American Period

This period was separated into two main eras, before the 1800's and after the 1800's.During this period there were several different styles that emerged through time:
Georgian Period (1720-1790) 
Postcolonial or Federal Period (1790-1820)
Greek Revival Period (1820-1860)  
Victorian Period (1840-1880)
I will focus on Early American Style which was the Colonial Period. The first  permanent European settlement was at St. Augustine Florida 1565 settled by the Spanish. The land had offered many resources including hardwoods, softwoods, reeds, clay and stone. During this time I found it interesting that silver and gold were one of the main objectives of colonization. 

One of the settlements in America was the Dutch. Their design was popular during this time, they had dominated the Hudson River with their steep-roofed houses with crow-stepped gables, decorative brickwork, dutch doors, shutters and ornamental tiles.

Dutch house-New Castle

The Colonial Period also had French inspiration with wrought iron- balconies, full length porches, exterior stairs, raised homes to avoid floods and insects, and french doors.

Parlange- Louisiana plantation house

The German and Swedes also had an impact during this time with their sturdy homes with thick walls, exposed timber, a lot of stone, joints filled with clay, bark, or moss, and hand hewed beams.

De Turck German colonial house-Oley, PA

Spanish Influence during this time also used thick adobe walls which was an Indian craftsmanship smooth surfaces with heavy ornamentation on doors and windows, tile roof, floors and courtyards, ranchos or haciendas.

Gonzales Alvarez House

Interiors were not extremely lavish. Early homes were more primitive dwellings built by the settlers themselves from local natural resources using whatever skills they had. As the colonies prospered and trade expanded, craftsmen established businesses to serve and prosper from the growing market for their goods. The settlers adapted style into their own way of life, and in the process produced a unique and totally American colonial style.

American Colonial Period Themed Textiles

Modern Adaptations of the American Period Colonial style:

I think that this time brings a sense of antiquity to design. It isn't until the American Period in later design when particular furnishings and designers come about. I hope to cover that by reading through my classmates blogs.

Resources: American Colonial Period decorators: http://---chazz.squidoo.com/american-colonial-period-interior-decorating