Be inspired by the very origins of modern America in your interior design ideas. Discover how colonial style can make your house into a relaxing home...
Colonial decorating styles refer to the American colonial style – the styles used by the first settlers to America going back to the 17th Century. It is also very similar to the New England style of decorating.
The first settlers came from England, so naturally they were very influenced by the styles of design and architecture which were around in England itself at that time. This was a Georgian interior design style.
For the most part, though, Colonial decorating is not exactly the same as the English Georgian style. The lifestyle of the first settlers was very different from the established lifestyles and towns of England.
The first settlers had to build and create everything themselves, by hand, so the style they used was simple, straightforward, and made use of local building materials and techniques – which they used to create English-style designs.
To start with, colonial decorating was rustic, basic and simple. But the period this decorating style covers lasted for around 300 years – so as time went on, and for richer people, the style became more ornate and lavish.
In general, Colonial interior design is a simple and practical style. It is a simple, rustic look – very uncluttered… this makes it very easy to live with, and gives it a wonderfully nostalgic feel – bringing old fashioned values of home, family and endeavour into your interior design style.
Just follow these simple guidelines, and you too can get the colonial decorating look…
Walls and Color
A dado rail (or chair rail) was a very common feature of colonial homes, so try to include one in your decorating scheme.
Simple timber panelling was also used.
Walls were painted in a simple, flat paint – commonly whitewashed - giving a very light and airy feel.
Colors were usually reserved for woodwork, such as dado rails, skirtings, doors etc.
The colors to choose for your woodwork, or if you fancy warming up your home a little by using colors in your colonial decorating scheme, are warm, natural, earthy tones. Choose soft, muted tones (to reflect the use of natural pigment in the paints).
Ideal colors are creams, taupes, browns, greens, soft blues, yellows and a reddish-brown.
Stencils were quite often used, to take the place of borders on the walls.
Pine flooring was pretty much standard – add plenty of hand-woven and rag rugs, to complete the look.
Windows
Window treatments were very simple too – shutters are ideal, or plain, tab-top or panel curtains, to provide warmth and privacy.
For wealthier settlers, curtains were styled in a Georgian interior design style. - thicker, more opulent, with swags and tails.
Furniture
Colonial style furniture was very simple and rustic in design. It was often made by the settlers themselves, in a simple, pegged style, with solid, rectangular boards.
Wood was plentiful, so it was the material of choice – usually pine, birch, maple or walnut, or cherry.
Where possible, settlers did bring their own furniture with them – so antiques were quite common. Antiques are a very good place to start for your own colonial style scheme, to get a really authentic look.
Lighting
Choose simple, rustic lighting for an effective colonial decorating style. Go for wooden, or iron light-holders …. Candles would have been used in colonial times.
Wall sconces are a great way of getting that old-fashioned colonial decorating look.
Chandeliers would have been acquired by wealthier settlers, and more commonly fitted, as time went on.
Accessories
Accessories were practical rather than fancy. Although, as with the style in general, designs and materials became more ornate and expensive, for the wealthier, and as time went on.
Fabrics are a great way of getting the look – and adding warmth and interest to your room. Look out for crewelwork, embroidery and needlework samplers, patchwork and quilting.
Use these as throws, quilts, cushions, curtains, upholstery, cushions and wall hangings.
Choose simple, primitive-style folk art for your walls.
Family photos were often a very important part of the home – so be sure to display some, in your colonial scheme. Try sepia photos of great-grandparents, or print your modern family out in black and white or sepia tones, to get a very old-fashioned colonial look.
Pottery on display was generally a rustic, earthenware style. But for fancier pieces, oriental influences were in evidence – with fine, patterned chinas, and ginger jars.
Also look out for pewter ware – such as tankards and little jugs – to perfect the look.
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Are you ready to start your colonial decorating scheme now? Before you do, take a look at my checklist of interior design tips to make sure you get a really professional touch to your interior design.
