Colonial Home Style
In California, Colonial homes, particularly those of the Colonial Revival style, are a distinct part of the architectural landscape.
- Sandy Flores, Broker/Realtor
- July 31, 2019
In California, these homes often feature the classic elements of symmetry, with evenly spaced windows and a central front door.
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America’s colonial period encompassed a number of housing types and styles. However, when we speak of the Colonial style, we often are referring to a rectangular, symmetrical home with bedrooms on the second floor. The double-hung windows usually have many small, equally sized square panes.
During the late 1800s and throughout the 20th century, builders borrowed Colonial ideas to create refined Colonial Revival homes with elegant central hallways and elaborate cornices.
Unlike the original Colonials, Colonial Revival homes are often sided in white clapboard and trimmed with black or green shutters.
Here’s a rundown of some key Colonial home styles:
1. Early Colonial (17th Century)
- Characteristics: Simple, rectangular shapes with steeply pitched roofs. Often featured a single story with a central chimney.
- Materials: Wood, sometimes brick or stone.
- Details: Minimal ornamentation; small, evenly spaced windows.
2. Colonial Revival (Late 19th to Early 20th Century)
- Characteristics: A revival of Colonial architectural elements with more decorative features. Symmetrical facades, evenly spaced windows, and a central front door.
- Materials: Brick, wood, and sometimes stone.
- Details: Columns, pilasters, and decorative moldings. Often includes dormers and shutters.
3. Georgian Colonial (1714-1830)
- Characteristics: Symmetrical design with a centrally located front door, often featuring a decorative pediment or fanlight above the door. Typically two to three stories.
- Materials: Brick or wood siding.
- Details: Paneled doors, evenly spaced multi-paned windows, and often a small portico with columns.
4. Federal Colonial (1780-1830)
- Characteristics: Similar to Georgian but with more refined details. Symmetrical facades with decorative elements like elliptical or semicircular fanlights over doors.
- Materials: Brick or wood.
- Details: Decorative moldings, often with classical elements such as pilasters and dentil trim.
5. Dutch Colonial (1600s-1800s)
- Characteristics: Recognizable by its gambrel roof, which has two slopes on each side. Often features flared eaves and large dormer windows.
- Materials: Brick or wood.
- Details: Broad, overhanging eaves and a central chimney.
6. Spanish Colonial (1600s-1800s)
- Characteristics: Stucco exteriors, red-tiled roofs, and arched doorways and windows. Often features a courtyard or central patio.
- Materials: Stucco, clay tile, and wrought iron.
- Details: Exposed wooden beams, terracotta tiles, and intricate ironwork.
General Features Across Colonial Styles: Symmetry: Many Colonial homes emphasize symmetry in their design, with balanced facades and window placements. Simple, Functional Layouts: Rooms are often arranged in a straightforward manner, reflecting practicality. Classical Influences: Many styles incorporate elements from classical architecture, such as columns, pediments, and detailed moldings. Colonial architecture is deeply rooted in the historical and cultural contexts of its time, making it a fascinating subject for anyone interested in historical design.
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