Southern Colonial Style House Plans represent architectural designs that embody the characteristics of colonial architecture prevalent in the southern United States during the 18th and 19th centuries. These house plans typically feature elements inspired by the Georgian, Federal, and Greek Revival styles. A notable example of a Southern Colonial-style house is the William Aiken House in Charleston, South Carolina, showcasing a symmetrical facade, Doric columns, and a grand portico.
Southern Colonial Style House Plans often encompass spacious interiors with high ceilings, wide moldings, and hardwood floors. They commonly include large porches or verandas that extend the living space outdoors. These plans are designed to evoke a sense of grandeur and sophistication, while maintaining a connection to the region’s architectural heritage.
In the following sections, we will explore the key elements and variations of Southern Colonial Style House Plans, discussing their architectural features, historical influences, and how they can be adapted to modern living.
Here are 8 important points about Southern Colonial Style House Plans:
- Symmetrical facade
- Doric columns
- Grand portico
- Spacious interiors
- High ceilings
- Wide moldings
- Hardwood floors
- Large porches or verandas
These plans evoke a sense of grandeur and sophistication, while maintaining a connection to the region’s architectural heritage.
Symmetrical facade
A symmetrical facade is a defining characteristic of Southern Colonial Style House Plans. It refers to the balanced and harmonious arrangement of architectural elements on the front of the house. This symmetry creates a sense of order, formality, and grandeur.
In Southern Colonial houses, the facade is typically divided into three sections: a central block flanked by two wings. The central block often features a grand entrance with a portico supported by columns. The wings are typically symmetrical in size and design, with windows and doors arranged in a balanced manner.
The symmetrical facade not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the house but also serves a functional purpose. By distributing the weight of the structure evenly, it ensures stability and durability. Additionally, the symmetrical arrangement of windows and doors allows for optimal natural lighting and ventilation.
Overall, the symmetrical facade is an essential element of Southern Colonial Style House Plans, contributing to their distinctive and elegant appearance.
Doric columns
Doric columns are a prominent architectural feature in Southern Colonial Style House Plans. They are characterized by their simple yet elegant design, consisting of a fluted shaft, a plain capital, and a slightly tapered base.
In Southern Colonial houses, Doric columns are typically used to support the portico, the covered porch that extends across the front of the house. The columns create a sense of grandeur and formality, framing the entrance and enhancing the overall visual appeal of the facade.
The Doric order is the oldest and simplest of the three classical orders of architecture, and it is known for its strength and durability. The columns are typically made of wood or stone, and they can be either round or square in shape. The fluting on the shaft of the column creates a decorative effect, while the plain capital and tapered base add to the column’s overall elegance.
Doric columns are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve a functional purpose. They provide structural support for the portico roof and help to distribute the weight of the structure evenly. Additionally, the columns can help to create a sense of enclosure and privacy on the porch.
Overall, Doric columns are an essential element of Southern Colonial Style House Plans, contributing to their distinctive and elegant appearance. They represent the harmonious blend of classical architecture and regional influences that characterizes this architectural style.
Grand portico
A grand portico is a defining feature of Southern Colonial Style House Plans. It is a covered porch that extends across the front of the house, supported by columns. The portico creates a sense of grandeur and formality, framing the entrance and enhancing the overall visual appeal of the facade.
The portico is typically supported by Doric columns, which are characterized by their simple yet elegant design. The columns are typically made of wood or stone, and they can be either round or square in shape. The fluting on the shaft of the column creates a decorative effect, while the plain capital and tapered base add to the column’s overall elegance.
The portico roof is typically gabled or hipped, and it is often adorned with decorative moldings and trim. The floor of the portico is usually made of brick or stone, and it may feature a patterned design. The portico can be accessed through a set of steps leading up from the ground level.
The grand portico serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose. It provides shelter from the elements, creating a shaded and protected space for guests to enter the house. Additionally, the portico helps to define the entryway and create a sense of arrival.
Overall, the grand portico is an essential element of Southern Colonial Style House Plans, contributing to their distinctive and elegant appearance. It represents the harmonious blend of classical architecture and regional influences that characterizes this architectural style.
Spacious interiors
Southern Colonial Style House Plans are renowned for their spacious interiors, which are designed to create a sense of grandeur and comfort. These homes typically feature high ceilings, wide moldings, and hardwood floors, which contribute to the overall feeling of spaciousness and elegance.
The floor plans of Southern Colonial houses are often symmetrical, with a central hallway flanked by formal rooms on either side. The central hallway typically leads to a grand staircase that ascends to the upper floors. The formal rooms, such as the living room, dining room, and library, are typically large and well-proportioned, with high ceilings and large windows that allow for ample natural light.
In addition to the formal rooms, Southern Colonial Style House Plans often include a variety of other spaces, such as a family room, kitchen, breakfast nook, and mudroom. These spaces are designed to be comfortable and functional, and they often feature built-in cabinetry and other amenities that add to the overall convenience of the home.
The spacious interiors of Southern Colonial Style House Plans are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical. The large rooms and high ceilings provide ample space for entertaining guests and family gatherings. Additionally, the abundant natural light and cross-ventilation help to create a healthy and comfortable living environment.
Overall, the spacious interiors of Southern Colonial Style House Plans are a defining characteristic of this architectural style. They create a sense of grandeur and comfort, while also providing a functional and livable space for modern families.
High ceilings
High ceilings are a defining characteristic of Southern Colonial Style House Plans. They create a sense of grandeur and spaciousness, and they can also help to improve air circulation and natural lighting. In Southern Colonial houses, ceilings are typically 10 to 12 feet high, and they may be even higher in grander homes.
There are a number of advantages to having high ceilings in a home. First, they create a sense of openness and airiness, which can make a room feel more spacious and inviting. Second, high ceilings can help to improve air circulation, which can make a home more comfortable, especially in hot and humid climates. Third, high ceilings can allow for more natural light to enter a room, which can make it feel brighter and more cheerful.
In addition to their aesthetic and functional benefits, high ceilings can also add value to a home. Homes with high ceilings are often more desirable to buyers, and they can sell for a higher price than homes with lower ceilings.
Overall, high ceilings are an important element of Southern Colonial Style House Plans. They contribute to the grandeur and spaciousness of these homes, and they can also provide a number of practical benefits.
Here are some additional details about high ceilings in Southern Colonial Style House Plans:
- High ceilings are often found in the main rooms of the house, such as the living room, dining room, and library.
- High ceilings can be created using a variety of methods, such as raising the roofline or using a dropped ceiling.
- High ceilings can be decorated with a variety of architectural details, such as moldings, cornices, and medallions.
- High ceilings can be used to create a variety of different looks, from formal and elegant to casual and comfortable.
If you are considering building a Southern Colonial Style House, be sure to include high ceilings in your plans. High ceilings will add grandeur, spaciousness, and value to your home.
Wide moldings
Wide moldings are another defining characteristic of Southern Colonial Style House Plans. Moldings are decorative trim elements that are used to add detail and interest to a home’s interior and exterior. In Southern Colonial houses, moldings are typically wide and ornate, and they are often used to frame doors, windows, and ceilings.
There are a number of different types of moldings that can be used in Southern Colonial Style House Plans. Some of the most common types include:
- Crown molding: Crown molding is a type of molding that is used to decorate the junction between the wall and the ceiling. It is typically wide and ornate, and it can add a touch of elegance to any room.
- Base molding: Base molding is a type of molding that is used to cover the joint between the wall and the floor. It is typically simple and understated, but it can help to protect the wall from damage.
- Chair rail molding: Chair rail molding is a type of molding that is used to protect the wall from damage caused by chairs. It is typically installed about 30 inches above the floor, and it can be either simple or ornate.
- Picture rail molding: Picture rail molding is a type of molding that is used to hang pictures. It is typically installed about 6 inches below the ceiling, and it can be either simple or ornate.
In addition to these types of moldings, Southern Colonial Style House Plans may also include other types of moldings, such as door and window casings, cornices, and medallions. Moldings can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, plaster, and polyurethane. The type of material used will depend on the desired look and budget.
Wide moldings are an important element of Southern Colonial Style House Plans. They add detail, interest, and elegance to these homes. Moldings can also be used to create a variety of different looks, from formal and traditional to casual and modern.
Hardwood floors
Hardwood floors are another defining characteristic of Southern Colonial Style House Plans. They are durable, beautiful, and easy to maintain, making them a popular choice for homeowners of all ages.
- Durability
Hardwood floors are very durable and can last for centuries with proper care. They are resistant to scratches, dents, and wear, making them a good choice for homes with children and pets.
- Beauty
Hardwood floors are available in a wide variety of colors and styles, so you can find the perfect floor to match your home’s dcor. Hardwood floors can also be refinished, so you can change the look of your floor without having to replace it.
- Easy to maintain
Hardwood floors are relatively easy to maintain. They can be swept, mopped, or vacuumed on a regular basis. Hardwood floors should also be refinished every few years to keep them looking their best.
- Value
Hardwood floors can add value to your home. Homes with hardwood floors are often more desirable to buyers, and they can sell for a higher price than homes with other types of flooring.
Overall, hardwood floors are a great choice for Southern Colonial Style House Plans. They are durable, beautiful, easy to maintain, and can add value to your home.
Large porches or verandas
Large porches or verandas are another defining characteristic of Southern Colonial Style House Plans. These outdoor living spaces are perfect for relaxing and entertaining guests, and they can also add value to your home.
- Outdoor living space
Porches and verandas provide an additional outdoor living space that can be used for a variety of activities, such as dining, entertaining, or simply relaxing. They are a great place to enjoy the outdoors without having to leave the comfort of your home.
- Increased curb appeal
A large porch or veranda can add curb appeal to your home. A well-maintained porch or veranda will make your home look more inviting and attractive.
- Added value
A porch or veranda can add value to your home. Homes with porches or verandas are often more desirable to buyers, and they can sell for a higher price than homes without outdoor living spaces.
- Historical accuracy
If you are building a Southern Colonial Style House, adding a porch or veranda is a great way to add historical accuracy to your home. Porches and verandas were a common feature of Southern Colonial homes, and they helped to provide shade and ventilation.
Overall, large porches or verandas are a great addition to any Southern Colonial Style House Plan. They provide additional outdoor living space, increase curb appeal, add value to your home, and add historical accuracy.
Related Posts
