How to Update a Colonial House Exterior

If you want to make your colonial house look more charming, there are several ways to go about it. First, choose your exterior color scheme. Then, consider the features and characteristics of colonial houses. Also, consider where you would like to place your home. You may consider adding a side porch or building a front porch.

Colors

If you want to update the exterior of your colonial house, you should consider adding modern pops of color. For example, slate gray and bright white are popular exterior paint colors that give your home a classic, yet modern look. In addition, black is a great color for exteriors, since it hides dirt and mold better than white.

While choosing exterior paint colors for your colonial house, keep in mind the details of the house. Take note of what colors were used on the clapboards and shutters. You should also choose a color for any parts of your house that are unpainted, like the garage door and porch ceiling.

Blue was used extensively in the colonial period, and its nautical history can be found throughout its architecture. While blue and white were popular during the Colonial period, navy blue is also prevalent in many Colonial houses today. Colors associated with the navy were also popular during the period known as the Queen Anne period (late 1800s to the early 1900s). During this time, homes were painted with a variety of colorful accents. In addition to blue and white, you should also consider light pink and peach. These colors were common during that time, when the arts were a staple of the American landscape.

The front door is an important focal point on the exterior of a Colonial house, and the color you choose for it says a lot about the owner’s personality. A red door will immediately catch someone’s eye and make them want to know more about the homeowner. A black door, on the other hand, is traditional and speaks to someone who is more conservative. Lastly, a blue door conveys a feeling of calmness and relaxedness, and goes perfectly with someone who enjoys meeting people and mingling.

Colonial houses can be found in all sizes and shapes. While they started with only one room per floor, they eventually went up to four or more stories. A center-hall colonial is a two-story home that has three to four bedrooms and an entry door in the center of the front.

Characteristics

The exterior of a Colonial style home is a straightforward design that is often lacking in flamboyance. Instead, this style uses geometric combinations of shrubs and trees to create a more refined aesthetic. The front door of a Colonial style house usually opens into a center hall, while the bedrooms are usually located on the upper floors. The house often has a spacious attic that is often converted into a den.

The colonial home’s second story usually has five windows, with a central window positioned above the door. A fireplace is also common. Colonial houses usually have wood clapboard siding, which sheds rainwater. Those who are familiar with colonial architecture are aware of the high value of this historic style.

Another characteristic of the Colonial style is its symmetrical appearance. This is most evident on those houses that have two chimneys. The windows and roofline are also symmetrical. This gives the house a distinctive look that makes it attractive to prospective buyers. This design is ideal for new construction, but some people might not want the traditional appearance.

The front door of a colonial house is typically symmetrical. It also features a two-story design, with the living areas, kitchen, and bedrooms located on the upper floor. Many colonial homes have flanking wings and a central fireplace. A traditional fireplace is present in nearly all homes with colonial architecture, but it is not the only characteristic. Chimney maintenance is an integral part of colonial style architecture.

The style of a colonial house is based on the styles of the British and French colonies. These styles were brought to America by early settlers. Several variations of this style were created over the following centuries. While clapboard siding was the most common material used on colonial houses, brick facades are also common. The brick facade creates interest and symmetry.

As with many traditional styles, colonial homes often have multiple windows. These windows often have many small panes and are decorated with shutters. Bay windows are another popular choice.

Remodeling options

A Colonial house’s exterior can benefit from an updated siding and windows. Originally, the Colonial style featured symmetrical design and unadorned windows. Over time, however, additions were added to either side of the original structure, increasing the home’s size and living space. With some careful planning, it is possible to keep the exterior of the colonial house looking cohesive, while incorporating additions that match the style of the original structure. Adding classically styled pillars and columns to the front entrance reinforces the colonial aesthetic.

The owners of this classic Colonial home wanted to add a grander entry to their home. Though the front yard was somewhat limited, the addition of a new portico provided a charming focal point for the front entryway. The addition of new landscaping contrasted with the rich stained front door, while large support columns added grand appeal.

A Colonial house’s exterior is a great canvas for renovation, especially if the original style has undergone extensive renovations. Typical features include dated brickwork and a variety of plants. Whether you’re looking to add modern touches or restore classic characteristics, the exterior of the house should be the focus of your renovations.

Location

When planning the exterior of a Colonial home, keep the original details and location of the main structure in mind. Many colonial homes feature an open floor plan, and some even feature a fireplace placed on the exterior wall. This move gives the living room a more modern feel, while preserving the colonial style. A Colonial-style home can also benefit from adding contemporary luxury pieces, such as a fireplace and wood floors.

The front of a Colonial house is framed by stone pillars and a curved roof, and decorative molding over the front door adds charm. In addition, neat landscaping and front-yard landscaping are sure to amplify the Colonial appeal. A front porch remodel adds extra living space and an inviting front entryway.

A colonial house is a popular style of home in certain regions of the U.S. Today, there are many modern interpretations of the Colonial style. The main floor of a Colonial home typically includes the kitchen and living room, with a hallway housing the bathroom. In the original design, the fireplace was located in the center of the main floor. However, later homes placed it on the exterior walls. Colonials used the same materials that homeowners used to build their homes.

Colonial homes are usually simple in design. This makes them an ideal structure for additions and alterations. A central front door is typical, as is a large, symmetrical window on each side. Most colonial homes also have a large fireplace centered on the rear of the home, or a smaller one at the ends. Colonial homes also had no HVAC systems, so chimney maintenance was an important aspect of maintaining the home.

A colonial home can be a one-story home, with a kitchen, living room, and bedroom on the bottom floor. Spanish colonial homes are one-story and are usually constructed of stone, brick, or wood. Typically, they have a central staircase on the first floor, and a hall on the second floor, connecting bedrooms and bathrooms.