The colonial revival house is a beloved architectural style that evokes the charm and elegance of early American homes. Rooted in the 18th and 19th centuries, this style surged in popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Americans sought to celebrate their historical roots. Characterized by symmetry, classic proportions, and refined details, colonial revival houses blend timeless aesthetics with modern functionality. In this article, we explore 32 unique colonial revival house designs, each showcasing the style’s versatility and enduring appeal for homeowners today.
Defining the Colonial Revival Style
The colonial revival house draws inspiration from the Georgian and Federal styles of early America, emphasizing balance and symmetry. These homes often feature brick or clapboard exteriors, evenly spaced multi-pane windows, and central or side-gabled roofs. Decorative elements like pediments, columns, and dentil molding add sophistication. The style’s revival in the late 1800s was a nod to national pride, with architects adapting colonial aesthetics to suit modern needs. Today, colonial revival houses remain popular for their stately appearance and ability to blend seamlessly with contemporary updates, making them ideal for diverse neighborhoods.
Symmetry as a Core Principle
Symmetry is the hallmark of a colonial revival house, creating a sense of harmony and order. The facade typically centers around a prominent front door, often adorned with a decorative crown pediment or pilasters. Windows are arranged in perfect alignment, with double-hung sashes featuring multiple panes. This balanced design extends to the roofline, where dormers or chimneys are evenly spaced. Homeowners love this predictable yet elegant layout, as it offers a timeless aesthetic that feels both grand and approachable, perfect for creating a welcoming first impression in any setting.
Classic Brick Facade Design
A classic brick colonial revival house exudes durability and elegance. The rich, red-brick exterior is laid in a Flemish bond pattern, paired with white trim for contrast. A central entrance features a paneled door with sidelights and a fanlight transom. Symmetrical windows with black shutters flank the facade, while a gabled roof with twin chimneys completes the look. This design is ideal for traditionalists who value historical authenticity, offering a stately appearance that stands the test of time while requiring minimal maintenance.
Clapboard Charm with White Siding
For a lighter, airy aesthetic, a clapboard colonial revival house with white siding is a stunning choice. The smooth, horizontal wood siding is painted crisp white, accented by dark green or black shutters. A central doorway with fluted pilasters and a broken pediment adds refinement. Multi-pane windows are evenly spaced, and a side-gabled roof with dormers enhances the classic silhouette. This design suits coastal or suburban settings, offering a fresh, inviting look that pairs beautifully with colorful landscaping or a picket fence.
Gambrel Roof Elegance
A gambrel-roofed colonial revival house offers a distinctive twist on the traditional style. The steeply pitched roof with flared eaves maximizes upper-level space, creating a striking profile. The facade features brick or clapboard siding, with a central entrance framed by columns and a pediment. Symmetrical windows with decorative shutters add charm, while dormers punctuate the roofline. This design is perfect for homeowners seeking a blend of historical character and practical space, making it a standout choice for larger families or those who love unique architectural details.
Federal-Style Inspiration
Drawing from Federal architecture, this colonial revival house design emphasizes refined elegance. The facade showcases a smooth brick exterior with delicate white trim. A semi-circular fanlight crowns the front door, flanked by slender sidelights and pilasters. Low-pitched roofs with balustrades and Palladian windows add sophistication. The symmetrical layout includes evenly spaced double-hung windows with thin muntins. This design appeals to those who appreciate understated luxury, offering a polished look that feels both historic and adaptable to modern interiors with open floor plans.
Two-Story Grandeur
A two-story colonial revival house commands attention with its imposing yet balanced facade. The brick exterior is accented by white quoins at the corners, adding a touch of drama. A central entrance with a grand portico, supported by Corinthian columns, serves as the focal point. Large, multi-pane windows with black shutters are symmetrically placed, and a hipped roof with chimneys crowns the structure. This design is ideal for those seeking a majestic home that blends colonial heritage with the scale and comfort of modern living.
Center Hall Layout Charm
The center hall colonial revival house is a quintessential design, defined by its functional yet elegant layout. The facade features a brick or clapboard exterior with a central door framed by pilasters and a pediment. Symmetrical windows with shutters flank the entrance, and a gabled roof with dormers adds height. The interior typically includes a central hallway with rooms branching off, creating a practical flow. This design is perfect for families who value tradition and versatility, offering a timeless exterior that pairs well with both classic and contemporary interiors.
Cape Cod Revival Simplicity
Inspired by early New England homes, the Cape Cod colonial revival house is charmingly modest. The low, rectangular facade features white clapboard siding and a steeply pitched gabled roof. A central door with a simple transom is flanked by multi-pane windows with black shutters. Small dormers punctuate the roof, adding character and light. This design is ideal for smaller lots or coastal regions, offering a cozy, unpretentious aesthetic that feels welcoming and adaptable, with plenty of room for modern updates like open-concept living spaces.
Dutch Colonial Influence
A Dutch colonial revival house stands out with its iconic gambrel roof and flared eaves. The facade combines brick on the lower level with clapboard or shingle siding above. A central entrance with a hooded pediment is flanked by symmetrical windows with shutters. Dormers and a prominent chimney enhance the roofline. This design blends practicality with charm, offering ample attic space and a unique silhouette. It’s perfect for homeowners who want a colonial revival house with a touch of Dutch heritage and a cozy, inviting appearance.
Red Brick with Black Accents
This colonial revival house design features a bold red-brick facade paired with striking black accents. The brickwork is laid in a traditional running bond, complemented by black shutters and trim. A central door with a white pediment and fluted pilasters creates a refined focal point. Symmetrical multi-pane windows add balance, while a gabled roof with twin chimneys completes the look. This design is ideal for urban or suburban settings, offering a sophisticated, high-contrast aesthetic that feels both historic and modern, perfect for statement-making curb appeal.
White Brick Sophistication
A white brick colonial revival house offers a fresh take on the classic style. The soft white brick facade is paired with dark gray or navy shutters for a modern twist. A central entrance with a fanlight and sidelights is framed by slender columns. Symmetrical windows with delicate muntins enhance the facade, and a low-pitched roof with dormers adds elegance. This design suits homeowners who want a bright, airy aesthetic with colonial roots, blending seamlessly with contemporary landscaping or minimalist decor for a polished look.
Stone and Brick Combination
Combining stone and brick, this colonial revival house design exudes rustic elegance. The lower facade features fieldstone, while the upper level is clad in red brick. A central door with a pediment and pilasters serves as the focal point, flanked by multi-pane windows with shutters. A gabled roof with dormers and a prominent chimney completes the design. This style is perfect for countryside or suburban homes, offering a warm, textured appearance that feels grounded in history while accommodating modern amenities like energy-efficient windows.
Palladian Window Accent
A colonial revival house with a Palladian window adds architectural drama. The brick or clapboard facade is symmetrical, with a central entrance featuring a pediment and columns. Above the door, a large Palladian window with an arched center pane draws the eye. Evenly spaced double-hung windows with shutters maintain balance, and a hipped roof with chimneys crowns the structure. This design is ideal for homeowners who love bold yet refined details, offering a stately appearance that blends colonial charm with a touch of neoclassical flair.
Side-Gabled Simplicity
The side-gabled colonial revival house is a versatile, understated design. The clapboard or brick facade features a central door with a simple pediment and pilasters. Symmetrical windows with shutters are evenly spaced, and the side-gabled roof creates a clean, horizontal silhouette. Dormers or a single chimney add subtle character. This design is perfect for smaller lots or suburban neighborhoods, offering a classic look that’s easy to maintain and adapt. Its simplicity makes it a timeless choice for families seeking a balance of tradition and modern functionality.
Hipped Roof Majesty
A hip-roof colonial revival house exudes grandeur with its sloping, four-sided roofline. The brick facade is accented by white trim and quoins, with a central entrance featuring a grand portico and columns. Large, multi-pane windows with shutters are symmetrically placed, and dormers punctuate the roof. This design is ideal for larger properties, offering a stately appearance that feels both regal and approachable. Its versatile roofline accommodates additions or modern updates, making it a favorite for homeowners who value flexibility and elegance.
Shingle-Style Revival
This shingle-style colonial revival house blends rustic charm with classic symmetry. The facade is clad in cedar shingles, weathered to a soft gray, paired with white trim. A central door with sidelights and a pediment is flanked by multi-pane windows. The gabled roof features dormers and a prominent chimney. This design suits coastal or wooded settings, offering a relaxed yet refined aesthetic. Its natural texture and muted tones make it ideal for homeowners who want a colonial revival house with a touch of organic warmth.
Three-Story Elegance
A three-story colonial revival house is perfect for those seeking maximum space and grandeur. The brick facade features white quoins and a central entrance with a pediment and Corinthian columns. Symmetrical windows with shutters span all three levels, and a hipped roof with dormers crowns the structure. This design is ideal for urban or estate settings, offering a commanding presence that blends colonial heritage with modern luxury. Its scale allows for expansive interiors, making it a top choice for large families or entertaining enthusiasts.
Coastal Colonial Charm
Designed for seaside settings, this colonial revival house features white clapboard siding and a low-pitched gabled roof. The central entrance includes a transom and sidelights, flanked by multi-pane windows with navy shutters. Dormers and a widow’s walk add nautical flair. The bright, airy facade reflects coastal light, creating a welcoming vibe. This design is perfect for beachfront or lakefront properties, offering a timeless aesthetic that pairs beautifully with sandy landscapes or vibrant gardens, while accommodating modern upgrades like hurricane-resistant windows.
Urban Colonial Compact
This compact colonial revival house is tailored for city living. The narrow brick facade maximizes space, with a central door featuring a pediment and pilasters. Symmetrical windows with black shutters maintain balance, and a side-gabled roof keeps the profile sleek. A single dormer adds charm. This design is ideal for urban lots, offering a classic look in a smaller footprint. Its efficient layout suits young professionals or small families, blending historical elegance with modern needs like energy efficiency and low-maintenance materials.
Farmhouse Colonial Blend
Merging colonial revival with farmhouse elements, this design features a clapboard facade painted soft white. A central door with a simple transom is flanked by multi-pane windows with black shutters. The gabled roof includes dormers and a wide front porch supported by square columns. This design is perfect for rural or suburban settings, offering a cozy, approachable aesthetic that feels both historic and relaxed. Its versatile style accommodates modern farmhouse interiors, making it a favorite for those seeking a blend of tradition and comfort.
Green Clapboard Serenity
A green clapboard colonial revival house offers a bold yet calming aesthetic. The soft sage-green siding is paired with white trim and black shutters. A central entrance with a pediment and sidelights creates a refined focal point. Symmetrical windows and a gabled roof with dormers complete the look. This design suits wooded or suburban settings, blending seamlessly with natural surroundings. Its unique color palette adds personality while maintaining colonial elegance, making it ideal for homeowners who want a distinctive yet timeless home.
Colonial with Portico
This colonial revival house features a grand portico as its centerpiece. The brick facade is accented by white trim, with a central entrance sheltered by a pedimented portico supported by Ionic columns. Symmetrical multi-pane windows with shutters flank the facade, and a hipped roof with chimneys adds balance. This design is perfect for those who love dramatic entrances, offering a stately appearance that feels welcoming and luxurious. Its versatile layout suits both traditional and modern interiors, making it a timeless choice for any neighborhood.
Blue Siding Modern Twist
A colonial revival house with blue siding brings a contemporary edge to the classic style. The cool blue clapboard is paired with white trim and black shutters. A central door with a fanlight and pilasters serves as the focal point, flanked by symmetrical windows. A gabled roof with dormers completes the design. This style is ideal for suburban or coastal homes, offering a fresh, modern aesthetic that honors colonial roots. Its vibrant color makes it stand out while remaining elegant and approachable.
Colonial with Dormer Accents
This colonial revival house emphasizes dormers for added charm. The brick or clapboard facade features a central door with a pediment and sidelights. Symmetrical windows with shutters are evenly spaced, and the gabled roof showcases multiple dormers with arched windows. This design is perfect for homeowners who want a classic look with extra character. The dormers add light and space to upper levels, making it ideal for families or those who love attic rooms, while maintaining the style’s timeless symmetry and elegance.
Red Clapboard Vibrance
A red clapboard colonial revival house makes a bold statement. The vibrant red siding is paired with white trim and black shutters for contrast. A central entrance with a pediment and fluted pilasters draws the eye, flanked by multi-pane windows. A gabled roof with dormers and a chimney completes the look. This design suits rural or suburban settings, offering a lively yet classic aesthetic. Its eye-catching color adds personality while honoring colonial heritage, making it perfect for homeowners who love vibrant curb appeal.
Colonial with Balustrade
This colonial revival house features a roofline balustrade for added sophistication. The brick facade is accented by white trim, with a central door framed by pilasters and a pediment. Symmetrical windows with shutters maintain balance, and the low-pitched roof is crowned with a decorative balustrade. This design is ideal for those who appreciate neoclassical details, offering a refined, stately appearance. Its elegant silhouette suits urban or estate settings, blending colonial charm with a touch of grandeur that elevates the home’s curb appeal.
Gray Shingle Elegance
A gray shingle colonial revival house offers a sophisticated, understated look. The weathered gray shingles are paired with white trim and navy shutters. A central door with sidelights and a pediment serves as the focal point, flanked by symmetrical windows. A gabled roof with dormers and a chimney completes the design. This style is perfect for coastal or wooded settings, offering a timeless aesthetic that feels both rustic and refined. Its muted tones blend beautifully with natural landscapes, creating a serene, elegant home.
Colonial with Arched Entry
This colonial revival house features an arched entry for a touch of romance. The brick or clapboard facade is symmetrical, with a central door framed by an arched pediment and pilasters. Multi-pane windows with shutters flank the entrance, and a gabled roof with dormers adds height. This design is ideal for homeowners who love subtle yet distinctive details, offering a classic look with a hint of elegance. Its welcoming entryway makes it perfect for suburban or urban settings, blending tradition with a touch of charm.
Colonial with Corner Quoins
A colonial revival house with corner quoins adds architectural flair. The brick facade features white quoins at the edges, creating a striking contrast. A central door with a pediment and sidelights is flanked by symmetrical windows with shutters. A hip roof with dormers and chimneys completes the design. This style is perfect for those who want a bold yet classic look, offering a stately appearance that feels both historic and modern. Its distinctive details make it a standout choice for urban or suburban homes.
Colonial with Widow’s Walk
This colonial revival house features a widow’s walk for nautical charm. The clapboard facade is painted white, paired with navy shutters. A central door with a transom and pilasters serves as the focal point, flanked by multi-pane windows. The gabled roof includes a widow’s walk with a decorative railing. This design is ideal for coastal properties, offering a timeless aesthetic with a nod to maritime history. Its unique roofline adds character, making it perfect for homeowners who love seaside-inspired architecture.
Conclusion
The colonial revival house remains a timeless choice for homeowners who value symmetry, elegance, and historical charm. From classic brick facades to modern twists with bold colors, these 32 designs showcase the style’s versatility and enduring appeal. Whether you prefer a grand three-story mansion or a cozy Cape Cod-inspired home, there’s a colonial revival house to suit every taste and lifestyle. By blending traditional aesthetics with modern functionality, these designs offer the perfect balance of heritage and innovation, making them ideal for creating your dream home.