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Colonial Revival

The Colonial Revival is an architectural style that was popular in the United States from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. This form of architecture was influential in the building of public and private buildings, including government offices, schools, post offices, and homes.

The style is rooted in a romantic idealism of the past, drawing heavily on traditional architectural features from pre-Medieval and Early American Colonial eras. The Colonial Revival look features symmetrical designs with gabled roofs, often with a dominant central chimney, and dormers. The design often harkens back to the simplicity of classic architecture from a bygone era.

The Colonial Revival style flourished in the northeastern United States, including places like New England, Pennsylvania and New York, as well as parts of the mid-Atlantic and Midwest. The popularity of the style can be attributed to the nationalistic mood of the late 19th century. Americans were looking to celebrate their recently won independence. There was a desire to embrace and revive the style and qualities of the past while also modernizing the house.

Colonial Revival was highly influential in the designing of the mansions of financiers, oil magnates and politicians during the early 20th century. John D. Rockefeller, J.P. Morgan, James J. Hill and John D. Rockefeller Jr. all had homes that showed a notable nod to the colonial revival trend. In addition, many civic and government buildings borrow from the style, such as post offices, town halls, libraries and museums. Colonial Revival details are also often found in decor within buildings of the same style, incorporating elements of early American design, such as quilts and wrought iron.

Colonial Revival often features decorative trim such as dentils, rims, and quoins, which are decorative blocks used to adorn edges. Another common feature are porches occurring both on the front and back of the building, covered with a roof or open to each side. Pairs of slender columns may be seen, with decorative capitals and supporting a triangular pediment. The style can be seen in churches, fraternal lodges and other public buildings as well as private residences.

Colonial Revival remains the favored style for many new home projects, which often claim to be “authentic” during the development process, yet the design has shifted over time. Contemporary homes often feature a more expansive layout than traditional Colonial Revival-style homes. Many of these houses also have a subtle hint of the classic style, such as decorative shutters and a portico.

The style of Colonial Revival architecture is both classic and romantic, helping to conjure up a nostalgia to what many Americans consider a golden era in their nation’s history. Its timeless appeal has endured across the generations, as a symbol of America’s past glories and its commitment to enduring progress and improvement.

Colonial Revival is a style of architecture that was popular in the early 20th century. It is based on the styles of the colonial era in America but is also influenced by contemporary ideas of design. This style of architecture was seen in residential, commercial and institutional buildings as well as churches.

The most recognisable feature of Colonial Revival architecture is its symmetrical facade with an entryway that is usually framed by two or more columns. Doors and windows. are usually arranged in pairs and there is often a central balcony or porch. Other defining features can include a hipped or gambrel roof, a Palladian window, shutters, and dormer windows. The style is often characterized by its traditional materials such as brick, stone, wood, and stucco.

The interior of Colonial Revival buildings often incorporate features inspired by the Colonial period such as wide plank hardwood floors, lots of natural light, high ceilings, wood mouldings, wainscoting, built-in cabinets, and fireplaces. The furnishings often follow the Colonial style but may also comprise a mix of styles, including Georgian, Chippendale, and Victorian.

Colonial Revival style has its origins in the 19th century when architects, beginning in the 1840s, began to explore the past for inspiration. Architectural styles from this period focused on simplicity and a return to classical proportions and the materials used in colonial buildings. As the 19th century progressed, the style gained popularity as a reaction to the over-decorated Victorian designs.

In the early 20th century, Colonial Revival reached its peak in popularity. This style was seen in both private homes and institutional buildings. Henry Hobson Richardson, Charles McKim, and Frank Lloyd Wright were some of the most notable architects who created some of the most iconic examples of Colonial Revival architecture. Although some of its popularity has declined in recent decades, Colonial Revival is still a common style in American architecture. These days it is often seen in urban neighbourhoods where historic homes have been restored to their original form, or in modern condo developments that attempt to emulate the style.

Overall, Colonial Revival architecture is a strongly recognisable style, and has been a defining form in the American landscape for over a century. It captures a sense of nostalgia and history for the traditional American style, while also allowing for the expression of contemporary interpretations. Whether it’s used on a small single family home, a large institutional building, or a mix of both, Colonial Revival will continue to be a preferred style of architecture in the years to come.