How to Decorate a Colonial Home

"Colonial" refers to the time period between the 1600's and the 1800's. Colonial decorating has remained a popular style to this day due to its focus on clean lines, muted colors and classic use of wood. Decorating your home in the Colonial style is not difficult as long as you are familiar with the colors, accessories and types of furniture used.

Instructions

1. Determine whether you want Georgian style colonial or Federal style colonial. Georgian style is characterized by clean lines and elegant simplicity, with simple wall panels, crown molding and exposed beams. Federal style is more elaborate and looks best on formal homes. Elaborate mantlepieces, intricate crown molding, spiral staircases and columns are all hallmarks of Federal colonial decorating.

2. Collect appropriate furniture. Seek out antique or reproductions of Chippendale, Queen Anne, Sheraton or Duncan Phyfe style furniture. Colonial furniture often has sweeping lines, rich fabric (brocade or velvet) and is commonly made of mahogany. Look for button tufting, fringe or other elaborate trims.

3. When color coordinating, choose colors that are naturally pigmented. Cream is most popular for walls. Accent colors include deep greens, yellow, blue-gray and deep red. Paint stores often have a collection of Colonial colors to choose from.

4. Decorate with ornaments characteristic of Colonial times. Pewter, delicate needlework and silver work (or reproductions) by Paul Revere were most often displayed in original Colonial homes. Oriental jars and ivory ornaments were also very popular at the time.

5. Use wood whenever possible as an accent. Colonial homes often had polished wood floors, carved mantles and exposed beams. Choose wood that has a darker tone if possible. If you don't have the option for wood floors, employ polished wood elsewhere, such as in the furniture.