The Colonial Revival comes in many styles, but all pay tribute to America’s earliest homes.
By Aimee Tucker
Oct 20 2023
The Colonial Revival is a homey, updated take on an American original.
Photo Credit : Illustration by Rob LeannaSpanning three-quarters of a century, the Colonial Revival era is not so much about a specific style as it is a specific vibe: namely, a nostalgic revival of the English- and Dutch-inspired styles of America’s early home-building days. Colonial Revivals come with a variety of layouts and rooflines, but common elements include symmetry, fanciful accents, and a prominent front entrance.
Time Period: 1880–1955
Defining Characteristic: Historic-meets-homey feel
Famous Example: Your childhood home (or your grandparents’)
Where to Find Colonial Revival Homes: Throughout the Northeast, including the Old Post Road Historic District of Fairfield, Connecticut
1. Structure: A second-story overhang is typical of a variation called Garrison Colonial, shown here with a one-story side-wing addition
2. Windows: Traditional shuttered upper windows with simpler paired lower windows are commonly seen
3. Entrance: Varies widely among Colonial Revival houses but is typically prominent, such as this door with sidelights (but no fanlight)
As Digital Editor of New England.com, Aimee writes, manages, and promotes content for NewEngland.com and its social media channels. Before this role, she served as assistant, then associate, editor for Yankee Magazine and YankeeMagazine.com, where she was nominated for a City and Regional Magazine Association award for Best Blog. A lifelong New Englander, Aimee loves history, the New Hampshire seacoast, and a good Massachusetts South Shore bar pizza.
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