America is discovered by Columbus in 1492. The Spanish colonize parts of Florida, New Mexico and California. The English colonize Virgina and the Eastern Coast into Canada. These colonies form early Colonial America.
Jamestown Virgina is the 1st colony to take hold from England, established in 1607. These individuals are coming to America to become farmers and establish trade. They do not have political representation that requires grand buildings. Their building structures are similar to the Tudor period buildings which reflect early to mid Renaissance styles. The houses are half timber filled with wattle and daub, stick, stone, clay, water and plaster. The roofs are thatched and are comprised of wood and shingle. There are fireplaces in the homes but no glass windows because glass is expensive to purchase. Although, eventually glass is imported. The houses were comprised of one to two rooms with a sleeping loft above. Having tiles differentiated one home from another.
The brick buildings became the main or most sought after building form as bricks signalled prosperity. An example is the Adam Thoroughgood House, circa 1719, in Virginia. It is characterized by a stoop roof in Tudor style. Windows have diamond shaped panes. There was no manufacturer of window glass in the colonies. Thus, glass was brought in on cargo through shipping so people could purchase. Furthermore, the house was symmetrical with a chimney at either end.
In Plymouth, Massachusetts weather was intense which the English were not entirely climatized to. Thus, making settlement harder here. These houses were completely constructed from wood. None of these homes had two rooms.
The Cowen House of Salem Mass, 1675 had triangles in the facade of the building. The design characterized by gables intersecting with the back of the house; jetties or overhangs; corners of beams having pendants hanging down all replicated English style. The facade is still simple with a somber type of building. The wood is coated with whale oil which darkened the wood. The central portion has two rooms and a hall. The roof cascades to the ground and the shed type of building is attached to the back. The windows are tiny because there is only enough glass to fill the small windows. Furthermore, the more wall there is the warmer it is. Ceilings are low.
FURNITURE AND FURNISHING
The oval table with falling leaves call the Drop-leaf, 1715-40, has elegant turning of legs and becomes popular all throughout history of American furniture.
The Hadley Chest, 1707 comes from Hadley Massachusetts. This is a two drawer chest with another chest atop. It is beautifully decorated with an all over pattern, shallow carving and stained with a contrasting colour. The polychroming or painting of furniture is prevalent at the end of the 17th century and during the 18th century. Geometric patterns with rhythm and colour are prevalent.
Other items one can see are split turned decorative elements, court cupboards and stretcher tables.
William and Mary influence Colonial American Furniture. The chair forms have rounded backs, cabriole leg with a straight form. William and Mary Tallboys use imported woods with expensive finishes such as Japanning.
DUTCH & SPANISH INFLUENCE
The Dutch are the first to settle in New York. The Bronck House made of stone, used timber framing for homes as well. Shutters can be seen on the outside of the house. Inside one sees panelled walls, ladder back chairs with tilt top table in box form. Jans Martense Schenck House was another structure representing the style of this era.
SPANISH COLONIAL
The Spanish found massive wealth in Mexico and Central America. San Xavier del Bac Mission in Arizona exemplifies Spanish Colonial architecture, which was partially characterized by brick architecture and Pablo architecture which is a low-fire clay. The Governor’s Palace, in San Antonio Texas 1722 is an adobe building. Stones around the doorway can be seen with wood beams running through the walls inside to out. There is a simple fireplace and windows have wooden frames.
Information courtesy of New York School of Interior Design “Historical Styles 1” class