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Early American (1600 - 1820)

The Colonial Period started with the colonization of the New World by several countries (England, Netherlands, France and Spain). The house styles were simple, medieval in flavor and reflective of the styles in their native country. By the 1700's the Renaissance-based Georgian style became popular and is still popular to this day. Finally, the end of this period finished with a more refined version of the Georgian stye called the Adam style (Federal style in the USA), which was fashionable in Britain.

House Styles: Colonial, Georgian, Adams and Federal.

Common Motifs: Swags, Umbrella Designs, Ellipses, Chains, Guilloche and Small Rosettes.

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Romantic Period (1820 - 1880)

The beginning of the Romantic Period began with Americans wanting a new style of architecture. They turned to ancient Greece for inspiration and from this the Greek Revival style was born. This style remained popular for the first half of the period, while two new styles based on medieval and Renaissance architecture became popular in the second half. The Gothic Revival style was based on Europe medieval castles, cathedrals and manor houses, while the Italianate style was based on Italian Renaissance architecture.

House Styles: Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Exotic Revivals and Octagon Shapes.

Common Motifs: Anthemion Detail (Palmettes), Egg & Dart, Fret (Greek Key) and Acanthus Leafs.

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Victorian Period (1860 - 1900)

The Victorian Period carried on the tradition of importing designs from other countries, mainly European countries. The beginning of the period saw the import of the mansard-roofed Second Empire style from France. The Stick style, popular in France and Germany, and the Queen Anne style, popular in Britain, were all based on medieval prototypes. Finally, the Shingle and Richardsonian Romanesque styles were inspired by European Romanesque architecture.

House Styles: Second Empire, Stick, Queen Anne, Shingle and Richardsonian Romanesque.

Common Motifs: Cresting, Angels, Floral Designs, Roses, Cartouche Design and Large Rosettes.

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Eclectic Period (1880 - 1940)

As America entered the twentieth century, variety and purity of tradition became important. The Eclectic Period drew upon all of the past styles, creating a demand for "period" homes which has continued through today. Colonial houses were reintroduced as the Colonial Revival style. Greek Revival gave way to the Neoclassical style. The Tudor style was patterned after English manor houses. Lavish European castles became the inspiration for the Chateauesque style. Beaux Arts designs were based upon the Neoclassical facades, while the Italian Renaissance style resembled townhouses and villas in Italy.

House Styles: Colonial Revival, Neoclassical, Tudor, Chateauesque, Beaux Arts, French Revival, Arts & Crafts, Italian Renaissance and Mission.

Common Motifs: Swags, Cartouche Detail, Wreath & Garland, Shields, Rosettes, Frets, Egg & Dart, Ellipses, Fan Details, Acanthus Leafs and Mascaron (Masks).

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Early American
Romantic Period
Victorian Period
Eclectic Period