13 Colonial House Design Ideas and Pictures

Between the symmetry and rich history, it’s easy to see why homes from the colonial era are still so beloved. Even if you don’t have a fondness for historic homes, this architectural trend is far from dying off.

You can still find colonial home plans inspired by architecture from centuries past. Many of these homes combine the best of both worlds. That is, contemporary luxury and historic style.

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a home with an up-to-date interior hidden by a stunning brick facade, it’s never been easier to make this vision a reality. Keep reading for the best colonial house ideas that will show you how to preserve your home’s traditional charm in the modern era.

1. Go for a Brick Exterior

Colonial houses have a unique charm that can easily be added to with a few thoughtful interior design upgrades. If your colonial house has brick exterior walls, you can think about using the exposed brick to create a visual impact – consider painting the wall for a color pop or use it as an accent feature in other rooms. Another draft-proofing idea is to install colonial window shutters, which will add to the colonial aesthetic while keeping your property warm.

Add colonial furniture and finishes like wicker chairs and raw wood pieces throughout your house for a rustic feeling. Whatever ideas you pursue, be sure to bring an element of colonial style throughout the house for a genuinely cozy atmosphere.

A large brick Colonial house with white shutters and a central entrance, surrounded by trees on a sunny day — Source: @artyomshmatko via Instagram

Classic brick Colonial home with black shutters, a white portico entrance, and a rooftop balcony, surrounded by lush greenery — Source: @outofsurth via Instagram

Two-story Colonial house with brick and beige siding, surrounded by green shrubs and trees, and a blue mailbox in the foreground

Brick Colonial house with large windows, gabled roof, and a front porch, surrounded by green grass and trees under a clear sky

Elegant brick Colonial home with black shutters, a grand entrance, and a covered porch, surrounded by lush greenery and a curved driveway

Stately brick Colonial home with white trim, dormer windows, and a covered entrance, surrounded by snow and a winter landscape

Timeless brick Colonial home with green shutters, a grand arched entrance, and dormer windows, surrounded by a well-manicured lawn

Historic brick Colonial house with a steep gabled roof, dormer windows, and symmetrical entrances, framed by lush greenery

Victorian-style house with light blue siding, white trim, and decorative red accents, surrounded by greenery and trees

A red-brick Colonial house with green shutters, surrounded by lush greenery and red flowers, features a brick pathway and steps leading to the entrance — Source: @artyomshmatko via Instagram

Two-story house with a stone facade, surrounded by a well-kept lawn and garden, featuring an American flag near the entrance

Brick Colonial home with a festive red door, symmetrical windows, and a manicured lawn, decorated with holiday wreaths and greenery

Brick Colonial home with white trim, a grand arched entryway, and a two-car garage, surrounded by a well-manicured lawn and landscaping

A large, two-story Colonial red brick house with a black roof, white columns, and a well-kept lawn featuring three dormer windows on the roof

Large Colonial house with beige siding and stone accents, covered in snow against a clear blue sky, sparse trees and shrubs in front yard

A red brick Colonial house with a steep roof, central chimney, and arched doorway, surrounded by shrubs and a well-kept lawn under a clear sky

Charming brick Colonial home with a steep roof, dormer windows, and a welcoming porch, surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery

A large brick Colonial house with a dark roof, surrounded by trees and a neatly manicured lawn under a blue sky with clouds

2. Don’t Forget About The Covered Front Porch

Are you looking for ways to breathe new life into your colonial-style home? One of the best ideas is to add a covered front porch. It’s an uncomplicated way to instantly inject some character and charm into your house’s façade.

Not only that but covered front porches offer a place of refuge from the heat of summer and the chill of winter – adding functionality to your design. With architectural elements like framed panels, posts, columns, balustrades, and railings, you can have fun experimenting with different elements that reflect your individual taste while giving your home a unique feel.

A charming porch with decorative trim and a cream-colored door, framed by blooming flowers and lush green plants

A large, two-story Victorian-style house with a covered porch, surrounded by greenery and a lawn under a clear sky

A large suburban Colonial house with teal shutters and a porch, surrounded by trees, under a clear blue sky

A two-story suburban Colonial house with gray siding, white trim, a front porch, and a two-car garage, surrounded by trees and a lawn

Modern Colonial-style home with a mix of stone and siding, black shutters, dormer windows, and a welcoming front porch, set in a lush green landscape

Brick house with a white porch railing, fronted by a lush green lawn and neatly trimmed shrubs

Brick house with a front porch, decorative red, white, and blue bunting, surrounded by green trees and a cloudy blue sky above

A two-story Colonial house with a wraparound porch, large windows, and a gabled roof, surrounded by a green lawn and shrubs

A red brick Colonial house with a white columned porch, black roof, and white railing against a backdrop of leafless trees

A white house porch with shrubs, an American flag, and a wreath on the front door

A veranda with a spiral staircase, tiled floor, white bench, and ornate railing overlooks a garden with trees

A two-story Colonial house with green shutters, a porch with columns, and neatly trimmed bushes in the front yard

A blue house with a porch, American flag, white railings, Adirondack chairs, and a garden with red flowers and shrubs

3. Colonial House With Composite Elements

If you’re looking to modernize an old colonial house, there are some great decorating ideas out there. Homeowners can give their modern colonial house an updated look while still preserving that classic, rustic feel.

Composite materials like wood and stone help maintain the classic appearance, while modern upgrades like contemporary kitchen appliances create subtle modern touches throughout the home. Warm color palettes are perfect for a modern colonial house as they keep true to the heritage of the home without sacrificing style or elegance.

Complementing your modern colonial house with a bungalow roof will provide it with some charming character and also boosts curb appeal from every angle. With simple modern touches and traditional design elements, any modern colonial house can be brought up to date in no time!

Stone house with dark shutters and an American flag, surrounded by colorful autumn trees and a grassy lawn with a stone stairway

Two-story Colonial house with blue and beige siding covered in snow, surrounded by leafless trees

Colonial-style house with a red-tiled roof, white facade, and large windows, surrounded by greenery and a manicured lawn

A historic yellow wooden house with white trim and green shutters surrounded by trees and a picket fence in a lush setting

Elegant stone mansion with a gray roof, surrounded by pink flower gardens and lush greenery, overcast sky above

Yellow colonial-style house with arched windows, surrounded by lush greenery and a garden

Elegant white mansion with red roof, large windows, and a central dome, surrounded by greenery under a blue sky

Two-story house with snow-covered roof and yard, surrounded by bare winter trees under a clear blue sky

Two-story brick house with white trim, arched window above the door, surrounded by lush greenery and a well-manicured lawn

Two-story house with gray siding, red brick, and a white balcony; green lawn, small shed, and trees in the background under a blue sky

Two-story house with a green lawn, brick front, gray siding, black shutters, and a decorative wreath on the door

Two-story cream-colored house with dark roof, green lawn, and garage; clear sky with clouds in the background

Two-story suburban house with a gray roof, white trim, three-car garage, and a red brick pathway, surrounded by a lawn and trees

A light blue two-story house with white trim, a small front porch, and an orange door, surrounded by greenery and trees

A two-story gray house with white trim, front porch, and manicured lawn, surrounded by trees and shrubs under a clear blue sky

4. Add A Walkpath With Stone Pavers

When trying to spruce up the look of your colonial house, one fun and creative idea is to create a walking path with beautiful stone pavers. Not only are they great for adding a touch of character to your outdoor walkways, but they can also be the perfect way to direct guests where you want them to go.

Pavers come in a wide range of colors and styles, making it easy to customize your walk path for any occasion! With careful consideration and thought put into your walk path design, you’ll have an amazing-looking colonial house in no time.

A two-story brick house with black shutters, dormer windows, and a central path lined with hedges under a cloudy sky — Source: @homesofmadison via Instagram

5. Install A Traditional Picket Fence

If you’re searching for ideas to spruce up your colonial-style home, traditional picket fences are a timeless classic. Not only are they a great way to add curb appeal to your home, but they also create a wonderful traditional look that adds character and charm.

To take it one step further, you can paint the picket fence in bright colors such as red or yellow, or plant flowers around the feet of the fence to give it a pop of color.

A white two-story house with a porch, white fence, stone steps, and lush greenery under a clear blue sky — Source: @maggiefsfamily via Instagram

6. Maintain A Grass Lawn

If you are looking to maintain the classic look of a white colonial house, there are plenty of creative options to consider. A simple but powerful statement piece can be achieved through a grass yard surrounding your home. This timeless and natural design can withstand all types of weather, while also providing a lush canvas for flower beds and shrubs.

To complement such a lawn, focus on adding some color with other features such as fencing or window frames, or perhaps planting some greenery along the walkway. In addition, working in subtle details such as flowerpots and decorative items can help maintain the traditional charm of your white colonial house and ensure a look that will never go out of style!

Large two-story house with dark roof, white exterior, and multiple windows; front lawn is expansive with a few trees and bushes

White colonial-style house with dark shutters, a gabled roof, and front porch, surrounded by greenery and large trees

A large white colonial-style house with a gabled roof, surrounded by green lawn and trees under a clear blue sky

Large white house with a gray roof, adorned with a red, white, and blue swag, surrounded by trees and a gravel driveway in front — Source: @tophouseinteriors via Instagram

White house with black shutters surrounded by autumn trees with orange leaves and a white picket fence in the foreground

7. Pick A Warm White Exterior

An excellent place to begin when considering potential wall exteriors for a colonial house is by picking a warm white color. This adds a touch of old-Bell-charm while also keeping the overall look modern. Incorporate this warm, neutral palette in your landscaping as well, adding shrubs or trees that will complement the warm tones and complete the look.

When decorating inside the house, go for warm furniture such as cozy couches and inviting armchairs in natural fabrics – getting creative with color accents from pillows and artwork to curtains too. White colonial houses can be beautiful no matter where you live, so try these ideas for achieving a warm yet stylish look!

Two Victorian-style houses with large porches and a palm tree in between, set against a clear blue sky

Grand Colonial-style mansion with white pillars, green shutters, and a wraparound porch, set against a lush green landscape

Large white colonial-style house with dark shutters, a manicured lawn, and blooming shrubs under a clear blue sky

8. Opt For Shiplap Walls

A shiplap wall exterior is a popular design trend for white colonial houses that add an eye-catching yet subtle texture to the home. To execute this look properly, shiplap can be installed horizontally or vertically, depending on what catches your eye.

White accents also bring out the textured appearance of the shiplap and create dimension – think of it as adding pops of white within your shiplap pattern! Have fun with colors and materials too – why not add some black shutters or play around with light fixtures? Even small touches can give your white colonial house a completely unique design.

Two-story house with a white picket fence, a double garage, and a well-kept lawn featuring an American flag displayed near the entrance

A large white Southern-style house with green shutters and tall columns under a cloudy sky, with ramp access visible in the foreground

A white colonial-style house with tall columns, green shutters, and a ramp, surrounded by trees and shrubs under a cloudy sky

A large, white two-story house with black shutters and a chimney, surrounded by trees and a well-kept lawn under a partly cloudy sky

A classic two-story white house with black shutters, dormer windows, and a manicured lawn, surrounded by greenery — Source: @millercolonial via Instagram

Two-story white house with dark shutters, a sloped roof, and a central path leading to the front door, surrounded by greenery — Source: @mybestfriendcraig via Instagram

Historic white house with red door, hedges, manicured lawn, and stone wall; lamp post in foreground, trees in the background — Source: @pepper267 via Instagram

Narrow, three-story house with black shutters and doors, an American flag, and brick pathway, surrounded by trees and plants — Source: @lindsaymarie1783 via Instagram

9. Contemporary Colonial-Style

Combining contemporary and colonial house exteriors can bring a unique flair to your home. Instead of adhering to a strict modern or colonial style, why not take elements from both, while staying true to the home’s historical origin? For example, you could pair contemporary materials such as stainless steel and glass with a colonial-style brick wall.

Also, consider installing a minimalist porch with contemporary finishes. Both of these elements will provide an unexpected visual contrast that is sure to turn your house into an eye-catching display of contemporary meets colonial living!

Two-story red brick house with a wooden deck and lush green lawn, surrounded by trees under a blue sky with white clouds — Source: @thekeriricciteam via Instagram

10. Consider Landscaping

When it comes to colonial house ideas, think outside the box while remaining true to the colonial style! Consider adding a beautiful garden landscape to your colonial home – include an array of vibrant flowers, and contrasting foliage and add seating to create an outdoor oasis.

Not only will this give you a great place for entertaining guests or a peaceful reflection nature lovers are sure to appreciate, but it will also bring a timeless charm and added value to your colonial house. The combination of traditional colonial architecture and modern landscaping is sure to be breathtaking.

A single-story house with a stone facade, metal roof, and a small garden with a bench and pathway in the foreground — Source: @arterrarealty via Instagram

11. Natural Stone Walls For A Rustic Look

If you are looking for a unique exterior design for your colonial home, consider incorporating stone walls. Whether it be made from local boulders or manufactured stone veneer, the addition of exterior stone walls to a colonial house can make any residence look striking and timeless.

For a more rustic look, create the exterior walls with boulders that were salvaged from in and around your property; alternatively, you can give your home a more contemporary feel with carefully designed manufactured stone veneer.

With the exterior of your home done in this fashion, you will have an amazing look that will make your home stand out while remaining true to its colonial charm.

Tudor-style house with a stone facade, American flag, and a manicured lawn under an overcast sky in the background — Source: @archi_capture5 via Instagram

Stone two-story house with dormer windows, black shutters, and American flag, surrounded by green trees and manicured lawn — Source: @lisafureyinteriors via Instagram

Stone house with three stories, multiple windows, and three chimneys. Features a central entrance with white trim and a small porch — Source: @tedbabiybuilder via Instagram

12. Add Posts To Your Patio

If you’re looking for unique colonial house ideas, consider incorporating patio posts into your design. This is a great way to differentiate your colonial home from the rest and create a truly personalized space.

Adding patio posts can be done either as part of an extended patio outdoors or inside near a window. Posts adorned with opulent fabrics or delightful flowers can truly upgrade your patio to star-level quality. And don’t forget added comfort!

Patio seating with an array of lush cushions will not only make you feel luxuriously cozy, but will also create an inviting atmosphere for gatherings and relaxation. Make this patio dream come true with patio posts — and watch your colonial home come to life in beautiful new ways!

A two-story beige house with a stone chimney, front porch, and American flag surrounded by leafless trees on a cloudy day — Source: @breathing_timemachine via Instagram

A large white house with a porch, surrounded by trees and a well-kept lawn under a clear blue sky — Source: @tophouseinteriors via Instagram

13. Hard Wood Door Accent

When it comes to colonial house ideas, give your front entrance an update with a wooden door. Or opt for a more modern look and choose one made of steel. This can breathe life into the look of the colonial home while still maintaining its historic ancestry.

Accessorize with a knocker and coordinating trim colors to complete the look. Add window boxes for an elegant touch, or consider hanging pots and plants to draw attention to the entryway. With these colonial house ideas, it’s easy to create a stylish entrance your visitors will appreciate.

Colonial-style house with a wooden door, set behind a stone wall and surrounded by lush greenery and trees — Source: @colonial.house.love via Instagram

What are the types of colonial homes?

Colonial architecture is any style brought from a “home” country to a colony. The most common examples in North America include Georgian and Federalist Colonial homes. Both were popular in the mid-16th to 17th century.

Dutch Colonial is another architectural style popular in New England. Spanish Colonial homes can be found in the Southeast and Southwest. French Colonial architecture is seen primarily in Louisiana and the surrounding area.

What is Colonial Revival?

Colonial Revival was a design movement popular in the United States in the early- and mid-1900s. It drew inspiration from the original American Colonial home. Almost half of all homes built during this period featured this style of architecture and interior decor.

The easiest way to know if a home is an original colonial house or part of the Colonial Revival movement is to look up its construction date. If your home looks colonial but was built anytime in the 1900s, it qualifies as Colonial Revival.

What style of landscaping matches colonial architecture?

Most colonial landscaping is inspired by English- and cottage-style gardens. Choose shrubs and flowering plants like hydrangea, boxwood, hollyhock, daylily, and rose bushes. Classic decor options include fountains, trellises, arbors, and more. Keep garden beds well-kept and use fencing to mark your property.