7 American Colonial Design Style Tips (Get The Classic Look)

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American colonial design style draws inspiration from the early settlers who came to America in the 17th and 18th centuries. It reflects the practical needs and cultural influences of that time period. This style blends elements from different European countries, especially England, France, and the Netherlands.

American colonial design is known for its simplicity, functionality, and use of natural materials. It often features wood furniture, neutral color palettes, and handcrafted details. The style aims to create warm, inviting spaces that feel both elegant and comfortable. Many modern homeowners still find appeal in this classic American look.

1) Williamsburg Wallpaper By Thibaut

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Thibaut’s Williamsburg Wallpaper collection brings classic American colonial design into modern homes. This line features patterns inspired by 18th-century textiles, documents, and artifacts from Colonial Williamsburg.

The wallpapers showcase traditional motifs like toile, damask, and botanical prints. Colors range from rich jewel tones to soft pastels, capturing the essence of colonial America.

Many designs in this collection are based on original wallpapers found in historic Williamsburg homes. Thibaut’s artisans carefully recreate these patterns using modern printing techniques.

The Williamsburg Wallpaper line includes options for various rooms. Dining rooms might feature elegant damask patterns, while bedrooms could showcase delicate floral prints.

These wallpapers allow homeowners to add a touch of colonial charm to their spaces. They work well in both traditional and contemporary interiors, adding character and historical flair.

Thibaut offers coordinating fabrics to complement many of the wallpaper designs. This allows for cohesive room styling in the American colonial aesthetic.

2) Queen Anne Dining Chair

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Queen Anne dining chairs are a classic element of American colonial design. These chairs became popular in the early 18th century and remain sought-after today.

The chairs feature curved lines and elegant shapes. Their most distinctive trait is the cabriole leg, which curves outward at the knee and inward at the ankle.

Queen Anne chairs often have a vase-shaped splat in the back. This central support piece adds both style and comfort. The crest rail, or top of the chair back, typically has a gentle curve.

Most Queen Anne dining chairs were made from walnut or mahogany. Some featured carved details like shells or acanthus leaves. Others had simpler, more understated designs.

The seats were usually upholstered for comfort. Common fabrics included wool, silk, or leather. Chair makers sometimes used cane or rush seats as well.

These chairs pair beautifully with Queen Anne dining tables. Together, they create a refined and graceful dining room setting. Queen Anne style furniture works well in both traditional and modern homes.

3) Colonial Revival Brass Chandelier

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Brass chandeliers are a key feature of Colonial Revival style homes. These elegant light fixtures add warmth and sophistication to entryways, dining rooms, and living spaces.

Colonial Revival brass chandeliers often have a central stem with multiple arms extending outward. The arms typically curve gracefully and hold candle-shaped lights. Some designs incorporate glass shades or crystal accents for extra sparkle.

Many Colonial Revival chandeliers feature polished or antique brass finishes. These warm metallic tones complement the rich wood tones and neutral color palettes common in Colonial-inspired interiors.

Popular shapes for these chandeliers include round, oval, or rectangular forms. Some designs draw inspiration from traditional candle holders or oil lamps used in early American homes.

Colonial Revival brass chandeliers range from simple and understated to more ornate styles. Simpler versions may have clean lines and minimal decoration. More elaborate designs might include decorative scrollwork, leaf motifs, or other intricate details.

These classic light fixtures continue to be popular choices for homeowners looking to add a touch of timeless elegance to their spaces. They blend seamlessly with both traditional and updated Colonial Revival interiors.

4) Chippendale Style Sofa

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Chippendale style sofas are a key part of American colonial design. They get their name from Thomas Chippendale, a famous English furniture maker from the 1700s. His designs had a big impact on American furniture.

These sofas have some special features that make them stand out. The backs often have pretty carved designs. Common patterns include ribbons, leaves, and shells.

The legs of Chippendale sofas are also unique. They usually have a cabriole shape, which means they curve outward at the top and inward at the bottom. The feet might be shaped like animal paws or have a simple ball shape.

Chippendale sofas are often made from mahogany wood. This wood is strong and looks nice when carved. The sofas may have a dark finish to show off the wood grain.

These sofas can fit in both formal and casual rooms. They add a touch of history to any space. Many people still like Chippendale style sofas today because of their classic look.

5) Georgian Style Mantel

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Georgian style mantels were popular in American colonial homes from the mid-1700s to early 1800s. These fireplace surrounds showed the influence of British design trends.

Georgian mantels had a clean, symmetrical look. They often featured a rectangular shape with straight lines and sharp angles. The mantelpiece typically extended to the ceiling.

Classical details were common on Georgian mantels. These included fluted pilasters, dentil molding, and carved central panels. Some had medallions or swags as decorative elements.

Wood was the most common material for Georgian mantels. Painted white was a popular finish, though some were left natural or painted other colors. Marble was sometimes used in more upscale homes.

The mantel shelf on Georgian fireplaces was usually wide and flat. This provided space to display decorative items like candlesticks or porcelain figures.

Georgian mantels complemented the orderly, refined style of colonial interiors. Their elegant proportions and classical details added a touch of sophistication to living spaces.

6) American Federal Bedroom Dresser

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The American Federal bedroom dresser is a classic piece of furniture from the early 19th century. It reflects the refined taste and elegant style of the Federal period in American design.

Federal dressers often feature straight lines and simple shapes. They are usually made of rich woods like mahogany or cherry. These dressers have a rectangular shape with several drawers stacked vertically.

A key feature of Federal dressers is their decorative brass hardware. Drawer pulls and knobs are often ornate, with intricate designs. Some dressers have columns or pilasters on the sides for added visual interest.

The top of a Federal dresser may be flat or slightly curved. Many have a backsplash to protect the wall behind them. Some dressers come with a matching mirror attached to the top.

Federal dressers often have delicate inlays or veneers. These create subtle patterns or borders on the drawer fronts. The wood grain is typically arranged in symmetrical patterns for a balanced look.

These dressers blend function and beauty. They provide ample storage while serving as elegant focal points in Federal-style bedrooms.

7) Windsor Armchair

The Windsor armchair is a classic piece of American colonial furniture. It first appeared in the early 18th century and quickly became popular throughout the colonies.

This chair has a distinctive look with its rounded back and splayed legs. The back is made of multiple thin spindles that connect the seat to a curved top rail.

Windsor chairs were often painted in bold colors like green, red, or black. This helped protect the wood and added a decorative touch to homes.

Craftsmen made these chairs using different types of wood. They might use maple for the legs and spindles, pine for the seat, and ash for the bent parts.

The design allowed for mass production, making Windsor chairs affordable for many colonists. They were common in both homes and public spaces like taverns.

Windsor chairs come in several styles. The most well-known is the bow-back, with its graceful curved top. Other types include the comb-back and the sack-back.

These chairs remain popular today. Many modern furniture makers still craft Windsor chairs using traditional methods.

Defining American Colonial Design Style

American Colonial design style reflects the early European settlers’ architectural and decorative tastes in North America. This style blends practicality with Old World influences, creating a distinct aesthetic that endured for generations.

Historical Context

Colonial design emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries as European settlers established homes in the New World. English, Dutch, French, and Spanish colonists brought their native architectural traditions to America.

These settlers adapted their building methods to local materials and climate conditions. They created sturdy, functional homes that could withstand harsh winters and hot summers.

Over time, regional variations developed. New England, Mid-Atlantic, and Southern colonies each had unique design elements based on their settlers’ origins and local resources.

Key Characteristics

Colonial homes typically feature symmetrical facades and centered front doors. They often have multi-paned windows arranged in a balanced pattern.

Exterior materials include wood clapboard, brick, or stone. Roofs are usually steep and side-gabled, with chimneys at one or both ends.

Inside, Colonial homes have practical layouts with a central hall and rooms on either side. Fireplaces serve as focal points in main living areas.

Decorative elements are simple and restrained. Wooden furniture, handcrafted textiles, and pewter accessories are common. Colors tend to be muted, with earth tones and soft pastels.

Key features of Colonial interiors:

• Wide plank wood floors
• Exposed wooden beams
• Paneled walls
• Built-in cabinets and shelving
• Wrought iron hardware

Influences And Evolution

American colonial design drew inspiration from European styles and adapted to local conditions. It changed over time as settlers established themselves in the New World.

Regional Variations

Colonial homes took on distinct features in different parts of America. New England houses had steep roofs to shed snow. They used wood siding due to abundant forests. Southern homes had wide porches for shade in the hot climate. Brick was common in the South, where clay was plentiful.

In the Mid-Atlantic, stone was a popular building material. German settlers brought their own styles to Pennsylvania. Dutch influences shaped New York’s architecture. Each area blended Old World traditions with New World practicality.

Modern Interpretations

Today’s homes often use colonial style elements. Symmetrical facades and multi-pane windows are common features. White paint with black shutters is a classic look. Designers may add modern touches like open floor plans.

Some key updates include:

• Larger windows for more natural light
• Expanded kitchens for modern lifestyles
• Addition of family rooms and home offices
• Use of low-maintenance materials

These changes keep colonial style relevant while meeting current needs. The timeless appeal of colonial design continues to attract homeowners.