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| The French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
I really love colonial architecture. One of the best examples of colonial architecture is The French quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana. As suggested by the name, colonial architecture refers to the colonial period - a time when many European settlers arrived in America. Therefore, the colonial architecture can be French, American, Dutch or Spanish, depending on the influence. For an instance, in New England, colonial houses were mainly wooden, while Dutch colonial houses used brick and stone. The best thing about colonial architecture and design is that it was influenced by many cultures and in a sense, it is truly eclectic.
For example, plantation houses in New Orleans, Louisiana are a very beautiful example of the French and Spanish influence in the building traditions combined with the Creol or Cajun culture. Creol townhouses, especially in the French Quarter, the oldest part of New Orléans and it historical heart, was built before Louisiana was sold to The United States in 1803. At the time of its development, the new French settlement was known as Nouvelle-Orléans or New Orleans. Later on when the town was under Spanish control, the local architecture became influenced by the Spanish colonial style.
The mixture during the ages preserved well the historical centre so that one can still feel the distinct creole atmosphere of the quarter. The most distinctive features of the architecture are straight lines and hipped roof. Many homes had wrought –iron decoration on their windows and porches.
Another very characteristic feature is the raised living area of the houses, while the lower floor was mainly used for storage or cooking, thus the houses were cooler. Large porches were not only welcoming but also allowed better ventilation of the house. As far as interiors are concerned, colonial style is characterized with the use of natural and earthy colours, rustic furniture, plain walls and clean lines. Ceramics were also popular and often displayed in the houses to break the simplicity of the lines. Cushions, bed covers, curtains and draperies were popular.Colonial interiors are still very popular nowadays, as they have preserved the romantic French flair. Colonial homes are the main inspiration of today’s home decor styles, such as shabby chick, vintage and country style. The Cajun homes along the banks of the Mississippi River are still a true inspiration nowadays.
For example, plantation houses in New Orleans, Louisiana are a very beautiful example of the French and Spanish influence in the building traditions combined with the Creol or Cajun culture. Creol townhouses, especially in the French Quarter, the oldest part of New Orléans and it historical heart, was built before Louisiana was sold to The United States in 1803. At the time of its development, the new French settlement was known as Nouvelle-Orléans or New Orleans. Later on when the town was under Spanish control, the local architecture became influenced by the Spanish colonial style.
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The mixture during the ages preserved well the historical centre so that one can still feel the distinct creole atmosphere of the quarter. The most distinctive features of the architecture are straight lines and hipped roof. Many homes had wrought –iron decoration on their windows and porches.
Another very characteristic feature is the raised living area of the houses, while the lower floor was mainly used for storage or cooking, thus the houses were cooler. Large porches were not only welcoming but also allowed better ventilation of the house. As far as interiors are concerned, colonial style is characterized with the use of natural and earthy colours, rustic furniture, plain walls and clean lines. Ceramics were also popular and often displayed in the houses to break the simplicity of the lines. Cushions, bed covers, curtains and draperies were popular.Colonial interiors are still very popular nowadays, as they have preserved the romantic French flair. Colonial homes are the main inspiration of today’s home decor styles, such as shabby chick, vintage and country style. The Cajun homes along the banks of the Mississippi River are still a true inspiration nowadays.
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