Colonial Interior Design Ideas

Homes whose interiors are based on Colonial design have always been popular. Colonial design never seems to go out of style. Colonial design is based on clean and simple lines. Wood was used, whenever possible, since it was very abundant when the colonists settled. The common woods were, pine, cherry, birch, maple and walnut.

• Put up chair rails. These were very common in colonial design. Chair rails and trims were painted in earth tone colors. The dining room would be a good place for a chair rail.


• Paint walls either in earth tones or whitewashed or you could use wood paneling, which was also popular in colonial design. The whitewashed or paneled walls, with earth toned colored trim, gave the rooms an open and airy feel.


• Keep rooms uncluttered. This helps keep it within the clean and simple way that people from that era lived.


• Stencil borders around rooms. Stencils were very popular during the colonial era. Fruits and flowers were the most popular stencils.


• Hang a shelf high up in a room to display ceramics on.


• Use light fixtures made from wood or iron.


• Use pine wood flooring with woven rag rugs placed in the rooms.


• Place quilts not only on the bed, but hang at least one up on the wall.


• Decorating was done with embroidery or needlework samplers. Buy or make some yourself. You may want to age them by dying them with tea, to make them look old and more authentic. 


• Put family pictures on display.


• For windows, shutters on either the inside or outside are a great look for this style of decorating. Plain curtains can be used inside, either plain panels or tab top.


• Accessories should be practical, instead of fancy. A wall hanging that teaches the alphabet or has a quote that is important to the family can be displayed. Candle holders to be used for candles, rag rugs to keep your feet from being cold on the floor are other good ideas.


• Think rustic when choosing accessories and furniture for your colonial home.