Design Secrets of Colonial Revival Style
The proportions of classic architecture are endlessly adaptable to today’s interiors — strictly traditional or not
Colonial Revival architecture developed in the early 20th century in the United States out of nostalgia for the traditional homes of the 17th- and 18th-century American colonies, and it remains one of the most popular U.S. architectural styles in modern times. What explains its continuing popularity? It’s all about the classic proportions and the flexibility inherent in its details. Take a look at these living rooms to see what we mean.
In another New York house, traditionally styled furnishings complete the Colonial Revival theme. Look closely at the crown moulding at the top of the walls, then notice the progressively extending elements of the mantel shelf.
In today’s interiors, the crown moulding plays the role of the capping cornice at the top of buildings in classical architecture. Here, the crown moulding (or cornice) on the wall is about twice the size of that of the mantel shelf because the proportion of the wall is about twice the proportion of the entire mantelpiece.
The chair rail trim along the wall at waist level represents the top of a pedestal in classical architecture, defining the transition from lower to upper elements. As in the previous example, the baseboard is properly proportioned to the ceiling height.
How traditional interior trim borrows from classical design
In today’s interiors, the crown moulding plays the role of the capping cornice at the top of buildings in classical architecture. Here, the crown moulding (or cornice) on the wall is about twice the size of that of the mantel shelf because the proportion of the wall is about twice the proportion of the entire mantelpiece.
The chair rail trim along the wall at waist level represents the top of a pedestal in classical architecture, defining the transition from lower to upper elements. As in the previous example, the baseboard is properly proportioned to the ceiling height.
How traditional interior trim borrows from classical design
The elements adapt to all kinds of spaces
Most Colonial Revival living rooms have flat ceilings because a second floor commonly lies directly above. But when a room extension allows a vaulted ceiling, as in this Boston house, the principles of symmetry and traditional detail can follow the theme into the added height of the space — in this case, with trusses and dormer windows.
Notice that the arc of the truss beam transitions into a column with an implied capital as it meets the wall. Another classical detail in this space is the keystone-like detail at the arch within the cabinets that hold the television on right side of this photo. This is an allusion to the final stone set in place to complete an ancient stone arch.
The less formal stone fireplace works well within this framework, as do the built-in bookshelves that flank the fireplace and create charming window seats.
Most Colonial Revival living rooms have flat ceilings because a second floor commonly lies directly above. But when a room extension allows a vaulted ceiling, as in this Boston house, the principles of symmetry and traditional detail can follow the theme into the added height of the space — in this case, with trusses and dormer windows.
Notice that the arc of the truss beam transitions into a column with an implied capital as it meets the wall. Another classical detail in this space is the keystone-like detail at the arch within the cabinets that hold the television on right side of this photo. This is an allusion to the final stone set in place to complete an ancient stone arch.
The less formal stone fireplace works well within this framework, as do the built-in bookshelves that flank the fireplace and create charming window seats.
This Colonial Revival house in Palo Alto, California, employs a contemporary monochromatic scheme for the living room, shown here and in the family room, below. This marriage of traditional architecture and contemporary furnishings, as well as the simplified details of the classical elements, produces an example of the on-trend transitional style.
Again, you can see that the crown moulding “cornice” of the wall is about twice the size of that of the smaller, cornice-like mantel shelf. The flanking projections on both sides of the marble firebox face imply a column, where the trim aligned with the top of the marble face divides it into the implied capital of the column.
The simplified detail of the fireplace surround echoes the configuration of more ornate details found in traditional Colonial Revivals.
Again, you can see that the crown moulding “cornice” of the wall is about twice the size of that of the smaller, cornice-like mantel shelf. The flanking projections on both sides of the marble firebox face imply a column, where the trim aligned with the top of the marble face divides it into the implied capital of the column.
The simplified detail of the fireplace surround echoes the configuration of more ornate details found in traditional Colonial Revivals.
In the same house, the family room holds the television in similarly detailed handsome built-ins, with its details properly proportioned to the full height of the room.
In North Carolina, this authentic 1930s remodelled Colonial Revival house lets a single colour unify the details of the living room. Again, symmetry and balance pervade the space.
The mantelpiece includes a detail of concave and convex shapes below the mantel shelf and above the firebox trim. This element is considered the frieze, as in the panel under the top of a classical building (see chart).
The firebox trim that surrounds the marble jogs out at the sides. This alludes to a supporting beam over an opening. As in ancient classical architecture, the details will vary depending on the creativity of the designer. The trick is to maintain the proper proportions that are important to classical design.
The mantelpiece includes a detail of concave and convex shapes below the mantel shelf and above the firebox trim. This element is considered the frieze, as in the panel under the top of a classical building (see chart).
The firebox trim that surrounds the marble jogs out at the sides. This alludes to a supporting beam over an opening. As in ancient classical architecture, the details will vary depending on the creativity of the designer. The trick is to maintain the proper proportions that are important to classical design.
The designers for this remodeled Colonial Revival in Boston transformed a library full of exuberant classical details into a living room, again illustrating the wide range in complexity in Colonial Revivals.
To illustrate how the scale of elements of classical architecture overlay, take a close look at the pilasters – those flat columns against the wall. The baseboard of the room serves the same design purpose as a base, or plinth, for a pilaster, or column. The wainscot trim sits at about one-third the height of the column, consistent with the proportions of a classical pedestal. The capital consists of the two embellished scrolls. The detail of a capital will vary, depending on its particular style of classical architecture.
Trim above the capital transitions into the ceiling through a specific sequence common to classical architecture. Each element serves a logical purpose and represents certain parts of a structure. The layering of elements maintains the scale to their respective position and parts.
To illustrate how the scale of elements of classical architecture overlay, take a close look at the pilasters – those flat columns against the wall. The baseboard of the room serves the same design purpose as a base, or plinth, for a pilaster, or column. The wainscot trim sits at about one-third the height of the column, consistent with the proportions of a classical pedestal. The capital consists of the two embellished scrolls. The detail of a capital will vary, depending on its particular style of classical architecture.
Trim above the capital transitions into the ceiling through a specific sequence common to classical architecture. Each element serves a logical purpose and represents certain parts of a structure. The layering of elements maintains the scale to their respective position and parts.
Classical architecture is filled with intricate detail. Compare this fireplace mantelpiece design with a window or door trim or the top of a classical building, and you will immediately see the consistency of the order of the elements.
The draped swag-and-urn plaster reliefs in the panels above the French doors of this renovated New York Colonial illustrate another detail found in Colonial Revival style. These frieze panels relate to the position where decorative sculpture embellished a classical building, often telling a story or providing a scenic reference to the architecture of the structure.
The mantelpiece has its own unadorned frieze panel centred within its cornice. The base (plinth) of the narrow mantelpiece column is at the proper scale compared with the baseboard of the room. The baseboard is much larger than the mantelpiece column plinth because the baseboard proportions itself to the full height of the wall. The mantelpiece is treated as its own element, with downscaled features.
The mantelpiece has its own unadorned frieze panel centred within its cornice. The base (plinth) of the narrow mantelpiece column is at the proper scale compared with the baseboard of the room. The baseboard is much larger than the mantelpiece column plinth because the baseboard proportions itself to the full height of the wall. The mantelpiece is treated as its own element, with downscaled features.
This stately Connecticut house has an elliptical-shaped arch entry, common in Colonial Revival doorways, into its living room. The trim, or casing, around this opening mimics the detail of a classical column and transitions to the arch with the suggestion of a capital. A keystone detail at the apex completes the design. The egg-and-dart detail on the outer edge of the arch is named for its resemblance to eggs divided by arrows.
In the family room of another Colonial Revival in Connecticut, the elliptical arch frames both the built-in cabinets and a passage into an adjoining room. Corbels support the mantel shelf of a fireplace design with a stone face — a less formal twist on the style. Still, alignment and symmetry confirm the classical architecture of the space: The beams of the ceiling coordinate with the division between the French doors.
Two somewhat unusual columns flank this living room entrance in Raleigh, North Carolina. The doorway casing wraps the wall, creating a pilaster: a column detail in rectilinear form.
When placing classical columns, be sure that each detail is correct to its particular classical style, known as an “order.” Research correct details and proportions of columns and other classical elements, and avoid widely available and poorly designed columns with incorrect detail.
When placing classical columns, be sure that each detail is correct to its particular classical style, known as an “order.” Research correct details and proportions of columns and other classical elements, and avoid widely available and poorly designed columns with incorrect detail.
This particular column provides a special exception to the rules. This capital design is not one of the five styles, or orders, typically used, but it borrows from another ancient Greek capital found at an Athenian monument called The Tower of the Winds. Stylized palm leaves flare out at the top, while stylized acanthus leaves underscore their design.
You might at first believe that this is a historical house because of its traditional architectural detail, but it is a new country house in New York. The architects faithfully detailed the residence in classically rooted Colonial Revival design. Classical details embellish the entire room.
Subdued details define the living room of this 1915 Colonial Revival house in New York. The contrasting soft yellow quietly emphasizes the trim.
The room feels informally formal as well as warm and inviting. Because classical architecture survives through thousands of years of history, it delivers a familiarity that makes us feel safe and secure, and continues as a favored residential architectural fashion.
The room feels informally formal as well as warm and inviting. Because classical architecture survives through thousands of years of history, it delivers a familiarity that makes us feel safe and secure, and continues as a favored residential architectural fashion.
Elements of classical design
This illustration (click on it to see a larger view) provides a map to the assemblage of parts in classical architecture. You can see the 12 primary parts as you study it from right to left. There are three main components:
The shapes of modern-day mouldings and trim echo the purposes of these historical details.
Learn more about these classical elements and their relationship to modern-day trim
Tell us:
Have you wondered about a detail in your Colonial Revival house? Upload a photo and tell us about it in the Comments below.
This illustration (click on it to see a larger view) provides a map to the assemblage of parts in classical architecture. You can see the 12 primary parts as you study it from right to left. There are three main components:
- The entablature, or roof
- The column, or vertical support
- The pedestal, or base support
The shapes of modern-day mouldings and trim echo the purposes of these historical details.
Learn more about these classical elements and their relationship to modern-day trim
Tell us:
Have you wondered about a detail in your Colonial Revival house? Upload a photo and tell us about it in the Comments below.
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As you make your column larger or smaller to fit a space, its parts scale up or down accordingly. For example, according to the rules of classic architecture, if your column is 9 feet tall, the pedestal will be about one-third of the column height, or 3 feet tall. If your column is 12 feet tall, your pedestal will be about 4 feet tall.
This is how a fireplace mantel, such as the one in this Georgian Colonial Revival house in New York, resembles a mini classical temple. Its details in turn relate to the baseboards, window and door casings, and crown moulding, which themselves are sized in proportion to the height of the room.
Once you understand the purpose and placement of the parts, variations and interpretations become infinite. Though Colonial Revival is a style of traditional architecture, the classic look allows it to easily mix with contemporary furnishings and with variations on traditional design.