American colonial interior design was popularized during the early 18^th century, and is still popular in many parts of the world today. The design style is based on the traditional European homes from the colonial era, and draws inspiration from American farmhouses too. Depending on which influences you favour, American colonial interior design can be rustic or sophisticated. This is a versatile style that suits many tastes.

Classic Colonial American Design

Colonial Interior design can be divided into two eras, 18^th century colonial and early American. The 18^th century colonial style was very formal, with extensive use of fine hardwoods and carefully crafted furniture. This era was also characterised by tapestry, brocades and velveteens, and saw the reinterpretation of works by Sheridan, Chippendale and Hepplewhite.

In contrast, the Early American design was more rustic and informal. Mixed woods were used, and tapestries were replaced with rag, hooked or braided rugs. Fixtures were iron and brass, and where fabrics were used they tended to be cotton or wool.

The History of Colonial American Interior Design

The interior design styles that were popular in the colonial USA came from the merger of lifestyles and tastes of the immigrants that settled America from England during that era. The immigrants needed to live simplified and practical lifestyles, but clung to their past at the same time. This created some interesting compromises with décor that was both practical but also classical and rooted in tradition.

Famous Designers Inspired By The Colonial USA

One of the most popular designers of the 18^th century colonial era was Duncan Phyfe. The Early American era was an era that favoured comfortable and casual styles. Helen Kou was a writer for Good Housekeeping Studio in the 1930s, and advocated painting interiors in deep ivory with a wood trim, with a lighter ivory for the ceiling. Another prolific designer from that era was Ekin Wallick, who favoured soft greys for their colour scheme.

Today, many designers have taken inspiration from the colonial era. Debbie Cummins of D Cummins Design revitalizes and revives old buildings and decorates them in the colonial style, and Donald Locco Architecture designs homes that are inspired by colonial architecture.

Tips to Get The Colonial American Look

The Colonial look is spacious and practical. Depending on whether you are opting for 18^th century colonial or something more early American, you will either opt for rustic textiles or something more luxurious.

Try to keep your rooms clutter free – use hidden storage solutions where necessary, and use the bare minimum of ornamentation.

Choose dark wood furniture and internal doors that are sturdy and well-made for a rich looking, practical room.

Add a touch of elegance with statement lighting.

Choose a relatively simple, co-ordinated colour palette to create a neatly co-ordinated room. Ivories and greys were popular in early American colonial interior design. Shades of brown were popular in the 18^th century. Choose muted, understated colours.

Simplicity is the order of the day with colonial design. If you prefer something brighter, opt for Italian or Swedish design, which tends to favour lighter, brighter colours.

International Interior Design Inspiration

Create an exotic journey through your home by styling different rooms with world influences. For a wide range of tips see our International Interior Design Trends Infographic and Interactive Design Tool.