What is the Colonial-Revival Style?
The Colonial Revival style became popular in the early 1900s in America, at a time when people became nostalgic for a pre-industrialized era. Modern interpretations of the colonial era began to emerge in architectural and interior designs, heavily influenced by British, Spanish, French, and Dutch designs. Rooted in a romantic and nostalgic take on traditional American values, the Colonial Revival style became one of the most widespread trends in American home design and it still endures today. Here are some of the characteristic traits of Colonial Revival homes.
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Colonial Revival homes typically have grand entrance hallways with sweeping central staircases. White wooden features contrast with polished oak or mahogany floors, for a simple yet elegant look that celebrates good quality craftsmanship.
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Colonial Revival homes are full of furniture that celebrate 18th- and 19th- century styles. Chippendale, Queen Anne, Sheraton, Hepplewhite, William and May, and American Empire styles all made a revival in the early 20th century, and Colonial Revival homes often contain a mixture of these styles.
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An emphasis on traditional craftsmanship shines through in the high-quality woodwork throughout a Colonial Revival home. This appears in detailed wainscoting, wall paneling, cornices, and balustrades, typically contrasting bright white with deep mahogany hues.
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When it comes to patterns, Colonial Revival interiors display plenty of stripes and floral motifs on white or neutral backgrounds. These motifs appear in wallpaper, upholstery, rugs, and drapery.
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Colonial architecture evolved from the architecture of the Italian Renaissance, which has roots in ancient Greek and Roman architecture. This gives the Colonial Revival style an emphasis on classic proportions through columns and other temple-like details. In interiors, this influence often shows up via a grand fireplace adorned with columns, plinths, or friezes.
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When it comes to soft furnishings, a Colonial Revival interior looks to the techniques of pre-industrialized colonial America. Historical quilts, red damask fabrics, and homespun textiles appear in bed linens, curtains, and upholstery throughout a Colonial Revival home.