The Colonial architecture style has several variations within its makeup. These variations include Dutch colonial, French colonial homes, Spanish colonial, Georgian house design, Adam or Federal style, and Early classical revival designs. As a result, we see many forms of Colonial house plans under one umbrella.
Early Colonial Architecture
Anyone should be able to identify Dutch Colonial architecture by its unique roof design. Architects design them as one and one half (1-1/2″) story or two (2) story homes. The defining feature is the gambrel roof having little to no overhang and protruding dormers. Furthermore, the roofs of dutch colonial house plans are usually moderate to steeply pitched with flared eaves. Home Builders divided the entrance door into upper and lower halves in earlier original examples. Today, this is more commonly a single unit door. The fireplace chimneys are at the end of the dutch colonial house plans (one or both side walls).
French Colonial home style are usually one story and have a series of paired narrow doors & windows with shutters. Windows on french colonial home plans are typically casement windows and doors are usually french doors. However, single doors and double hung windows are an option. The roofs have a steep pitch and are either a hip or gable design. French colonial house plans are usually stucco finish but, can be brick or siding.
Spanish colonial architecture is commonly one story with a low pitched roof. Usually solid masonry construction with multiple external doors, few and small window openings, and louvered shutters.
Additional sub-types of Colonial architecture includes Georgian architecture, Federal colonial or Adams style, and Early Classical Revival architecture.