The 17th century saw advances in house designs that mirrored a wide range of influences from Europe and the newly formed United States. Colonial and vernacular designs combined old world influences with the colonial settler’s ingenuity. These homes were a symbol of the newly independent states and a showcase of the cutting edge design techniques for the era.17th Century House Designs: Colonial and Vernacular
17th Century House Designs: Colonial and Vernacular
The English Baroque period saw dramatic shifts in the styles used in house designs. The most popular of these designs include formal rooms, reinforced doors, symmetrical designs, and a general focus on grand features. The English Baroque house designs were typically grand, with a focus on making a statement with features like large windows, powerful columns, and a variety of materials used throughout.17th Century English Baroque House Design
17th Century English Baroque House Design
The French colonial house designs of the 17th century were marked by grandeur and sophistication. These houses often showcased graceful porches, rounded doors, and grand windows. The use of brick, terra cotta, and stone gave these houses a unique look that has become iconic of colonial styled homes. In some cases, the facade would also include a unique dormer or even a spiral turret.17th Century French Colonial House Design
17th Century French Colonial House Design
The Dutch colonial style of the 17th century was characterized by the use of red brick and wooden accents. These designs also featured gambrel roofs, and horizontal siding, rather than the vertical siding found in other colonial designs. The windows were also larger than usual, to allow in more natural light. The designs also typically featured a small Dutch porch, for adults to retreat and enjoy the outdoors.17th Century Dutch Colonial House Design
17th Century Dutch Colonial House Design
German home designs of the 17th century used wooden frames, granite foundations, and a variety of accents to create homes that blended traditional European beauty with the warmth and homeliness of a contemporary design. These designs also featured large windows, allowing for increased airflow and plenty of light. Many of these homes also included either a single story or a dormer, and made use of details like paneling around the window frames and a unique pediment.17th Century German Home Design
17th Century German Home Design
Swedish house designs of the 17th century were mainly focused on utilizing a simple style that showcased the country’s natural beauty. These homes were built with rustic materials, like stones, logs, and timber. The windows also tended to be small, and the use of warm colors like ochre gave the homes a traditional and cozy feel. Simple accents like shutters, gables, and corbels also helped give these homes their unique charm.17th Century Swedish Home Design
17th Century Swedish Home Design
Spanish home designs of the 17th century focused on iron and wooden accents, as well as wooden shutters and window frames. These homes would often feature a central patio, with a fountain and a variety of trees and plants surrounding it. The use of intricate details like railings, balustrades, and window grilles gave the homes a unique look. 17th Century Spanish Home Design
17th Century Spanish Home Design
The Swedish farmed house designs of the 17th century were focused on maximizing efficiency and emphasizing comfort. These homes typically had small windows, and used tall chimney stacks to keep warm air from escaping. These designs also featured staggered walls, allowing for different rooms to be built on the same floor, and making the most of the limited space. 17th Century Swedish Farmed House Design
17th Century Swedish Farmed House Design
The English country house style of the 17th century offered a more cozy and simple look compared to other styles. These houses made use of materials like stone and clay, and featured deep eaves, small windows, and a single central chimney. The simple designs of these homes created a natural, rustic feel, which has continued to be associated with the style to this day.17th Century English Country House Design
17th Century English Country House Design
English manor house designs of the 17th century featured grand features, such as large windows, expansive courtyards, and a variety of ornamental details. This style was often seen as a symbol of status for wealthy families, and the detailed craftsman features made these homes stand out from the rest. These homes typically included a mix of intricate details, such as balustrades, ridges, and quoins.17th Century English Manor House Design
17th Century English Manor House Design
Vernacular house designs of the 17th century were simplistic, focusing mainly on basic needs like shelter and comfort. These homes were typically built with wood, stones, or clay, and included features like large porches, steep hip roofs, and symmetrical designs. Despite the simple construction techniques, these homes were able to provide more comfort than many homes of the era.17th Century Vernacular House Design
17th Century Vernacular House Design
Understanding 17th Century House Design Architecture
The 17th century houses were designed to accommodate the changing lifestyle during the era. It was during this period when the invention of the chimney was made, allowing the people to cook and heat their homes. Furthermore, advances in construction techniques made it possible to build larger and more robust structures.
Materials Used for 17th Century House Design
Wood, stone and brick were the most common building materials used in the 17th century house. Wooden timbers were used to frame the structure with wattle and daub applied as an infill. It was popular to use brick for external walls but rarely used for internal walls. Stone was used as a decorative element and to provide support to the structural elements of the house. It also provided strength to the walls.
17th Century House Design Layout
Interior layouts during this period were generally sparse, with minimum floor space dedicated for rooms. Internal walls were reduced, allowing for larger living areas that could be adapted to multiple uses. However, one important section was the entrance hall that was usually used as a reception area, and which often led to a staircase that connected the main living space to the second floor or attic.
Smaller spaces such as the parlor or study and the kitchen could also be found within these houses.
Features of 17th Century House Design
One of the featured hallmarks of the 17th century house was the presence of chimneys.
Chimneys provided ventilation and allowed for the control of temperature, allowing these houses to be much more comfortable. Windows were also added in greater numbers during this era, which allowed for the circulation of fresh air and natural light into the interior. Carved mantels, wood paneling, and decorative murals were used to decorate the interior walls of these houses.
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