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Colonial Decorating
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Colonial refers to the 1600s to the 1800s. This is the
time America was first being settled, and ideas on how to create a unique style
were being developed. Much of the colonial influence was taken from 17th century
English architecture. There were no standard rules of decor at the time, so
many builds were built by local carpenters using English designs. The homes
featured straight lines and were very simple. These characteristics are what has
kept this remarkable style in fashion over the years. General Georgian home
decor consist of painted panel walls, crown molding, sash windows, and other
classic items. Wood flooring, walk-in closets, and elaborate fireplaces are
still revered today as the most-desirable decorations for the home.
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Early colonial homes had exposed beams, but these were replaced by plastered
ceilings. Exposed beams seem to be making a come back though. Queen Anne,
Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton are some styles of furniture during this
time period. Duncan Phyfe being the most popular in America's early history. The
furniture's lines consisted of elegance and sensuous curves. Ornament, swags,
urns, medallions, and inlays were popular features on furniture. Sofas and
chairs were upholstered with heavy fabrics like velvets and tapestries.
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Mahogany was the best wood at the time for making furniture. Button-tufting and
elaborate trims were also used during this time. Colonial homes used colors that
could be found in nature. Cream was applied to walls and woodwork. Deep
green and mustard yellow were also some favorite colors to display in home
decor. Barn red, gray, and blue were as exotic as it got as far as colors go.
Browns and taupes were the most common colors used in the neutral family. You
can go to your local paint store to see a color chart of colonial paint colors.
The National Historic Homes guidelines are used when painting a colonial style
home. |
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Accessories included in this time period were delicate embroidery like
crewel and Jacobean needlework, needlepoint samplers, family portraits and
pewter. Paul Revere was known for his silver work at the time. Oriental
ginger jars, ivory, Chinese porcelain, and other accessories brought from
the Orient by ships were also considered important decorative accents. The
overall effect of Colonial decor is simplicity and elegance at the same
time.
Don't think you need a certain style of home to create a colonial feel. Use
your creativity to establish your own unique colonial styled home. For
inspiration visit Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia which has a museum
dedicated to the colonial style. Other ideas are to look online at pictures
of other houses and then create your own version of that picture.
Replitiques.com sells handmade American Country antique reproductions. The
HGTV website also has many tips on how to decorate your home in a colonial
style. Countryporch.com features kitchen ideas to get your colonial
inspiration flowing. |
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