Colonial
Architecture

During the 1700s, European settlers in North America incorporated the architectural styles of their native countries into their new homes. The styles that arose can be referred to as Colonial architecture, which includes Georgian, Spanish, German French and Dutch variations, plus Federal and Cape Cod. Georgian Colonial is one of the most popular, characterized by its rectangular, symmetrical and formal style. Georgian homes find their roots in both Italian Renaissance and the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. “Eventually, those who chose this style were attempting to emulate those wealthy enough to build the original homes,” said Pete Shannon, an assistant professor at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, on HGTV.com. Georgian Colonial became the dominant style for domestic construction in the U.S. from 1700 to 1780 — and is still highly desired today.