Always at least 2-story often with columns in front and usually symetrical with many windows. 2.1. This places the stairway as a central, dominant design element within the structure. When we look at the word “colonial” it screams the historical reference to the original 13 colonies. Colonial style houses are houses which were built during the Colonial period in the United States, in which the English, French, Germans, and Spanish all had colonies scattered across various parts of the North America. What has to be kept in mind is that a key feature of the Colonial is symmetry, but also functionality. Of or pertaining to a period when a country or territory was a colony. The Colonial style can trace its influences to England, from which most of the US Colonists emigrated. Answer Save. To stay true to the historic element of the architecture, the color choice will be plain – white or perhaps gray. Brick and stone designs are usually left untouched, but every 300+ year old home will need a paint job every now and then. As we look into the characteristics that define a colonial house we will see that there are several types of designs, each constructed for a specific purpose. The first representation was formed by the Colonial States, from 1866. There may also be pillars found as support structures that extend the pediment to several feet beyond the front door. Postins has been a writer and editor since 1995. Moving westward, there are the French Colonial homes found along the Mississippi River and, more specifically, in the state of Louisiana. Reflecting on the historical times of the early Colonial homes, there was a necessity for any living structure to be sturdy, yet low maintenance. Modern building materials were unavailable during the time, and a collapsed roof was equivalent to a home that was almost impossible to live in. The space leading to and surrounding the entranceway will be rectangular (as opposed to circular and triangular) in order to maintain the basic rectangular architecture of the home. First, the homes are symmetrical, or square, and feature an entry door that can be found in the middle of the front of the home. Another distinguishing characteristic of the Colonial is its symmetrical exterior design. The most obvious attribute of a colonial home is its symmetry. How to Decorate the Outside of a Split-Level House, Yale: New Haven Teachers Institute: The Architecture of New England and the Southern Colonies as it Reflects the Change in Colonial Life, Better Homes and Gardens: Exteriors: Most Popular Housing Styles Explained, Preservation Directory: Architectural Styles Guide. Derived from the fact that in colonial times approximately three times as much liquor was consumed, per capita, by the population of the United States. The literal translation is “posts on a sill” where there are posts or pillars that rest on a sill that is an extension of the foundation. Common crawl. They started as two-story homes that feature one room on each floor and eventually grew into the stately, four-over-four, two-story homes most associated with the Colonial style. [ mainly US ] ...the … VOCABULARY WORDS FOR COLONIAL AMERICA Clothing breeches—trousers slightly below knee-length doublet—jacket of cloth or leather, usually with sleeves and open down the front jerkin—jacket of cloth or leather, open at the neck, but without sleeves woad—an herb grown for the blue dye stuff that was yielded by its leaves Irish trousers—long, tight fitting pants His work has appeared in newspapers, magazines and websites across the country, such as the "Charlotte Sun-Herald" and the "Denton Record-Chronicle." © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. This is a roof with two slopes, the top slope being significantly steeper than the second. They are designated as New England Colonial and Southern Colonial. WikiMatrix. Originally designed to keep the entire house warm, they are a design structure that makes perfect sense when combined with the low ceilings and small windows. colonial (Adjective) of or pertaining to a colony. Whether you choose a Spanish Colonial or a New England Colonial, you are maximizing the use of your interior space while minimizing the costs of heating (and cooling) that space. Several other types of Colonial homes have evolved from the original style. Regardless of the type of Colonial, the exterior walls will be plain looking and the windows will be in a simple pattern. Fireplaces can be decorative but also can continue to serve as an alternative source of heat should your electric or gas infrastructure fail. American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. ly adv. What can be depended on is that the symmetry of the exterior will carry over to the interior layout. Notice it is not simply the front door. 1 decade ago. A distinct entranceway will make the house easily identifiable, and also serves as a way of visually welcoming guests and friends. The use of shutters on the front windows also evolved out of the Colonial style. The earliest ones were built between 1600 and 1700, and the influence of their design can be seen in urban and suburban areas today. Low ceilings can be functional but not practical in certain parts of the country. Low ceilings can be interpreted as having a social or functional purpose – or both. Colonial homes are usually symmetrical squares or rectangles. Because of the symmetry, you will find the living room and dining room, both areas of family and social congregation, located towards the front of the house. They traditionally have two to three stories with similar, traditional room layouts. i would like to know what it is. When looking at the front ore side of the house you will see the windows in symmetrical patterns, and even the roofs will accentuate the need for symmetry to define the home as a Colonial. New England Colonial Architecture and Interior Design Style. Meaning of colonial. Their architecture was based partly on Roman and Greek ruins, according to Antique Home. This reality is most obvious with the steep roof design which significantly limits the amount of interior space beneath it. The rear end of the house would be looking at a patio or garden, typical of the Spanish design and an element of economic status. From the ground, Colombo’… These accessories include such items as brass door knockers, cut-glass doorknobs and gilt indoor mirrors. 2. Heather's been a freelancer writer in the design and architectural space for over 10 years. ‘the house was a 1903 colonial’ More example sentences ‘Jake regarded the huge old style colonial with a wide sweeping front porch for a minute as the rest of the team was scrambling from the van.’ Spanish Colonial homes evolved during the time of the Spanish Empire in Florida and the US Southwest. Spenny. When London burned in 1666, several architects helped influence the city’s reconstruction. As Colonial architecture evolved in the United States, architects and homeowners sought to put their own stamp on the style. A Colonial home is an architectural style that can be found in neighborhoods all across the United States. What does colonial mean? Clothing had to be made and hand washed, while the wood for the fireplace needed to be cut and prepared ahead of the harsh winters. However, if you are looking to maintain the Colonial look you will want to keep the chimney structures intact. Relevance. Older Colonial interior walls were covered with wallpaper, and if you are able to compare a Colonial with painted walls with one that has opted for wallpaper, you will see that Colonials seem to be ideal for a wallpaper décor. A Colonial building or piece of furniture was built or made in a style that was popular in America in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Colonial style evolved from European influences, which started in the 1600s. Lv 5. How to Get Rid of Tiny Black Ants in the Bathroom. Japan's World War II occupation dismantled much of the Dutch colonial state and economy. The design works well; sometimes too well. Variations of the poteaux-sur-sole design shored up the original intention by grounding the house into the actual foundation through extended posts. Of or pertaining to a colony. Though the style technically encompasses English Colonial, French Colonial, Spanish Colonial, Dutch Colonial, and Georgian styles, American Colonial is most similar to English Colonial, due to the prolonged length of British rule in America. What does colonial mean? Colonists settled primarily along the Eastern Seaboard and built homes that became the Colonial style. The Colonial home is one of the most popular styles of home in the United States, according to "Better Homes and Gardens." We explain what is a colonial style house (a term used frequently), set out the 8 types of colonial houses (with photo examples) and then provide an extensive photo gallery showcasing many examples of colonial houses (historical and new). Georgian houses are consistent in proportion and usually have wings, meaning there are two smaller blocks on … The entranceway can be decorated during festivals and holiday seasons as way of celebration. If you come across an old Colonial home of any type with the attic beams largely intact, sacrifice the space and avoid replacing the beams. There is a French phrase you should remember that distinguishes the home from other Colonials: poteaux-sur-sole. Much of the day was spent on doing things that were necessary for basic survival, such as the planting and maintaining of gardens and fields of food. ‘the house was a 1903 colonial’ More example sentences ‘Jake regarded the huge old style colonial with a wide sweeping front porch for a minute as the rest of the team was scrambling from the van.’ This break from the ordinary has a number of purposes associated with the culture and society of the times. With the work of these architects popular in the 1700s, their work filtered to the Colonies and influenced the work of home builders in what became the United States. Spanish Colonial Revival homes are still widely found (and built) throughout Florida and California, but also extending further into the Southeast and Southwest. The simple, rectangular shape makes for a great prefab structure, but is not always the preference of new home buyers who want their house to have a more distinctive appearance than four walls and a roof. In the case of the Colonial the low ceilings are largely functional as the need to keep the heat inside the house during the coldest months of the year was essential. These homes were differentiated by their materials, which were usually adobe and stone to help keep homes cool. The sacrifice of interior space as a result of the steep rooftops is not always needed with today’s modern technology, and this design often conflicts with the need for a family to have additional space for small dens or another bedroom. What Is the Difference Between Colonial and Traditional Home Styles? A colonial-style house usually has two floors. colonial (Adjective) of or pertaining to a period when a country or territory was a colony. The reason is more practical than anything else, and if you come across a Colonial that has a garish appearance, you can expect that it has been remodeled. Definition and synonyms of colonial from the online English dictionary from Macmillan Education.. Often, chimneys can be found at either end, taking advantage of the ventilation needed to keep the home warm and cool throughout the year. Regardless of the size of the home, Colonial-style homes share several characteristics, according to Architecture for Kids. The bedrooms will be found upstairs on the second floor, though you might also find a rest or recreation area as part of the attic. The colonial meeting house was the focal point of the community where all the town's residents could discuss local issues, conduct religious worship, and engage in … These houses date from the early 1600’s to as late as the late 1840’s. The style can be found as far west as Ohio and Illinois. Many architects and experienced homeowners know the value of old wood that has not been significantly affected by aging or weathering. American Colonial architecture dates back to the 1600s, originating during the colonial period of the United States. Colonial-style homes normally have a square or rectangle shape, with the door located in the exact center and the same number of windows reflected perfectly on either side. Favorite Answer. Exterior color is another characteristic of the design. A Colonial house has five windows across the front of the second floor and a centrally located front door. Straight lines and symmetry are hallmarks of a Colonial interior. As you walk into a Colonial you can expect to see a hallway with an equal number of rooms on either side of the hallway. Described as “box-like,” these New England Colonial homes were a simple square or rectangular structure with steep a roof and small windows. Colonial rule synonyms, Colonial rule pronunciation, Colonial rule translation, English dictionary definition of Colonial rule. Perhaps what makes the Colonial a revered piece of architecture that has been modified to bring it into modern times is that it is an unspoken reminder of the country’s early days that were more focused on necessity than luxury. In the rear you will find the kitchen and storage areas, the space primarily being used as work areas. Colonialism definition: Colonialism is the practice by which a powerful country directly controls less powerful... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples 1. of or relating to or characteristic of or inhabiting a colony 2. of animals who live in colonies, such as ants Though the word has taken on a somewhat negative context in the 21st century, when it comes to the architecture of a home it hearkens back to the days when European settlers first came to the North American continent. noting or pertaining to the styles of architecture, ornament, and furnishings of the British colonies in America in the 17th and 18th centuries, mainly adapted to local materials and demands from … More traditionally, a colonial is a style found in the U.S., which would also have certain stylistic characteristics, such as the main entrance in the front, center with symmetric windows, and optionally, wings on both sides. You may find a pediment, a triangular structure that either appears above the doorway or is an extension of the front part of the home that leads to and shelters the entranceway. When looking at older Colonial homes you will find these beams to be rather large and take up more space than may make you comfortable. In the South, ceilings were built higher in order to provide ventilation during the summer months. (Photo by Chris Liphart) The American Colonial home — which features a square floor plan, chimney, medium pitched roof, five windows across the top of the front of the house and two windows on either side of the front door — evolved out of several styles of the 1600s. The rectangular structure made for quick construction with a minimum of tools, and the steep roof prevented the snow from piling up on the house during the snowy times of the year. colonial (comparative more colonial, superlative most colonial) 1. Learn more. Andrea Palladio, an Italian architect popular during the Renaissance, influenced British architects like Christopher Wren, James Gibbs and Robert Adam, who helped rebuild London in the 1680s. They’re always at least two stories, and the staircase to the second and third floors usually bisects the home down the center. On the first floor are the living and dining rooms, the kitchen and maybe some other rooms such as a bath/powder room, a … It's a style of house. Colonial architecture flourished in two main US regions: New England and in the Southern US. thanks. No higher than a single story, they were much longer than the Eastern and Southern types of Colonials. A colonial meeting house was a meeting house used in colonial New England built using tax money. Health care, too, was largely supported by the missions, although the colonial state took an increasing interest. What is Pakkawood and What is it Used for? For some people that may be too plain, but if the goal is to retain the historic looks and feel of the house then being ultra-conservative in color is the way to go. WikiMatrix. : a two-story house built in a style that was first popular in the U.S. during the American colonial period (before 1776) : a person who is part of a colony See the full definition for colonial in the English … This can most obviously be seen in Colonials with two chimneys. This allowed for more interior space while keeping the structural integrity of the roof during the snowy season. What does colonial house mean.? Colonials will always have at least one fireplace, often two. The Georgian Colonial style house originated from the four British monarchs: King George I to King George IV who ruled Britain from 1714 to 1830. What is the Difference Between a Grandmother and Grandfather Clock? colonial meaning, definition, what is colonial: relating to a country that controls and ...: Learn more. Windows were necessary for light, but because of the tremendous heal loss during the winter they had to be smallish. 2 Answers. Despite all the emphasis on symmetry and keeping things simple, there is one structure of the house that has been known to get a lot of leeway when it comes to a Colonial’s appearance – the front entranceway. Adequate ventilation throughout the house is essential for the Southern and Spanish designs because of their warmer climates, and the poteaux-sur-sole approach to the French architecture can be said to be functional due to the likelihood of flooding or high waters that have the potential to damage the interior of the house. Despite their name, there is not much in the way of architecture or design that identify a French Colonial as French. Over time the Colonial style became distinct, recognizable for its use of geometry, and different regions of the United States added their own tweaks to provide relief from the climate. • COLONIAL (adjective) The adjective COLONIAL has 3 senses:. https://nimvo.com/the-characteristics-that-define-a-colonial-house Southern Colonial homes are very similar in structure to the New England types, except they usually are only one room deep. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Stephen F. Austin State University. Dictionary entry overview: What does colonial mean? ... • Captain Dean voices the sentiment of centuries of colonial soldiery. 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What many people take for granted in the United States as a matter of everyday life required a large part of the day for the early colonists. Next is the Dutch Colonial design, found primarily in today’s states of New York and New Jersey. The first settlers landed in what is currently known as the New England geographical segment of the United States, and those Colonial houses were designed to withstand the four climate seasons. When she's not finding better ways to use space in her house, she's interested in decorating, figuring out all the best DIY projects and giving her life the best curb appeal imaginable. Colonial houses developed out of the US Colonial period in the 1700s. Instead of wood, the Dutch Colonial will be made of brick or stone, and have a distinctive Gambrel roof. Thus far, only a brief reference to the interior of the Colonial has been mentioned. As the architecture evolved, the two styles took on distinct differences. Many colonists emigrated from Europe and brought those influences with them. These homes have steep roofs, elevated brick foundations and wide porches. Follow House Beautiful on … The term “Colonial style house” may also refer to Colonial revival houses, modern houses which are meant to evoke the Colonial style. Those influences can be seen in the geometric proportion of Colonial homes and certain accents, such as Greek-style columns on the front. Colonial style seems to have come to mean rectangular, two-story houses. An adjective used to describe any person, event, or organization that is associated with excessive alcohol consumption. In the attic structure you will often find large wooden beams that act as a support structure for the roof. Finally there is the Spanish Colonial, which is found in the state of Texas and the general Southwest region of the United States. It also is reflective of American society, where most people prefer to get things done in the simplest and fastest way possible. The Hotel is a colonial house of century XVI, has 72 rooms and three interior colonial backyards, the hotel is situated in the old part of the city just few blocks away from the main square, is an interesting mix among the moden architecture tecnics with the local. Their brick construction was purposeful to minimize the emphasis on heat and maximize the need for ventilation throughout the home to keep it cool during the hot summer months. Many of today’s modern homes are based on the design and functionality of the Colonial. Many modern homes that are based on the Colonial style have their owners constantly dealing with the hot attic spaces in the summertime when trying to keep the house cool. The style also features two windows on either side of the entry door, with five windows on the second floor, with one directly above the entry door. The roof will overhang the exterior walls of the house, creating a shelter for the porch. This remodeling is due in part to the fact that the modern home has accessibility to electricity and heating systems unknown during those early years. • a Colonial-style brick house • It is a system that smacks of the company stores of colonial times. 2013 June 8, “The new masters and commanders”, in The Economist, volume 407, number 8839, page 52: 2.1.1. This is the ultimate article and photo gallery on colonial houses in the United States. colonial definition: 1. relating to a colony or colonialism: 2. Additionally, Zillow describes colonial homes as possessing: High … The French adopted the style as they built homes in what became Louisiana. In New England, the majority of colonial homes were built with wood siding, as the material was easy to come by. There are many reasons for this – some functional, some practical. i heard my parents talking about how they dont want one for some reason. Developed with the earlier Spanish settlements in the Caribbean and Mexico, the Spanish Colonial style in the United States can be traced back to St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest established city in the country, founded in 1565.The early type of dwelling in Spanish Florida was the "board house", a small one-room cottage constructed of pit-sawn softwood boards, typically with a thatched roof. Four-over-four alludes to the style of four rooms on each floor of the home. Access to the second floor will be found directly ahead of the entranceway by a set of stairs. A colonial is defined as a person who lives or lived in a colony. Colonial furniture or buildings are in the style of a…. This is the British English definition of colonial.View American English definition of colonial.. Change your default dictionary to American English. The Colonial home is one of the most popular styles of home in the United States, according to "Better Homes and Gardens." Paint is generally considered to be more of a low maintenance alternative, and an unkempt house can turn wallpaper into an interior disaster. The rectangular design of the rooms, doorways, and floor plan make applying wallpaper easy and allows for a variety of creative designs. They had a structure similar to the New England designs. The advantages of a Colonial house have withstood the test of time. Why You Should Use Copper Nails to Kill a Tree. They were similar in design to the New England style and built between 1600 and 1730, taking the New England architecture and improving upon it. • COLONIAL (noun) The noun COLONIAL has 1 sense:. ... colonial (Noun) A house that is built in a style reminiscent of the period of the colonization of New England. Other characteristics include paired chimneys, a medium pitched roof to provide drainage in rainy weather and a stairway that is directly behind the entry door and leads to a hallway that bisects the middle of the second floor. The practical value of this is obvious, but from a 21st century perspective it is a feature that can be used for many purposes. M.C. 1. a resident of a colony Familiarity information: COLONIAL used as a noun is very rare. Colonial homes in Virginia, which is considered part of the New England family, were built primarily of brick because clay was plentiful. From Stephen F. Austin state University interior disaster house can turn wallpaper into interior. All across the United States Southern types of Colonial homes evolved during the they! Is its symmetrical exterior design which most of the entranceway can be depended on is that key. As the material was easy to come by Colonial-style homes share several characteristics, according to home. Always have at least 2-story often with columns in front and usually symetrical many. The interior of the Colonial style of architecture or design that identify French... 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