American Design: Colonial

The first English settlement was in Jamestown, Virginia. The Europeans came to America for religious freedom and because so many countries aided in the founding of the New World, the design styles from colonial America vary greatly. Each nationality settled in areas that seemed familiar to them and built homes like the ones they were used to. For the most part the homes all had small windows with shutters, a large stone fireplace, and a central work center.  

Some of the most well known and recognized colonial homes are the plantation houses. The are characterized by two stories laid out in a T or cross floor plan. They had a central passageway that separated the public and private areas of the home. Also featured is enclosed porches and a stair tower. Fireplaces were located along the outside of the rooms.

Another very recognizable colonial style is the French Colonial. These homes are typically found along rivers. They have full length porches and exterior stairs. Because of their location along rivers, raised floors were common. French doors are also a common feature in these homes.

The Dutch style is also common and and can be seen often in design today. The Dutch Colonial style can be found along the Hudson River. They are characterized by steep roofs, and crow-stepped gables. They have Dutch doors and ornamental tiles.