The trait of attracting beauty and coziness is a God’s gift to everyone, and it has impacted human life deeply. Classic and charming interiors are also the aftermath of this trait.
American Colonial Interior, inspired by the American Colonial aesthetic, is one of the interior designs that impacted society the most. People have designed countless varieties of interior designs to convert their homes into matchless beauty zones.
When imagining this style in your home, picture the desired result of setting a vision for the entire home, room by room. The simplicity of American homes creates a light and airy interior with simple clean lines and no clutter.
There’s a heavy emphasis on warm woods — like hickory, elm, maple, and cherry — that are interspersed with antique bronze and patina-covered brass.
If you are inspired and enthusiastic to grab the details of “American Colonial Interior Designs” and wish to use this interior design in your home, and offices then this article is for you.
Table of Contents
Why Do You Choose American Colonial Interior Designs?
There are multiple reasons for using these designs, some of which are listed below:
- Historical Charm: If you are a history lover and want to live with the styles adopted by the masters of the colonial period then it’s the best option for you. It reflects the historical period that carries a sense of charm, tradition, and nostalgia.
- Cultural Heritage: People with American roots welcoming designs can be a way to connect with their cultural heritage and pay tribute to their country’s history and traditions.
- Timeless Elegance: The designs are so unique and antique that they can never go out of style.
- Warmth and Comfort: Colonial Interiors use natural material and cozy textile which creates an atmosphere of comfort for the residents as well as guests.
- Craftsmanship: Craftsmanship is associated with American colonial interior designs which is often appreciated by the people. Hand-carved furniture and intricate woodwork are appealing to people.
- Resale Values: Homes that are designed by American Colonial interior designers can potentially have higher resale value. These designs have a very attractive appeal which brings a large number of buyers.
- Less Modernity: In this contemporary time, the world is surrounded by modern trends and interior designs. People who wanna escape from modernity can use these as they welcome traditional and ornate environments.
History of American Colonial Interior Designs
The History of American Colonial Interiors is not the art of a century rather it was the outcome of several centuries, from simple to complex.
The early homes were built upon a single room along with a fireplace for cooking as well as heating.
Following was the development in the structure during the 17th and 18th centuries:
- Single room for multiple purposes from 1650 to 1675.
- Homes had dual rooms from 1675 to 1700.
- Farmhouses along with pitched roofs from 1700 to 1750.
- Homes had four rooms from 1750 to 1775.
After this period, introduced designs were complex and different.
Seventeenth Century’s Interior Designs
The early homes were single rooms with multiple purposes like cooking, eating, studying, and sleeping. With the advancement of time, it spread to two rooms, one was used for cooking and eating and the other for sleeping. Nevertheless, these homes have a single entrance door and closed windows.
The following were their salient features:
- Single entrance door.
- Low height ceilings.
- Walls covered with white.
- Floors made of stones.
- The furniture was very simple and left bare.
Eighteenth Century’s American Colonial Interior Designs
In the Eighteenth century, architects like Sir Christopher Wren, Inigo Jones, and some immigrants arriving from England introduced classical architectural styles that were very different from the simple designs of the seventeenth century.
They focused on making the interior of homes a sense of pride for the governors and other elites of the society. In short, they started to give a lavish look to show the social status of the elites of American society.
Entrance doors became more prominent and the windows were curtailed with large and cozy silk fabrics. This is all the symbol of pride and status for the elites.
The following were their features:
- Walls covered with wallpapers.
- Introduced daybeds.
- Extravagant wing chairs.
- Gateleg tables.
- Wood coverings and paneling.
What Are the Defining Characteristics of American Colonial Interior Design?
American colonial interior design is characterized by simplicity, functionality, and a blend of European influences. It often features natural materials such as wood and stone, symmetrical layouts, neutral color palettes, and traditional furnishings with intricate detailing.
- Introduced daybeds.
- Extravagant wing chairs.
- Gateleg tables.
- Wood coverings and paneling.
Characteristics of American Colonial Interior Designs
The main features of American Colonial Interior designs are discussed below in detail:
1. Symmetrical Structure
The implementation of symmetry in structure is one of the prominent features of American Colonial Interior designs. In most cases, they are the shape of a rectangle or square along bricks. They commonly contain one or two floors and a half with a domed shape.
The exteriors are blended with simple geometrical lines aligned with the minimal color scheme. Mostly colonial-type homes are painted white with dark edges.
2. Pitched Roofs
Early colonial homes were built with extremely pitched roofs to shed heavy snowfall. This feature is also one of the basic elements in recognizing the homes based on colonial style.
Such roofs provide lofty space and better ventilation. There is a risk of damage during stormy winds so they are not suitable for South regions or coastal regions.
3. Decorative Entryway
The entryway is the main focus point and is made more charming, luxurious, and eye-catching. The door is placed at the center to maintain the symmetry of the whole house. Fanestra or transom windows are commonly placed above the door.
Mostly colonial-designed houses are adorned by a pediment that forms a decorative crown. In addition to that, they can also be adorned with classical columns to enhance their charming look.
4. Balanced Window Placement
As we have discussed, maintenance of symmetry is a basic character so this can also be maintained by placing the windows in a balanced position. Many architects place windows on each side of the entryway or doors and sometimes more than two windows on the second floor of the house.
The windows are usually multi-pan and double-hung with shutters. Bay windows are also commonly used.
5. Paired Chimneys
Colonial Interiors also have the prominent feature of using paired chimneys to give the home a premium look. This trend is especially used in the southern side. These are placed one at each corner of the roof and work as an exhaust during summer. In winter, these chimneys play the role of fireplaces at both ends of the house.
During the 1600s the colonial style home had wide and deep chimneys and fire boards. In the 1800s the true mantel appeared in the colonial style homes.
6. Center Hall Floor Plan
Colonial-style homes also have a unique symmetry in their interiors. Most of them have a hall at its center which intersects the mirror sides of the home.
The entryway opens to the hallways where stairs lead to the other floors of the house. Usually, the kitchen is located at the rear side of the ground portion while the formal rooms like the dining room, and living room are located on the front side of the house.
The bedrooms are located on the second floor and the other spacious places are converted into playrooms.
Types Of American Colonial Interior Designs
The following are the types of American Colonial Interiors:
1. Saltbox Colonial Interiors
During the 17th and 18th centuries, saltbox interiors were very popular. The early settlers of this period had effectively used this kind of colonial interior style.
The key characteristics of this kind are listed below:
- Steeply pitched
- Clean-lined structures
- Local timber work
- Post and beam construction
2. Georgian Colonial Interior Design
Georgian Colonial Interiors are well known for their perfect symmetry and alignment. They use the golden ratio as their guiding architectural element.
These were mostly built during the reign of George Four, the British king between 1714s and 1830s.
Characteristics
The following are its key characteristics;
- Having a perfectly square or rectangular shape
- At least two chimneys at each corner of the roof
- The entrance door is perfectly placed at the center of the house
- Use of ornamental cornice, molding, and pediments have adorned the door
Helpful Tips For Maintaining American Colonial Interior Design
If you wish to see the real impact of these decors then you should follow the tips given below;
- Use chandeliers, and lantern-style pendant lighting to feel antique.
- Use brass candlesticks, traditional ceramics, and wooden bowls as decorative accessories.
- Place furniture and other accessories in a symmetrical way which creates a sense of formality and order.
- Hang landscapes, still-life paintings, and portraits that reflect the traditional style of the colonial period.
- Use a bench, coat hook, and mirror to create a welcoming entryway.
Conclusion
In short, American colonial Interiors have their place in the world of interiors. We thoroughly discussed various perspectives on the American colonial style. People who are very conscious about their social status have the best opportunity to use this one. There is no other opinion that these designs can easily add coziness and grace to your lifestyle.