’s just for show and not needed. Shutters at each window still look good though!
Colonial Home Exterior

The clapboard siding on this Colonial is a fine example of one of the materials from the region that builders would have used to construct homes 300 years ago.

Most building types today have been updated and construction is done mainly with synthetic or composite siding, but some modern versions of the Colonial home still feature traditional clapboards.
Colonial Roof Style

Many historic homebuilders (particularly in Colonial-style houses) saved time and resources by building a dormered half-story on the upper level rather than a full second floor. The steeply pitched roof enabled practical drainage and easy access to the attic spaces.

The normal pitched roof of colonial homes often had dormer windows so that people living in the attic could have some natural light. The sloped roof also helped with water drainage since rain and melting snow would flow right off.
Colonial House Window Style

The design of Colonial homes incorporated a lot of symmetry and geometry. Details like windows tended to be placed in arrangements that aligned with the general symmetry of the home.

Colonial-style houses are mostly characterized by having a door on either side of the door to create a symmetrical appearance and windows on each level, with one above the door.
Type of Colonial Houses From Many Countries
Type of colonial houses are seen in many different countries, so the positive benefits of this architectural style can be enjoyed all around the world.
French Colonial

The building was designed by the official French architect of French Indochina. The architecture is typical of a colonial building such as in other European colonies. The only hints to the location are the mango trees planted by Vildieu.

The Ho Chi Minh house was built to be symbolic of the country’s freedom, but it never had been occupied by him. He lived instead in a smaller hut nearby that was built from wood from trees.
French Colonial In Montreal

This is the Château Ramezay, a historical building museum near Montreal City Hall where the residence of Governor Claude de Ramezay can be found. Completed in 1705, it remains the only public building of this era to have been preserved.
German Colonial

Kolmanskop is an abandoned German settlement in the Namibia desert. It was built during the colonisation of Namibia and was occupied until the end of WWII.
Spanish Colonial

The style of architecture that is most prevalent in the Spanish colonies from the 16th to 18th centuries.

The style is characterized by elaborate cornices, large archways, and wooden balconies. The use of this style spread across Latin America and parts of North America.
British Colonial

More than a style, British Colonial design originates in the West Indies, Caribbean, India and Africa.

British Colonial style is a fusion of traditional British style and designs that are influenced by various local cultures. This means it’s the perfect way to capture the power of globalisation. With its use of natural materials, this style can look amazing in warm climates too.
English Colonial

I’m not really sure what the difference between British and English colonial in the past but many people searching on internet for “English colonial house” so I’m writing about this topic here too. The picture above is just an illustration.
Small Colonial Style House

Many colonial-style houses were designed to be spacious because land prices were cheaper in the past. But today this luxury is harder to come by.

A smaller colonial-style house can still have a respectable size with simple alterations, such as changing the architectural style or dividing it into separate living quarters.
Architectural Style Colonial

Colonial architecture is a style that’s influenced by the country of origin and is most commonly seen in buildings of settlements or colonies. It’s the result of colonists constructing structures in remote locations that replicate the architectural styles they were used to from their home country.
Traditional Brick Colonial House

This is a gorgeous example of traditional colonial style. While the front was left unpainted and brick exposed, that old-time barn garage feel makes for an elegant additional detail.
New Colonial Style Homes

Some people want a colonial style house but also with features that relate to the present era. Obviously, building materials are progressively altering in current times, just the style of architecture is accustomed to make classic.