During this time America was just settling in; they came across on the Mayflower and were discovering this new land they had landed on. They tried to adapt nature to fit their own design style instead of the Native Americans idea of adapting their styles to nature. During the Colonial time, which is pre 1776, they lived in tents, and huts made out of clay mud , bark and tree limbs. Their homes are very simple; everything was put together with logs fit together with mortise and tenon joint. As time moved forward more people came over from Europe and brought with them new ideas. Plaster was developed and they were able to plaster the interior walls to add decoration and cut out the drafts of the homes. The Horton House in Southold New York, was built in 1649 and is the oldest standing building from Colonial times. It is built of tree limbs and you can see how simple the design is. They had virtually no windows probably because they had not developed glass, or they liked dark rooms. During this time they were greatly influence by England and the styles from there; including Jacobean, Queen Anne and Will and Mary.
The Federal style which is post 1776, was influenced by France, Hepplewhite, Sheraton and the Neoclassical style emerges. You see a lot of Greek and Roman influences here with the use of Portico, covered porches, pediments, columns flush with the wall, and columns. Thomas Jefferson Monticello home is one of the most famous homes to come out of this time period. Through these eras you see the development of architecture. There was no formal government set up yet and so there are so many different styles being combined together.
The most common motifs during these time periods were pilasters and moldings. Moldings were used around the ceiling and fireplaces.
There was a lot of war during this time so guns and knives were hung on display to warn of owners’ power to retaliate should there be anyone wanting to start a fight.
The eagle was adopted in 1782 as the national symbol; it could be found on gates, clocks, picture frames and pediments on top of important doors. The torch and female figure were also popular as they depicted the symbol of freedom. During this time the Colonies were fighting for their freedom from England.
The colonists tried to add lots of flair to their rooms; the rooms were very decorated with wainscoting, and molding. Symmetrical design was also very popular.
Furniture was expensive to be shipped over from Europe so the locals started to make their own furniture based on their own ideas and styles influenced from Europe. Most furniture was simple and convertible for example; chair that could be flipped over to become a table. Because it was so cold most beds were four posters so that drapes could be hung from them in the winter and keep in the warmth while they slept.
The colors they used were very mutted; nothing too bright. Colors such as pink, baby blue, pale green, red and ivory were very popular.
The Federal style which is post 1776, was influenced by France, Hepplewhite, Sheraton and the Neoclassical style emerges. You see a lot of Greek and Roman influences here with the use of Portico, covered porches, pediments, columns flush with the wall, and columns. Thomas Jefferson Monticello home is one of the most famous homes to come out of this time period. Through these eras you see the development of architecture. There was no formal government set up yet and so there are so many different styles being combined together.
The most common motifs during these time periods were pilasters and moldings. Moldings were used around the ceiling and fireplaces.
There was a lot of war during this time so guns and knives were hung on display to warn of owners’ power to retaliate should there be anyone wanting to start a fight.
The eagle was adopted in 1782 as the national symbol; it could be found on gates, clocks, picture frames and pediments on top of important doors. The torch and female figure were also popular as they depicted the symbol of freedom. During this time the Colonies were fighting for their freedom from England.
The colonists tried to add lots of flair to their rooms; the rooms were very decorated with wainscoting, and molding. Symmetrical design was also very popular.
Furniture was expensive to be shipped over from Europe so the locals started to make their own furniture based on their own ideas and styles influenced from Europe. Most furniture was simple and convertible for example; chair that could be flipped over to become a table. Because it was so cold most beds were four posters so that drapes could be hung from them in the winter and keep in the warmth while they slept.
The colors they used were very mutted; nothing too bright. Colors such as pink, baby blue, pale green, red and ivory were very popular.