Colonial Revival

Colonial Revival was a nationalistic architectural style movement in the United States which looked to utilize Federal and Georgian housing styles. Colonial Revival styled houses have decorative front doors, elaborate pediments and fanlights or sidelights around the door. Also, the facade is symmetrical with a centered front door and evenly spaced windows on either side of it.

Features

 * Symmetrical façade
 * Rectangular
 * 2 to 3 stories
 * Brick or wood siding
 * Simple, classical detailing
 * Gable roof
 * Pillars and columns
 * Multi-pane, double-hung windows with shutters
 * Dormers
 * Temple-like entrance: portico topped by pediment
 * Paneled doors with sidelights and topped with rectangular transoms or fanlights
 * Center entry-hall floor plan
 * Living areas on the first floor and bedrooms on the upper floors
 * Fireplaces

History
Colonial Revival styled houses became popular in the 1890's in an attempt for American's to reconnect with their colonial past. The Colonial style is based loosely on Federal and Georgian house styles. It is thought to reflect American patriotism and a desire for simplicity. Also, the style of the house was a way to combat the more flamboyant style of the Victorian period in architecture. Wallace Nutting's books and atmospheric photographs helped bring the style to life.

The Colonial Revival style saw many successive waves of revivals after it fell in popularity in the 1950's. The British colonial architecture soon followed, taking hold in the United States since 1876. In the 19th century, the Colonial Revival seemed to take on some of the Victorian qualities, usually lining the front doors with large columns. But with the popularity of research-based history attractions like Colonial Williamsburg in the 1930s, the colonial styled houses being built thereafter seemed to take on a less ostentatious look. The columns soon fell out of favor. Later, in the Bicentennial years, the ranch style meshed with the Colonial style. This new style was one that often featured eagle, cannon or drum motifs and sometimes wooden shake roofs.

Architects
Notable architects associated with this style include: