The Classic Antique Appeal Of Post Colonial Style Furniture Adds Immense Value To The Interiors Of A Modern House

 

A well-deserved holiday is the best way to rejuvenate and suffuse oneself with a flood of wonderful memories. That’s exactly what my neighbor expected to do on her maiden trip to York Harbor in Maine, a modern town that pays rich tributes to its colonial antecedents.

What started out like a lazy, self-indulgent tour, caused more than a gearshift inside her. She was completely bowled over by the antique appeal of quaint17th century colonial houses and imposing buildings, schools and hostelry, replete with classic architectural design. The simple yet style-rich bungalows had more than just a token import on her mind. But above all, what she did find exceptionally intriguing was the fascinating array of post colonial style furniture and artifacts. Looking more spectacular than their dazzling impressions on paper, each piece painted a resplendent image of the glorious past.

Post colonial furniture has an appeal that transgresses boundaries and cannot be dated with time. Created from the finest varieties of wood like quarter sown oak, tiger maple, clear pine and flame cherry, each piece is a concoction of style and sophistication. Whether a Dutch colonial cubby or colonial kitchen cabinets and dining tables in signature Italian style, the impact on the décor is cosmic. A colonial oak bookcase that is more expressive than the stiff upper lip associated with the mighty British Empire, espouses values of quality and immaculate craftsmanship. So don’t be surprised if your plush living room sofa gets completely overshadowed by furniture from the colonial period.

Little wonder then that discerning homeowners trust early colonial furniture styles and post colonial style furniture when it comes to decorating the interiors of their home. My neighbor, without wasting any time, began scouring the Internet for stores dealing with post colonial furniture. There are thousands like her that fill the overflowing coffers of stores like Leons, Sears, Ikea and Ashley furniture, thanks to their never-ending dalliance with post colonial style furniture.

Architecture In Colonial Times

Ever managed to catch a glimpse of pictures of colonial houses during the 16th-17th century? These incredible photos of colonial home styles trace the remarkable progression in architectural designs during this dynamic era.

Among the host of European settlers that made forays into American territory, the English were amongst the first. Their impact therefore, is more ubiquitous as compared to the architectural styles belonging to countries like France, Holland, Germany, Italy and Spain. So while it’s more than just colonial Dutch furniture that has influenced New York City, the landscape in Louisiana is dotted with French-styled homes. On a visit to Florida, it’s hard to ignore the pronounced Spanish influence on the houses there.

The history of colonial architecture has all the trappings of a roller-coaster ride. The first colonial houses were cottage style shelters, devoid of any refinement. These early colonial settlements paved way for houses made of brick and frame. The small classic colonial homes built in wood and stone, and in uncompromising Tudor style, added a medieval aura to the surroundings. With glass windows, shutters, brick chimneys and fenced yards, the architecture of the colonial period had indeed come of age. The stately mansions in Georgian style dominated the scene between the 17th and 18th century. The 19th century Victorian era heralded a change with Renaissance revival and Gothic styles becoming the signposts of modernity and transformation.

Colonial Furniture With Contemporary Feel

One look at colonial furniture styles and you are compelled to acknowledge and admire their singularity of purpose. Be it early colonial furniture styles, colonial revival style furniture or even the hugely popular post colonial furniture styles- they are all united in their alacrity to impact the onlooker fervidly.

Post colonial furniture pieces, just like their early colonial cousins are essentially items of contemporary furniture with a classic appeal. Their traditional styling, with neat uncomplicated lines and impeccable craftsmanship add a whole new dimension to a modern home. They are true heirloom keepsakes that you’re sure to pick up even if you’re not building a statuesque colonial house.

Each Piece Has A Story To Tell

British colonial kitchen tables, Windsor chairs, shaker cabinets and more- each item on this high-octane list of classic antiques can take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane. The colonial oak bookcase is the perfect amalgam of form and function. The intricately carved solid cherry dresser stained with mahogany seems to be on a quixotic scheme of its own. Queen Anne tables and jewelry cabinets have the kind of innate style fit for her majesty. The aura exuded by china cabinets, TV cabinets and entertainment centers can only be described with poetic eloquence. Get ready to script a refreshingly new fashion statement with colonial style computer desks and writing chairs.

There’s plenty to choose from when you’re making an earnest attempt to up the glamour quotient in your bedroom. Choose from sleigh beds, pine beds, side boards and a host of bedroom furniture pieces that’ll wrap the place in a cloak of mystery.

An intricately carved Chippendale mirror is sure to reflect your intrinsic sense of style. If your living room furniture is too banal for your liking, an 18th century colonial style chair will unseat any kind of boredom almost instantly. Watch your kitchen make the transition from drab to fab with passionately crafted Sheraton breakfast tables and chairs. Get a colonial planters chair, and marvel at the way a sublime appeal takes root.

The superior quality rocking chairs are sure to put your kids to sleep without the customary lullaby. Want to be transported to an era where time would chug along at a leisurely pace? That good old Grandfathers clock will surely take you on flights of fantasy. Early colonial furniture styles just like the ones in the post-colonial era, can add immense value to your home.

Want A Colonial Home?

For colonial home builders, it’s a custom to create masterpieces seeped in history. Their vision is not hamstrung by some myopic colonial table and chair plans. But there’s place for exuberant lighting, ostentatious carpets and curtains, dramatic flooring and enchanting collectibles- each having a timeless and soulful appeal. Wouldn’t you love to have one of those surreal colonial ‘gingerbread’ houses painted in muted tones?

Building a home in colonial style may seem quite a distant dream, but at least you can bring home post colonial style furniture. After all, it’s not only a piece of wood that is enriching your home, but a piece of eternity.