The Colonial Look Returns You to a Simpler Time
- Author James Allen
- Published April 18, 2007
- Word count 383
The Colonial look is steeped in tradition, but with distinctly American undertones. Here are some tips and guidelines to make this look a reality in your home.
You have a bit of elbow room to play with when orchestrating your color scheme. Using distinctive colors like vermilion, indigo, and olive mimics the colors found in affluent homes of the time. Mellow, earthy hues like brown, yellow and green gives you a color palette used by modest families of the period.
Candles and lanterns were a signature lighting instrument during the Colonial era, and it's easy to get that same look today. Simulated tapers, with a tiny bulb replacing a flame, are a common design in today's lighting market. Find chandeliers and sconces that implement the same wrought iron or brass metal finishes that were found in the fixtures of the time. If you want a more opulent style, concentrate on glass chandeliers embellished with dangling crystals.
A colonial room mixes Queen Anne and Chippendale styles with classic American elements. Characteristics of Queen Anne furniture include the elegantly feminine cabriole leg that curves from chair to floor, and the "S" scrolls that shape the pieces. Besides chairs, select tables and chests that feature cabriole legs for a cohesive look that runs throughout the entire room. Chippendale chairs are another possibility, with straight front legs and bowed or pierced slat backs. To transition from English traditional to American Colonial, simply insert some American design staples like a secretary desk, a handsome and functional fixture that adds charm to living spaces. Chest-on-chests, dining tables with drop leaves, highboys and matching lowboys and Windsor chairs will also do nicely.
Dig out any heirloom samplers from your family attic and break out the silver or pewter service ware for display on your sideboard. Colonial style focuses on the hearth, so if you have one, make it the focus of your design and enhance it with molding and carved mantels. You can draw attention to your fireplace by hanging large paintings or prints over it if you don't have a mantel. Another signature accessory, the grandfather clock, complements dignified furniture like secretary desks, and varieties can be found with lacquers, broken pediments and finials. Lastly, tie in your windows with drapes them with festoon blind and French draw curtains.
For a HUGE selection of bedroom furniture including beautiful platform beds visit the Eco-Furniture website today.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- How to make an unique baby room wall decoration?
- Set the Tone: 5 Romantic Paint Colors for a Couple’s Bedroom
- A fishbone or herring bone floor in different sizes, what is the best choice for what room size?
- Plaid, Lights, And Magic: A Guide To Spectacular New Year’s Eve Decorations
- 10 DIY Garage Storage Ideas to Declutter Your Space
- How scented candles influence the way you are
- How to Use Wall Art to Create a Focal Point in Your Living Room
- How to Choose the Best Ergonomic Office Chair?
- The Psychology of Color in Interior Design: How Hues Affect Mood and Behavior
- How to Pick Great Photography Wall Art For Your Interior
- Top Trends in Window Blinds for Lexington, KY Homes and Businesses
- The Captivating Appeal of Modern Bold Wall Art: Unveiling Its Advantages
- Personalized Life Ring: The Perfect Nautical Touch for Memorable Occasions and Thoughtful Gifts
- The Benefits of Adding Substrate to Your Aquarium
- Blinds Vs Curtains: Which is energy efficient?
- How To Use Feng Shui
- Celebrating Life's Moments with Fresh Flowers in Richmond, VA: A Guide to Rushing Blooms
- Tips on Choosing a Good Home Cleaning Service
- Where to buy beautiful rugs, floor mats and more.
- SECRETS to make your home space even better
- How to Make the Most of Your Storage Space
- The Benefits of Wooden Boxes
- Giclée art prints
- Havana Collection Traditional Oriental Distressed Area Rug and Runner
- How To Design A Unique Kitchen Backsplash
- 2 most important things to consider while looking for home furniture store
- Where to Buy and How to Install Handmade Copper Tiles for Backsplash
- How Solar Benefits Local Communities
- A Few Tips on Choosing Kitchen Cabinets, Countertops and Backsplashes
- What To Consider When Choose A New Backsplash