In Search of Character: Colonial Style

You may have noticed the new look.  This new look was my big Friday night.  I know, not the most exciting Friday night, but it was sort of fun for me to figure this all out.  Leave a comment and let me know what you think.  Do you like the new look or the old one better?

This week’s architectural style is the Colonial style home.  I must admit, this is my favorite style of home and the one I am most comfortable decorating.  What makes a home Colonial?  Well, this is sort of tricky.  The Colonial style actually inhabits a lot of different styles of Colonial Homes.  Here are a few examples of the most common ones I see.

The Georgian Colonial: Hipped-Roof Wings, Front Gables, Center Dormer

Source: Better Homes and Gardens

Classic Colonial:  Double Chimneys, Symmetrical and Aligned Windows, Shutters, Muntins

Source: Better Homes and Gardens

The exterior of these homes are so classic and stately looking.  I love the symmetry of the windows and the center doors.  All of the molding around the windows and the beautiful shutters just catch my eye.  If you own one of these lovely homes and wish to add more character to the exterior you should add molding to the exterior, add more detail to columns, and make sure your shutters are looking crisp.  There are many more styles of Colonial Homes with French, Spanish, and Federal influence, but the classic and Georgian are my favorites.  Now that we have a good idea about the exterior of a classic colonial home, how can character be added to the interior?  The answer here is actually quite simple, symmetry and woodwork.

Source: Houzz

Wood flooring, tall base molding, and dental molding are classic characteristics of a Colonial home.  Attention to detail is a must.  When adding molding it is important to look at the type of molding that fits with the house because there are just so many to choose from now.  Staying true to the architecture of the house will ensure the molding never looks out of place, even years from now.

Source: Powell and Bonnell

Source: Better Homes and Gardens

I know board and batten continues to be all the rage right now, and if it fits with the architectural style of the home, go for it.  If you own a Colonial home though, you would stay more true to to the architecture by putting in picture frame paneling.  Besides, how beautiful is this?  So gorgeous.  It has been added to rooms to give them character for literally hundreds of years, let’s keep it going.

Another major characteristic of Colonial homes is symmetry.  The windows are symmetrical with the same amount on each side of the front door.  The interior of the home should be no different.  If a built-in is added to one side of the room, it should also be added to the other, preferably flanking a fireplace or large window.S

Source:  Radiauteur

Oh my.  This room is so incredible on so many levels.  All I have to say is…”wow”.  I know bookcases like this may be a little out of reach for the average home decorator, but the idea of symmetry and filling the space is a good tip to take away from this one.

Source: Homeandliving.com

Another quick and easy way to add a little Colonial style is by adding a classic key and tassel combo.  If it can’t be done to the front door, which is always a classic, try adding a beautiful tassel or two to the front of a dresser, or hanging from a lamp.  It’s classic Colonial style and is super affordable.

Add a classic mantle clock above the fireplace.  There is nothing like the sound of an antique clock chiming away the hours.  The one pictured above is very similar to the antique clock I own.  If an antique clock is out of reach there are some great reproductions that play beautiful recordings.  Some people think the noise will bother them, but I am here to tell you, after a few days you sleep right through it.  Plus, if you wake up in the middle of the night and lay there like I do, it is comforting to listen to the clock play.

Thanks for taking the journey with me through some Colonial style.  Next week I will focus on the classic American Farmhouse.  Have a great weekend!

Nancy