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Updating your home: Colonial style basics to consider

by Dianne Drinkwater 11/20/2023

The Colonial-style house is one of the most common and well-known house styles in America. It’s traditional yet versatile enough to bring it to the modern age with little to no excessive efforts and can transcend regional boundaries due to its versatility.

But what do you do when it’s time to integrate the traditional styling elements of the Colonial home with a few newer, more modern design preferences?

Know what makes your home Colonial

Most Colonial houses are identifiable based on their shapes, overall external aesthetic and size. They tend to be rectangular around the body of the home with pitched, yet traditional roofs. Most have at least two stories, but can have one or three, depending on location and designer.

These homes often have fireplaces and favor the traditional exterior siding of brick or wood paneling. They’re also known for their symmetry and cosmetically conventional windows and doors.

Understand which style you have

Colonial homes come in a wide and astounding variety of styles. From the French Colonials dotting New Orleans, to the Cape Cod style of New England, Colonial homes have often been customized to feature a unique house style that sets them apart from others in their set.

Knowing what style of house you have is imperative for finding the right decor and design to accentuate its Colonial architecture.

Add from modern house styles

Many homeowners want to update their home’s exterior for a wide range of reasons. However, you’ll want to choose exterior accents that complement your home’s style instead of detract from it.

For example, those enjoying Spanish Colonial houses may find they can enjoy a home with lighter exteriors and darker accents along the home’s siding. The landscaping may even feature more tropical or desert-loving plants to help bring the style together. 

If you want to update the siding of an old Spanish Colonial home, try using a siding with hefty yet sustainable features. Ensure you can match the textures associated with other facets of your home before you upgrade, to ensure one fluid style around your home’s exterior.

These are just a few basics regarding updates to your Colonial home. Be sure to give yourself enough time to consider and plan any upgrades to your home before you get started. It’ll save you a host of problems down the line and create a product that you and your household can enjoy.



About the Author
Author

Dianne Drinkwater

Dianne is a full time, full service, state licensed Realtor®, member of Northeast Florida Regional Association of Realtors® (NEFAR), St. Augustine/ St.Johns County Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), and Northeast Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service And St. Augustine/St. Johns (MLS), Shearwater Certified, and Military on the Move Designation.

She provides a unique blend of leadership, sales acumen, project management, technology, and world class customer relation skills to enhance Watson Realty Corporation's values in the real estate sales and mortgage marketplace. She is a decisive take action solution-oriented professional with 25+ years of progressive business experience who efficiently utilizes technology to improve results. She has lived in the St. Augustine/Jacksonville area since 2005 and has seen the area continue to flourish and stays well informed of future growth plans within Northeast Florida. 

Let's take a look at the lighter side of Dianne. She loves life is artistic loves music, the arts, yoga and genealogy! She loves to explore and hates to be bored. She loves the outdoors, especially plant life and wildlife. She has been a Master Gardener in Florida and Maine; as a photography enthusiast she has the eye to spot the perfect shot, which spills over to the photos she makes of the properties she markets AND frequently hires the best specialized real estate photographers/drone and videographers who make the difference in the sale. And, she loves to share her knowledge of the local real estate market and all aspects of the process to guide you through each step as a coach rather than a salesperson. 

So, let's sum it up. Buying or selling your home is an important life decision. Reasons can vary greatly from change of lifestyle, to relocation or life challenges. You need someone you can trust, count on, respect and help shoulder the stress, anxiety and time commitment involved. Doesn't this sound like someone you want working for you? 

So, what's the next step? Contacting Dianne of course. It is all about YOUR needs, goals, timeline and DREAMS! She's here to help you achieve them and she looks forward to hearing from you. 

What are you looking for in a Realtor? - Someone who will really listen to your wants and needs? Someone who will expertly market your home until the SOLD sign adorns your front lawn or if you are a buyer tirelessly researches your wish list to find that perfect home? - How about someone who will always be honest, holds ethics in high regard as a realtor, who works aggressively to get you the best price for your home and someone who knows the market? 

Selling or buying a home is a partnership with your trusted advisor- Dianne Drinkwater