New England Style
What comes to mind when you think of New England? Clambakes, stonewalls, and autumn foliage all conjure images often associated with Northeastern America, but what is the building style specific to the region? When our forefathers first settled the area in the 17th Century the architecture of their homes and interiors were inspired by their homes in England, and not much has changed over the years for classic New England style and décor.
Shakers settled in New England in the earliest days of American colonization and their homes were sparsely decorated with useful and minimalist furnishings. Rooms were often white washed with floors made of wide planked boards and adorned with peg rails, ladder-back chairs, simply cabinetry and hand-made baskets.
Today, houses found in New England exhibit lots of different styles but most people imagine rustic cabins, coastal cottages and rural farmhouses when thinking of the region’s architecture. Of course, houses in each part of the Northeast share similar vernacular influences.
If we were to group the primary sub-categories of New England style it might be as follows; coastal, farmhouse, primitive, rustic, cottage and traditional. Of these sub-categories many material elements could also be expected. Outside we could see cedar shake shingles, white picket fences, iron lanterns, stonewalls, gardens and of course, barns!
Inside, wide plank floors and brick hearths would be covered by low wood ceilings and exposed beams. This New England style is what Americans now think of as traditional design – it has timeless appeal and is still very popular today. We are Early New England Homes. For more information about New England style homes, call us at (860) 643-1148.
