Colonial Revival Homes - All You Need To Know

A timeless and classic style of architecture that quite simply works, is one of many reasons why interpretations of Colonial architecture have such a strong presence in history. The Colonial Revival homes we still see today retain the early English charm that we love.

When was the Colonial revival?

Colonial Revival homes hail from the colonial era itself and this differs across the globe as European nations settled colonies at varying times.

We're generally talking about the late 1800s and heavily influenced by French, British, Spanish, and Dutch settlers.

The Colonial Revival movement emerged in earnest at the turn of the 20th century and continues to be an enduring and popular architectural style throughout America in particular.

What defines a Colonial Revival house?

Original Colonial styles in the US typically displayed a very simplistic, symmetrical aesthetic and were generally less ornate than their European counterparts.

When it comes to Colonial Revival - in general, it takes the best features from its predecessor and blends them with more modern and contemporary ideas.

The exterior of the home and architecture has the same appealing look and feel, yet columns and roof lines might be simpler. There is an element of symmetry and also simple, this type of home speaks grandeur as well.

What are the hallmark features of Colonial Revival architecture?

Colonial revival styles of the home offer a simpler version of its more decorative original. Many will still have hip roofs, side-gabled or gambrel roof styles depending on the size of the home and its main source of influence.

Dormer windows and double hung sash styles are key features.

What about modernising a Colonial Revival style?

Shaggy Bean Bag

Present day colonial homes tend to showcase architectural details from the original era, but with less ornate focus.

Columns and pillars will appear simpler and cleaner, but overall the aesthetic will still look somewhat grand and traditional.

A well-finished, freshly renovated colonial revival style home is a beautiful structure. Opening up the interior and taking out walls will create an open-plan living, and larger spaces in which to gather. This suits today's lifestyle and is generally more practical. A mix of modern era - clean lines and streamlined furniture - and smatterings of original colonial style creates a wonderful interior.

Simplifying interiors with clean lines and less clutter and patterns is a good start to bringing a colonial revival style to a more functional and present-day look.

Brightening interiors yet keeping traditional features like bay windows, central front doors, and symmetry to the exterior is a good start.

Dutch Colonial vs. Colonial Revival?

Dutch colonial style features gambrel roofs and typically shows a more relaxed barn-style aesthetic than the more formal hipped roofs of early English homes.

American architecture historically built both although Dutch colonial-style buildings are more prevalent in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania regions.

Does sheepskin decor have a place in the Colonial Revival style?

Absolutely! Sheepskin has a place in any decor style. With the wood floors that are often featured in Colonial revival style homes, large area rugs are the perfect addition to uplift, yet soften spaces.

Sheepskin offers comfort and style while bringing elegance and warmth to rooms. Interior design always has room for anything sheepskin or wool. It's a superstar material with incredible, natural qualities like - resisting dirt and dust due to its unique waxy coating on each wool fibre, flame resistant, non-allergenic, temperature regulating, breathable and long-lasting.

The takeaway:

Colonial revival houses remain one of the most enduring styles in America and further afield. It's a classic, beautiful and practical style of architecture that is not likely to disappear any time soon.

Any decor style will work for the interior of these homes, especially given how modern some renovations are today. It's also important to note that there are subtle differences between the Colonial revival vs. the American Colonial revival styles. Each still has its place in modern-day home construction.