The Colonial House Style: Everything You Need To Know

If you’re thinking about moving on from your starter home, you may be looking into specific home styles, like a colonial home.

This architectural style is popular in certain parts of the U.S., along with ranch, Craftsman, Cape Cod and Tudor houses. Let’s take a look at the different types of colonial houses, their key features and why they’re so appealing to people who want to buy a house.

What Is A Colonial House?

A colonial house is constructed in a popular home style with a simple, borderline minimalist rectangular shape. They tend to be two to three stories tall with fireplaces and brick or wood facades. Colonial homes are traditionally found on the East Coast of the United States.

There are a few types of colonial architecture found in the United States – including Dutch, French and Spanish and the more common British architecture.

Origins Of The Colonial House Style

The colonial house style dates back to the 1600s. The design elements come from the homes the colonists had back in England. Homes following this design were popular throughout the British colonies in America. This style of home is still considered among the most popular, particularly in New England and the northeastern United States.

Key Features Of The Colonial-Style House

While no two homes are identical, there are a few specific identifying characteristics home buyers can look for when shopping for a Colonial-style home.

Two Stories

Traditionally, Colonial homes are either two or three stories tall – almost never one story. They’re traditionally built with wood, stone or brick and have a rectangular profile and steep roofs with gables.

The floor plan of a colonial home usually features a kitchen and living spaces downstairs and all the bedrooms upstairs. Spanish colonial houses are an exception to this rule because they’re usually one story. There’s usually either one central fireplace or a fireplace at either end of the home.

Symmetrical Architecture

Symmetry is a defining characteristic feature of Colonial homes. The front door is always centered and bordered by an equal number of windows on either side of the door. The windows are traditionally multipaned, and the shutters are in contrasting colors.

Symmetrical Floor Plans

Colonial homes are generally not open concept. They traditionally have a central hallway with symmetrical rooms on either side. The formal living and dining rooms are usually in the front, and the kitchen and family room are in the back. The bedrooms are upstairs, and spacious attics are often converted to playrooms or movie rooms.

Decorative Entryways

Colonial homes often have decorative entryways. While the front door is always centered, there may be something interesting around it. Transom windows are popular additions over entryways. Pediments are often used to create a covered front porch. Some Colonial homes even have columns for a more dramatic look.

Pitched Roofs

Colonial homes traditionally have pitched roofs, so you can only see the triangle from the sides of the house. From the front of the home, you only see shingles. When there’s a third story, it’s common to find dormer windows jutting out of the roof.

Chimneys

Colonial homes almost always have a fireplace – if not two. A large fireplace can be centered in the rear of a home, or there may be two more standard-sized fireplaces, one at either end of the home. This dates back to the pre-HVAC days when fireplaces warmed an entire home. Of course, with fireplaces comes chimney maintenance. If a colonial house is on your wish list, be sure to keep this in mind.

Multipaned Windows

Colonial homes traditionally have windows placed symmetrically across the front of the home. They have lots of small panes, giving them a grid-like look. There’s usually at least one window on either side of the entry and three or five windows on the second floor, lending to the symmetrical look. This type of multi-pane window shouldn’t be mistaken for modern energy-efficient windows.

Popular Types Of Colonial-Style Homes

Dutch Colonial-style homes were originally built in the United States by Dutch and German colonists. The homes feature gambrel-style roofs with flaring eaves and are traditionally built from stone or brick.

French Colonial

French Colonial homes are popular in Illinois and Louisiana, as well as in Quebec. French Colonial homes have very steep roofs with wide overhangs. They usually have stucco exteriors and lots of windows.

Spanish Colonial

Spanish Colonial homes are popular on the West Coast of the United States and in Florida. They often feature stucco walls, red tile roofs and interior courtyards. The windows are small and often have wrought iron grates. Unlike other types of Colonial houses, they’re almost always one story tall.

Ways To Upgrade A Colonial House

Architecture from the 17th century is timeless and cozy, but the 21st century has a lot to offer as well. If you’re interested in upgrading your colonial house, here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Smart home features: Make your life more convenient by adding smart home features to your Colonial home, from energy-efficient appliances to LED bulbs.
• Updated flooring: There’s no shortage of options for your colonial house when it comes to modern flooring, from sustainable cork to tile.
• Modern kitchens: British colonists didn’t have granite countertops, magnetic induction cooktops or stainless-steel appliances, but that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from a kitchen remodel.
• Solar panels: Even if you’re not in the sunniest area, solar panels can reduce an older Colonial home’s carbon footprint.

The Bottom Line

If you live in a region where Colonial homes are popular, they’re a great option. Because all the bedrooms are upstairs, Colonial homes are typically beneficial for families with young children. The symmetrical exteriors are attractive and loved by many. If you’re interested in buying a colonial house, work with a Rocket Homes^SM Verified Partner Agent to find the perfect home.