Colonial Revival
Founding-era aesthetic reborn
Colonial Revival describes an architectural and decorative style that draws on early American colonial designs, particularly from the Georgian and Federal periods.
The movement began in the late 19th century, spurred partly by nostalgia surrounding the 1876 centennial.
Colonial Revival homes feature symmetrical facades, columned porticos, and classical details: a Colonial Revival house with its characteristic shutters and dormers.
The style dominated American residential architecture through the mid-20th century and remains popular in suburbs.
Returning something to condition
- renovationRestoring to good condition
- historic districtProtected area of significance
- landmarkNotable point of reference
- National RegisterU.S. historic properties list
adaptive reuse · heritage tourism · Williamsburg · craftsmanship · authenticity · conservation · rehabilitation · historic preservation
Heritage artifacts or music
- founding fathersMale originators of institutions
- early AmericanPre-independence domestic style
- heritageInherited cultural legacy
- traditionCustom passed through generations
old-fashioned · quaint · timeless · classic · historic charm · New England · patriotic · centennial
Of four kings' era
- Cape CodMassachusetts coastal peninsula
- saltboxAsymmetrical colonial house style
- clapboardOverlapping exterior wood planks
- dormerProjecting rooftop window structure
shutters · cupola · portico · fanlight · pediment · pilaster · gable · columns
Armchair with side panels
- four-poster bedBed with vertical corner supports
- brass fixturesCopper-alloy mounted hardware
- oil lampWick-burning fuel vessel
- pewterTin-based tableware alloy
needlepoint · hooked rug · Windsor chair · secretary desk · highboy · lowboy · chintz · toile
restoration
Returning something to condition
- renovationRestoring to good condition
- historic districtProtected area of significance
- landmarkNotable point of reference
National Register · adaptive reuse · heritage tourism · Williamsburg · craftsmanship · authenticity · conservation · rehabilitation · historic preservation · heritage site
Americana
Heritage artifacts or music
- founding fathersMale originators of institutions
- early AmericanPre-independence domestic style
- heritageInherited cultural legacy
tradition · old-fashioned · quaint · timeless · classic · historic charm · New England · patriotic · centennial · commemorative
Georgian
Of four kings' era
- Cape CodMassachusetts coastal peninsula
- saltboxAsymmetrical colonial house style
- clapboardOverlapping exterior wood planks
dormer · shutters · cupola · portico · fanlight · pediment · pilaster · gable · columns · symmetry
wingback chair
Armchair with side panels
- four-poster bedBed with vertical corner supports
- brass fixturesCopper-alloy mounted hardware
- oil lampWick-burning fuel vessel
pewter · needlepoint · hooked rug · Windsor chair · secretary desk · highboy · lowboy · chintz · toile · grandfather clock