Tag: home styles

THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE A-FRAME HOME STYLE

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Welcome to another installment in the ELEMENTS OF HOME series. Each month, I showcase a different residential style here on the blog. It is my hope that this information will not only teach you a little something about the various styles; but also equip you if are designing or searching for a new house – by allowing you to determine which style(s) suit your lifestyle and preferences the most.

Today I will be over-viewing the A-frame home – including the history of the style and what makes it unique.



HISTORY OF THE A-FRAME STYLE

The ‘hut like’ dwelling shape of what we now know as the A-frame style has been in existence for many years, and in many countries – Europe, China, and the South Pacific Islands – primarily as accessory buildings. In 1934, Austrian-born architect Rudolph Schindler built a simple A-frame vacation house in a California resort community, overlooking Lake Arrowhead – bringing the design style to the United States.  It had an open floor plan with exposed rafters and glass-walled gables.

Americans took note, and with the rise in disposable income after WWII, families were able to afford vacation homes. Because the A-frame style was relatively simple and inexpensive to build, they became a popular choice. Eventually, as the style’s popularity increased, companies started offering kit houses. In fact, the popularity of the style rose, not from the architecturally designed examples that were built, but instead by the grass roots movement formed by DIY homeowners.

The peak of A-frame building was between the years 1950 and 1965, coinciding with the Mid-Century Modern movement; Both design styles have been making a resurgence in recent years. There are even modern day kit houses available in this style!

 

MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE A-FRAME STYLE

LOCATION

A-frames are in their element when positioned in the midst of nature – the forest, the mountains, and lakeside. Very rarely is this style found in neighborhoods, or lining city streets.

The A-frame’s tent like form blends perfectly in nature. Image Source: A-FrameHaus 

SIZE

The majority of A-frame homes are used as vacation properties and, as such, do not require all of the common day to day comforts/extras of a standard home. They are generally pared down to the most basic form, which means that they are quite a bit smaller than the average American home.

The tiny house movement has brought the A-frame to a whole new level of simplicity, offering a model as small as 300 sf!

 

EXTERIOR TRADEMARKS

 

  • STEEP ROOF THAT FORMS THE WALLS: The roof of an A-frame extends to the ground on both sides, leaving two gabled ends.
  • TRIANGULAR SHAPE: These homes shaped like an equilateral triangle. Its distinctive peak is formed by rafters or trusses that are joined at the top and bolted to plates or floor joists down below. The cross-piece of the ‘A’ is created by horizontal collar beams. These beams are used to stabilize the structure and many times are used as the floor support for a sleeping loft.

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  • MANY WINDOWS: The gabled ends of these homes are typically filled with windows, in various sizes and shapes – flooding the interior with natural light and spectacular views to the outdoors.
  • DEEP SET EAVES: Many of these homes have deep eaves – which allow protection of the gabled ends, and provide shading to the windows.

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INTERIOR SPACES

Many interiors feature exposed ceiling beams and structure. Coupled with the natural light that is filtered in from the gabled ends, a ‘cabin’ like atmosphere is created.  The floor space is typically left open, with a combined living/dining/ kitchen space, and only the more private bedrooms and bathrooms positioned behind walls.

Due to the shape of the structure, dead space is created on the outside corners of the floor plan – making it a somewhat difficult layout to furnish and decorate.

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COLOR SCHEME

Following along with their ‘one with nature’ feeling – the exterior coloring of A-frames are typically composed of materials that will blend well with their surroundings – natural wood shakes, green wood siding, dark roofing materials, etc.



NOTABLE A-FRAME HOUSES

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Reese House | Andrew Geller | 1957

 

 

Photo credit: Russ Carmack, courtesy Metro Parks Tacoma

Hellyer House | David Hellyer |1957

 

INSPIRING A-FRAME HOMES FROM AROUND THE WEB

These classic homes showcase the A-Frame style well. Take a closer look!

 

1 | 2 | 3

 

I hope you have enjoyed learning a bit more about the A-frame style. Curious which residential style will be featured next month? Stay tuned!

And be sure to check out the previously showcased styles here.

 

THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE TUDOR HOME STYLE

Welcome to another installment in the ELEMENTS OF HOME series. Each month, I showcase a different residential style here on the blog. It is my hope that this information will not only teach you a little something about the various styles; but also equip you if are designing or searching for a new house – by allowing you to determine which style(s) suit your lifestyle and preferences the most.

Today I will be over-viewing the Tudor home – including the history of the style and what makes it unique.



HISTORY OF THE TUDOR STYLE

The style was born in American after the height of the Queen Anne Victorian home reign. The fancy, elaborate Queen Anne’s, with all of their mass produced detailing, was falling out of favor – And, in turn, homeowners were beginning to search for handmade, craftsman touches. An interest in Medieval and early Renaissance architecture, common in early 1600’s England, brought the eclectic Tudor style to America in the early 1890s.

Many of the first homes built in this style were commissioned by European trained architects – for wealthy American families. As the popularity of Tudors grew, they became known as ‘Stockbroker Tudors’  – a nod to the many homeowners who had earned their wealth in the stock market boom of the 20’s. Eventually, the Tudor style became popular with middle class American families as well, and in the 1920’s and 30’s it was one of the most frequently built home types.

 

During World War II, with a resurgence of patriotism, a majority of the country’s homeowners preferred to build using the more ‘American’ architecture of the Colonial Style. That notion, partnered with the fact that Tudor style homes tended to be expensive to build and maintain, saw the style falling out of favor.  The height of it’s popularity ended in 1940.

 

MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE TUDOR STYLE

LOCATION

Though examples of the classic Tudor style can be found across the country, there are quite a few prime examples that exist in the Eastern states, especially in the Washington D.C. area.

Most commonly, this home style can be found in residential city neighborhoods and not in country settings, save a handful of large country estate mansions.

 

SIZE

The size varies widely for this home style. The first examples were built as very large homes and even mansions; But through time, as the style became more popular, modest Tudors began dotting neighborhoods. These smaller Tudor homes now make up the great majority of examples that exist in America.

 

EXTERIOR TRADEMARKS

 

  • STEEPLY PITCHED ROOF: Usually in a gable configuration, the roofs generally display little to no overhang. Though rare, some roofs are covered in a false thatching, in an attempt to mimic the picturesque thatched roofs of rural England.

an example of a false thatched roof

 

  • DECORATIVE HALF-TIMBERING: This non-structural technique is employed on approximately half of all Tudor style homes. This again is a nod to medieval infilled timber framing. The infill material is most commonly stucco, though brick and stone can also be found.

 

  • TALL, NARROW WINDOWS: Traditionally constructed of either wood or metal, in the casement style. They are frequently seen in groupings of three or more, the most prominent grouping centered below the main gable. Leaded glass paneled windows, set in a diamond pattern, are also common.

 

  • MASSIVE CHIMNEYS: One of the most popular detail of the Tudor style is a large, elaborate chimney. They are commonly placed in prominent locations on either the front or side of the house.

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INTERIOR SPACES

The interiors of Tudor homes are rich with detail and interest. The living rooms almost always feature a large focal fireplace. Heavy wood timber beams, similar to those used on the exterior detailing, commonly accent interior spaces. Arched openings between rooms is also a popular detail.

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The website traditionalhome.com has a wonderful slideshow featuring the Tudor style and how a home can be detailed- on both the interior and exterior – to reflect the historic nature of the home, while at the same time remaining relevant in the 21st century.

 

COLOR SCHEME

The exterior of classic Tudor homes are nearly all composed with a combination of four basic materials: stucco, brick, stone and wood half-timbering. Because of the use of these natural materials, the homes have a very ‘earthy’ exterior appearance. Most feature a darker base of stone or brick, and a lighter upper half with a cream or white stucco accented with dark wood beams.



NOTABLE TUDOR HOUSES

 

Ishpiming Mansion | Lindley Johnson & Leon Dessez | completed 1894

 

 

Agecroft Hall | Henry G. Morse | built in England in the late 1500’s and transported to America

 

INSPIRING TUDOR STYLE HOMES FROM AROUND THE WEB

These classic homes showcase the Tudor style well. Take a closer look!

 

The Happy Tudor

 

 

Tone on Tone

 

I hope you have enjoyed learning a bit more about the Tudor style. Curious which residential style will be featured next month? Stay tuned!

And be sure to check out the previously showcased styles here.

 

 

THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE AMERICAN FOURSQUARE HOME STYLE

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Welcome to another installment in the ELEMENTS OF HOME series. Each month I showcase a different residential style here on the blog. It is my hope that this information will not only teach you a little something about the various styles; but also equip you if are designing or searching for a new house – by allowing you to determine which style(s) suit your lifestyle and preferences the most.

Today I will be over-viewing the American Foursquare home – including the history of the style and what makes it unique.



 

HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN FOURSQUARE STYLE

The American Foursquare style first came into recognition in the late 1890’s and was popular until the 1920’s. It is considered a ‘true American style’ and though it begins during the era when elaborate Victorian homes were popular, it tends to resonate more with elements of the Craftsman/Prairie movement – with more simple detailing and solid craftsmanship.

The essence of the design intent was to create the greatest amount of square footage possible on a standard city lot. This was achieved by utilizing a box like form, which typically included four rooms on the main level plus 4 rooms on a second story. A pyramidal roof, covering a half-story attic space, was a common feature, as was a large front porch.

Though ‘American Foursquare’ is the proper name for this house style, it is also widely known as ‘box house’ , ‘cube house’, or ‘Prairie cube.’

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Because of the simplicity in lines and design, the American Foursquare was also a very popular kit home. In fact, at one point Sears & Roebuck offered some 15 different styles in their catalog. Check out the book  The Houses that Sears Built  for more information on kit houses. (this is an affiliate link)

 

MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE AMERICAN FOURSQUARE STYLE

LOCATION

Though popular throughout the country, the American Foursquare style is most notably concentrated in the Midwest. They were primarily settled in urban areas, on standard city lots, but were also popular in a country setting.

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SIZE

The American Foursquare home is considered to be of ‘medium’ size. Though the original built homes were finished only on the main and second level, most also featured a full unfinished basement and a half-story attic above – which, if finished, could almost double the livable square footage. The homes are typically set a few feet above grade, making them look tall and large.

 

 

The Castleton was one of the many popular kit houses that were offered in the American Foursquare style.

 

EXTERIOR TRADEMARKS

  • BOXY SHAPE: The square footprint/ floor plan of this house style is further accentuated by the flat appearance of the elevations. Large double hung windows, grouped together, is commonly noted.
  • LARGE FRONT PORCH: The front porch is a hallmark that nearly ever home of this style exhibits. It extends the entire face of the front facade, providing shade and an element of ornamentation.
  • PYRAMIDAL ROOF WITH DORMER: Though exceptions exist, most American Foursquare homes feature a pyramidal or hipped roof, with a dormer on the front facade – allowing light into the attic space.

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INTERIOR SPACES

The first floor of a traditionally built American Foursquare home usually contains an entry foyer (often with the stairs to the second floor), a living room, dining room, and kitchen. The second floor in the larger models has four bedrooms and a bath.  Some smaller sized homes have 3 bedrooms and a bath. These interiors were so efficiently planned that minimal space was used as hallways or accessory spaces. Even today, the original Foursquare’s maintain the intent of their original floor plans – with perhaps a rear one story addition to accommodate a larger kitchen, and/or the finishing of the attic or basement space.

The interior styling is simple and handcrafted – with a focus on natural light, and finely crafted woodwork. Because every room in the home is essentially a ‘corner room’ – they receive light from two directions. Built-ins such as bookcases and window seats were popular enhancements; those building planbook or kit houses could order room-dividing colonnades and kitchen cabinets to accentuate the interior rooms.

 

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COLOR SCHEME

Because the popularity of the American Foursquare spanned many years, it is hard to summarize the paint colors most commonly used – as the taste shifted tremendously during this time frame. The one thing that is consistent throughout is the basic nature of coloring utilized. Foursquare’s are meant to be simple and classic, not showy. Where Queen Anne Victorian homes of built in the same timeframe were adorned with multiple colors to accentuate each and every detail, the American Foursquare featured a refined look – utilizing only two to three main colors. Generally, more muted, ‘earthy’ and grayed colors were the most popular.

A typical two color scheme included the body of the home is painted one color, with the trim and other details painted another, possibly contrasting shade. For a Foursquare home, the trim is most commonly lighter than the body paint choice. When the roof was composed of a colorful asphalt product, it was sometimes used as a cue for the color scheme – oftentimes homeowners would match the roof with their trim color, for example.

For a more comprehensive look at the colors of an American Foursquare home, consider reading the book Bungalow Colors by Robert Schweitzer. (this is an affiliate link)

 

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NOTABLE AMERICAN FOURSQUARE HOUSES

Hillrose | winner of the 1916 Sears Competition| popular kit house that costed $2,000 to build in 1916. A reproduction was $1 million to build in 2016!

 

G.C. Stockman House| 1907 Ladies Home Journal article | Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

 

D.C Passive House | 2011 | New construction designed to look like a classic American Foursquare, with energy saving techniques

 

INSPIRING AMERICAN FOURSQUARE STYLE HOMES FROM AROUND THE WEB

These classic homes showcase the American Foursquare style well. Take a closer look!

 

Left to Right: 1 | 2 | 3

*** side note: My husband and I were fortunate enough to own and live in a 1904 American Foursquare, and absolutely loved it’s simplicity and practicality. They truly are classic homes.***

I hope you have enjoyed learning a bit more about the American Foursquare style. Curious which residential style will be featured next month? Stay tuned!

And be sure to check out the previously showcased styles here.

 

 

THE 4 QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK YOURSELF BEFORE DESIGNING A NEW HOUSE

Designing a new house is an exciting and exhausting time for homeowners. It seems there are no less than a thousand decisions that will need to be made to create a house that is ‘just right’ for your family. And while each and every decision during the design process is an important one, there are four important questions you should ask yourself BEFORE you ever sit down at the drawing table by yourself or with a design professional.

 

 

1. WHICH HOME STYLES DO WE PREFER?

While it isn’t necessary to pick only one home style that your design MUST be based on -it is valuable to understand, at least generally, which types of homes you are drawn to. Are simple, clean lines your thing? Perhaps a modern home will be a good design guide. Do you love the charm of cozy houses? Consider the characteristics of the cottage or bungalow style. You can ask yourself if you prefer an open floor plan or one with more defined spaces, and if your family would benefit from one level living or multiple stories.

Each month I work through a series here on the blog entitled ‘Elements of Home’. I dive deep into what makes each home style unique, with the hope that the information can benefit you in determining which style would be best suited to your family’s lifestyle and preferences. You can access the series HERE.



2. WHERE WILL OUR HOUSE BE SITED?

Location, location, location. It is the mantra of real-estate. You can change a house in many ways, or in this case – build nearly anything you want – but you will not be able to change your home’s location once it is tied to the foundation; That is, unless you are willing to spend major money to do so.

You may be tempted to look at home plan books or online for floor plan ideas. And while these tools can be extremely helpful, you should at the very least have an idea of where your proposed home will be located before considering floor plans. Will you be building a new home in an established historic neighborhood? In that case, the sleek modern home with floor to ceiling panes of glass that you spied online may not be the best choice. Do you love the option of having a home with a basement level that you can walk out of? If so, you will want to make sure that you have a site in mind that will accommodate that type of setup – preferably somewhere with sloped land.

There are more detailed site related questions that you will need to answer, such as how the natural daylight will affect the interior spaces of the home – but these are questions for further in the design process.

3. WHAT DO WE NEED IN A HOME?

Generally speaking, we more easily identify our wants over our needs. Sometimes the two get mixed together, in fact. When designing a home it is very important to establish the difference. The needs are absolute must haves, whereas the wants are not as important – and can possibly be added at a later date.

Size is one of the most troubling aspects to determine. When considering home square footage, a variety of questions may arise. How many bedrooms should the house have? Will 1 bathroom be sufficient, or will we need more? What is a comfortable living room size? These questions about size can leave your head spinning – but they are some of the most important decisions regarding home design. A too small home can leave you feeling cramped; While a home too large will not be comfortable or cozy – perhaps leaving you with the feeling that you are living in a museum or office building.

As a guide to determine how much space you should design for your family, I have created a variety of worksheets – which can be accessed in THIS POST.



4. HOW MUCH CAN WE AFFORD?

It’s the age old question: How much is this going to cost me? It is best to consider the financial aspects of home construction well before you fall too in love with a design. If you speak with a loan professional about what a realistic budget for your project is, you will be able to make better informed decisions as the design process progresses. If you know you will be working with a fairly strict budget, you likely won’t be looking at the granite selection for your counter tops. Better to know what you can afford than to choose those expensive finishes only to be told you will need to downgrade the quality to something cheaper.

Another benefit to determining building budget early is that you can plan your project in phases. Perhaps the entire shell can be built straight away, with the main living spaces finished – and the basement or upper level left to be finished when the budget allows, in the future.

I lay out tips on ways you can save money on your new build in THIS POST.

 

If you have worked through each of the four above questions, you are well on your way to laying the groundwork for the design of your future home.

For your convenience, I have laid out these questions in a simple, one sheet print out – available in the RESOURCE LIBRARY. Search for the Preliminary Home Design Worksheet – and keep it handy for when you are ready to start thinking about designing your dream home.

 

THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE QUEEN ANNE VICTORIAN HOME STYLE

Queen Anne Victorian

Welcome to another installment in the ELEMENTS OF HOME series. Each month I showcase a different residential style here on the blog. It is my hope that this information will not only teach you a little something about the various styles; but also equip you if are designing or searching for a new house – by allowing you to determine which style(s) suit your lifestyle and preferences the most.

Today I will be over-viewing the Queen Anne Victorian home – including the history of the style and what makes it unique.



HISTORY OF THE QUEEN ANNE STYLE

The Victorian style in general spreads over the years 1860-1900 primarily, during the last decades of the reign of Britian’s Queen Victoria. There are six distinct variations of the style occurring during that time period – based, at least loosely, on their Medieval prototypes.

This time period saw rapid industrialization in the American built landscape. The art of balloon framing was rapidly replacing heavy timber framing as the standard building technique. Because of the flexibility of this type of construction, homes were no longer restrained to simple box-like shapes. In addition, house components such as doors, windows, siding and decorative details were beginning to be mass produced, and could easily be distributed throughout the country by use of the expanded railway lines.

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When most people think about the Victorian style, they generally imagine a Queen Anne – the most elaborate and eccentric of the the six variations. I will highlight the remaining five variations (Second Empire, Stick, Shingle, Richardsonian Romanesque, and Folk Victorian) in later posts.

The ‘Queen Anne’ name is actually a bit deceiving – as it bears almost no similarities to the architecture produced during the reign of Queen Anne (from 1702-1714). The term ‘Queen Anne Style’ was used by Scottish architect Richard Norman Shaw to describe his work, and it stuck.

brick Queen Anne

MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE QUEEN ANNE STYLE

LOCATION

Queen Anne Victorian homes can be found throughout North America, thanks mostly to the expanding railway of the late 19th century. Pattern books made it simple for prospective homeowners and builders to choose manufactured pieces and decorative details to dress their home in the Queen Anne style. This home style is least likely to be found in the heavily populated northeastern states.

There are also distinct concentrations of the style. Seattle’s neighborhood, Queen Anne Hill, derived it’s name from the architecture used on many of the affluent homes built there. You can take a little mini video tour of the neighborhood here. And of course, San Francisco features a beautiful collection of Queen Anne row houses.

Queen Anne Victorian row-houses

SIZE

Queen Anne Victorians vary in size from modest dwellings with a few special details to elaborate multi-story mansions.

modest Queen Anne home

Queen Anne mansion

As mentioned previously, one of the major shifts that happened with the introduction of balloon framing was the flexibility of the floor plan. It allowed more interesting shapes of houses and in turn many homeowners opted for bay windows, bump outs, and cantilevered second story spaces.

historic floorplan

EXTERIOR TRADEMARKS

To spot a Queen Anne Victorian home, look for these style specific exterior elements.

IRREGULAR SHAPES: Builders and architects of the Victorian era took full advantage of the flexibility that balloon framing provided – by avoiding rectilinear building footprints and instead opting for homes with varied shapes.

irregular shaped Queen Anne Victorian home

SPINDLE-WORK: Nearly 50 percent of all Queen Anne houses have spindle-work, which is also commonly referred to as gingerbread ornamentation or Eastlake detailing. This detail came in the form of turned porch balustrades, lace-like porch brackets, and as gable ornamentation.

spindle-work detail

WALL TEXTURE VARIATIONS: The use of a variety of wall textures is hallmark to the Queen Anne house style. Patterned wood shingles, bricks of different colors and terracotta panels were used to create the illusion of depth and texture on exterior walls.

varied exterior wall texture

PORCHES: Covering the front entrance area, and also commonly extending along one or both sides of the house, these porches were used to highlight the asymmetry of the facade. Some examples of Queen Anne homes include second story porches.

wrap around porch

TOWERS: Also common with Queen Anne homes is the use of towers. They may present in round, square or polygonal form. They were built at varying heights from the ground up or even cantilevered from the second story only. The most popular position for a tower on a Queen Anne home is the front corner.

elaborate Queen Anne home with tower element

INTERIOR SPACES & DECOR

The interiors of Victorian era homes were known for their orderliness and ornamentation. The layout of the interior was formal and spaces were arranged in a manner that promoted entertaining of guests.

LAYOUT: The rooms were often small spaces, and were carefully separated between public and private uses. The parlor was considered the most important room in the home, as it was the first that guests would see when entering the home. The dining room was second in importance, with both the parlor and dining room would be used often for entertaining purposes.

Victorian parlor

FURNISHING: Historically, Victorian homeowners would fill their rooms with art, furniture and objects that reflected their own interests and aspirations. It was thought that a bare or simply decorated room was in poor taste.

Victorian style couch

Furniture was beginning to be mass produced in factories instead of being custom created for the homeowner. In an effort to give a custom look, many pieces featured carved details. Furniture generally were of heavy proportions and featured woods such as walnut, mahogany and rosewood in dark finishes.

carved furniture detail

FINISHES: Botanical wallpaper was popular, as was the employment of embossing techniques. Walls were often embossed with a grain pattern – which was meant to imitate woods of higher quality. Heavy draperies in velvet or needlepoint were favored.

Victorian wallpaper

Elaborate woodwork was in abundance, as was the use of stained glass windows.

woodwork and stained glass in a Queen Anne foyer

There was effort made to emphasize the height of important public rooms in the home – which was accomplished by drawing the eye up with decorative cove molding, lighting medallions and intricate patterns painted on the ceilings.

ornate ceiling in a Queen Anne Victorian parlor

COLOR SCHEME

Soft and muted colors were favored over bright and vivid color schemes. It has been said that people of that era would have been upset by the flamboyant color schemes that some of their homes are being painted during restoration. They preferred delicate rose pinks, grays, lavender and sage – as well as warmer colors such as mustard yellow, burgundy or teal.

Historic color palette 

There were two schools of thought when it came to color selections. The first, “harmony by analogy” favored a palette that utilized two colors next to each other on the color wheel, such as greens and yellows. Another, “harmony by contrast” was geared toward high contrasting colors, or opposites on the color wheel- such as creams and blues.

 

exterior colors

interior colors

 



FAMOUS QUEEN ANNE HOUSES

William Watts Sherman House | 1875 | Architect: Henry Hobson Richardson

One of the earliest examples of American Queen Anne residential architecture

 

Elmhurst Mansion | 1891 | Also called the ‘House of Friendship’

 

Walter Gale Home | 1893 | Frank Lloyd Wright

Simple Queen Anne Style, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in his early years

 

INSPIRING QUEEN ANNE HOMES FROM AROUND THE WEB

These classic homes showcase the Victorian Queen Anne style well. Read along as these homeowners restore their beautiful homes!

Left to Right: 1 | 2 | 3

I hope you have enjoyed learning a bit more about the Queen Anne Victorian style. Curious which residential style will be featured next month? Stay tuned!

And be sure to check out the previously showcased styles here.

COLONIAL HOME STYLE ELEMENTS

Learn about the main elements of the Colonial home style in this article. The history of the Colonial Home is important to the fabric of America.

 

Colonial Home exterior

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Welcome to another installment in the ELEMENTS OF HOME series. Each month I showcase a different residential home style here on the blog.

It is my hope that this information teaches you a little something about each style. In addition, I believe that these guides can be useful if you are designing or searching for a new home.

Today I overview the Colonial home style. I include the history of the style and what makes it unique.

 



HISTORY OF THE COLONIAL HOME STYLE

The Colonial home style is traced back to England, where most of the U.S colonists emigrated from. A large portion of London burned in the year 1666. After the disaster, several architects influenced the city’s reconstruction.

British architects Christopher Wren, James Gibbs and Robert Adam were at the forefront. Their combined architecture was based partly on Roman and Greek ruins. Therefore, influences such as geometric proportions and large columns are seen in Colonial home design.

 

Colonial Home Style

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Most of the original Colonial homes built in the early years have been remodeled. Others are used as historic examples, as museums for example.

It is far more likely that the Colonial homes you see today are Colonial Revival. In other words, they were made to resemble their ancestral counterparts.

Between the late 1800’s and 1950, there was an increased interest in the architecture of early colonists. Because of this, many Colonial Revival homes were built – using more modern materials and amenities.

In this article, I discuss the elements of both the original Colonial homes and their more newly constructed counterparts.

White Colonial Home with black door

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LOCATION OF COLONIAL HOMES

There are examples of the Colonial style dotted throughout the country.  Slight variations were developed to withstand environmental elements. These variations were each given their own names.

Most Colonial homes are concentrated in two main regions, the Northeast and the South.  For the purposes of this installment, I focus on the New England Colonial style found in the Northeast region.

Historic Colonial Home

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SIZE OF A COLONIAL HOME

The original New England Colonial homes were built primarily during the years 1630 to 1700. They were modest in size and began as one story structures.

As more family members immigrated to the area, a second story was typically added. The two rooms on the main level (kitchen and living space) were then complemented by two upstairs bedrooms. A central stairway and large fireplace divide the rooms on each level.

One story Colonial home

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Although the size of the Colonial home increased as construction techniques improved, they continued to retain a compact rectangular form.

Colonial Home floor plans

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EXTERIOR TRADEMARKS OF A COLONIAL HOME

TWO STORY DESIGN: Typically, the living spaces are located on the main level and the second level is reserved for bedrooms.

Colonial homes feature steeply pitched roofs. The pitch is essential for shedding heavy snowfall. Dormers are  included in the more contemporary Colonial Revival homes.

Colonial Home with dormers

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SYMMETRY: The facades of Colonial homes are almost exclusively symmetrical in nature. For example, if you were to draw a line down the center of the house, the left side would be a mirror image of the right side.

Typically the door of a Colonial Home is located in the center. Two windows are evenly placed on either side of the door on the main level.

The second level generally features five windows. Each window is positioned above it’s main floor counterpart. A central window is immediately above the door. In addition, the fireplace is also commonly found in the center, dividing line, of the house.

Colonial Home with simple front door

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WOOD CLAPBOARD SIDING: Wattle and daub cladding was the common practice in England at the time. The American colonists made use of readily available local timber. This meant that their homes were typically clad in white pine instead.

The clapboards offer the functional aspect of shedding rainwater.

Colonial Home front porch

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CENTRAL ENTRY DOOR: Colonial homes almost always feature a central entrance point.

The door is generally flanked by a window on either side and/or a transom window above. The original Colonial style homes did not include a porch or portico. In contrast, both were commonly added for Colonial Revival homes.

Colonial Home front door

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INTERIOR SPACES OF A COLONIAL HOME

The interiors of a traditional Colonial home had small windows and low ceiling heights. Because of this, most of the interiors were rather dark.

In contrast, Colonial Revival homes many times feature bay windows or a larger window groups to allow more natural light.

Colonial Home living room interior

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Colonial homes are often filled with simple furnishings in muted earthy colors. The Windsor chair is a common symbol of this home style. They can be found in more modernly renovated homes as well.

Colonial home dining room with fireplace

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COLOR SCHEMES FOR COLONIAL HOMES

Paint colors essential to early Americans were mostly those derived from iron oxide. Colors such as Yellow Ochre, Red Ochre, Raw Sienna, Black, Burnt Umber, and Terre Verde were common.

These earthy tones were somewhat bold, though faded rather quickly.

Colonial Home paint colors

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Colonial home entry foyer

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Colonial Revival exteriors are very commonly clothed in white. This crisp look is accented by contrasting black on many occasions.

Simple white colonial home style

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COMMON FEATURES OF A COLONIAL HOME

Of course, no two houses are exactly alike.  But there are design elements that are seen again and again in Colonial homes, such as these statement features:

 

LARGE FIREPLACES & CHIMNEYS: The most efficient way to heat the homes during the cold Northeastern winters was with a large, central fireplace.

In addition, fireplaces were also used for cooking purposes. These fireplaces were very important in the early days and remain useful and fashionable in Colonial homes of a later era.

Colonial home fireplace

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Colonial home exterior

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SMALL PANED GLASS WINDOWS: Glass was expensive and difficult to find. Because of this, and the primitive glass-working techniques, the glass was set in smaller panes.

As a result, windows were later flanked with operable shutters, which would be closed when bad weather arose.

Newly constructed Colonials today will many times include stationary shutters, which serve an exclusive decorative purpose.

Colonial home divided light windows

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INTERIOR DECOR FOR COLONIAL HOMES

The early colonists believed in a simple lifestyle. Because of this, the pieces they did include inside their homes had a purpose for everyday living. They added little to nor adorning decorations to their interiors.

Colonial home interior

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Traditional colonial home dining room

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Traditional furnishings work well in Colonial Revival homes, as do items that are simple in nature. Interior wainscot paneling is used as a simple decorating technique, for example.

Colonial style chair

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FAMOUS COLONIAL HOMES

red Colonial home

The Home of Rebecca Nurse | 1678 | Salem Witch-trial accused

 

Colonial Home with central fireplace

Orchard House | 1690 | Home of ‘Little Women’ author Louisa May Alcott

 

Original Colonial home

Jethro Coffin House | 1686 | Oldest surviving house on Nantucket

 

INSPIRING COLONIAL HOMES FROM AROUND THE WEB

These classic homes showcase the Colonial home style well. Take a closer look!

Colonial Home Interiors

Left to Right: 1 | 2 | 3

I hope you have enjoyed learning a bit more about the Colonial home style. If you are curious which residential style will be featured next month, stay tuned!

And be sure to check out the previously showcased styles here.

 

PIN THIS FOR LATER

Colonial Home Style

THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE MID CENTURY MODERN HOME STYLE

Welcome to another installment in the ELEMENTS OF HOME series. Each month I showcase a different residential style here on the blog. It is my hope that this information will not only teach you a little something about the various styles; but also equip you if are designing or searching for a new house – by allowing you to determine which style(s) suit your lifestyle and preferences the most.

Today I will be over-viewing the Mid-Century Modern home – including the history of the style and what makes it unique.



HISTORY OF THE MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

This style received it’s name partly because of the time period in which the homes were being built. Mid-Century. Mid 20th century to be exact. There is a bit of discrepancy on which years are included; But generally speaking, the Mid-Century Modern style comprises houses built from the years 1935 to 1965.

This was a tumultuous time in history. In the mid 1930’s, the threat of the second World War was looming and various architects, including the pioneers of the Bauhaus Movement – Walter Gropius, Marcel Breuer, and later Meis van der Rohe, fled Germany for America. These men were aiming to unite art and industrial design.

At the same time, American designers were highly influenced by the simplicity and integration with nature that was prevalent in Brazilian and Scandinavian architecture.

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At the end of the war, as Veterans were returning to America, the need for affordable and quickly constructed houses arouse. These soldiers were looking to settle down and start their families. While architects designed stunning homes in the Mid-Century Modern style, it was real estate developer Joseph Eichler who is credited with bringing it to the masses – through his tract home development.

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MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

LOCATION

Typically, these homes were constructed in suburban settings. The first Mid-Century Modern homes started to take root on the West Coast. They became popular in California and then on the East coast. Slowly, the style began to spread sporadically throughout the country.

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SIZE

During the Baby Boom, Americans were looking for spacious, open homes that they could entertain in. The Mid-Century style lent itself well to the desires of suburban families. Homes were designed to be between 1,500 and 2,500 square feet – only slightly smaller than 2017’s home average square footage (2,687).

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EXTERIOR TRADEMARKS

  • VARYING ROOF LINES: Creative roofs were popular at mid-century. Among those utilized most frequently were flat roofs with deep overhangs, saw tooth roofs, and the most beloved ‘butterfly roof’ – which got it’s name from the shape the gables take on as they connect at midpoint and extend upward.

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  • ONE LEVEL DESIGN: Generally, Mid-Century Modern homes are one story structures.

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  • SPACE FOR AUTOS: This era of design was the first to begin offering shelter for automobiles. Many homes include attached garages or carports.

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  • CONNECTION: Connection to nature was of utmost importance to the designers of the Mid-Century Modern style. As such, these homes feature a wonderful collection of indoor/outdoor spaces – such as large covered patios, enclosed courtyards, and entire walls that open up to allow access to the yard.

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INTERIOR SPACES

Whereas homes built before this time period were composed of smaller compartmentalized rooms, the Mid-Century modern home employed the ‘open floor plan’ approach. This was accomplished, for the first time, partly because of improved construction techniques. Heavy/solid bearing walls were replaced by posts and beams.

Typically these open spaces had a fireplace focal point.

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These homes were also the first to employ bi-level floor plans – including sunken living rooms, for example.

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COLOR SCHEME

The colors used in the Mid-Century Modern style are warm and earthy. The tones are derived from the materials used, such as stone grey and rich auburn wood. There is also a generous use of graphic black and white that accompanies this style.

Other popular colors during the period when these homes were constructed include muted jewel tones – turquoise, emerald and mustard yellow, for example.

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COMMON FEATURES

Of course, no two houses are exactly alike; But there are design elements that are seen again and again in Mid-Century Modern styled homes – such as these statement features:

  • PRIVATE FRONT FACADES: The entrance to a Mid-Century home is generally understated and private. These homes are typically oriented so that the backyard entertaining areas receive the mid-day sun.

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  • CLEAN LINES: One of the primary goals of this design style is honesty of materials – where the sole ornamentation comes from the materials themselves. The creative and streamlined use of stone, block, glass and wood is prevalent.

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  • FLOOR TO CEILING PANES OF GLASS: Continuing with the desire to create a connection with the outdoors, many Mid-Century Modern homes employ large panes of glass – offering stunning views and an abundance of daylight.

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INTERIOR DECOR

Generally, the Mid-Century Modern decorating style could be considered sparse. The simple lines of the architecture are mirrored in the furniture pieces; and the furniture market during the Mid-Century era had a life all it’s own. The new materials of the day including plastics, resins, composites, laminate and fiberglass opened up an entire new range of possibilities.

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The furnishings best suited in these homes are clean and sleek, with minimal ornamentation.

Walls, ceilings and floors also showcase simple materials. The juxtaposition of different, and sometimes contrasting, materials is common.

 

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FAMOUS MID-CENTURY MODERN HOUSES

You may already be familiar with these stunning examples of residential Mid-Century Architecture. They are classic,  and adored by many.

The Philip Johnson Glass House | Architect: Mies van der Rohe | 1949

 

The Stahl House |Architect: Pierre Koenig | 1960

 

Neutra VDL Studio + Residence | Architect: Richard Neutra|1932/ rebuilt 1964

 

INSPIRING MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE HOMES FROM AROUND THE WEB

These homes showcase the Mid-Century Modern style well. Take a closer look!

Left to Right: 1 | 2 | 3

I hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about the Mid-Century Modern style. Curious which residential style will be featured next month? Stay tuned!

And be sure to check out the previously showcased styles here.