Colonial Architecture

Colonial style is basically a less flamboyant Georgian style.

During the period between 1690 and 1830 in the United States, the Colonial architectural style became popular among the affluent class in New England and the Southern colonies. The style mainly drew inspiration from the Georgian homes which were being built in England. The architectural style is also called Georgian after the three kings George I, II and III of England. The architectural style in England during the period, in turn, was influenced by the Italian Renaissance and from ancient Rome and Greece. Subsequently, the style spread to nearly all English colonies.

It should be noted that, Colonial architecture style includes Georgian homes that were popular among the wealthy and the more humble dwellings that imitated the Georgian style. A colonial-style house typically has distinct living, dining and family rooms. The bedrooms are on the second floor. The chimneys (one or two in number) are much above the average size.

A Georgian style home is symmetrical in shape, with a medium-pitched roof, minimal overhang and paired chimneys. The hall is along the center of the house and comprises a stairway; all the large, square rooms lead from the hall. Other distinctive features include a paneled front door at the center with planate columns on its either side and a decorative crown above. The windows (usually five in number) are arranged in an orderly manner around the front door. In England, Georgian buildings were typically in brick, with wood trim, wooden columns and white-painted entablatures. In the US, they were brick buildings and those in wood with clapboards too. They were painted white and occasionally pale yellow.

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