The stately but practical homes of the American colonial period owe a lot to Dutch building traditions, which feature brickwork, split doors, and flared roof eaves. These still make for distinctive designs, especially in the northeastern United States.
What Are The Origins of Dutch Colonial Style?
Dutch Colonial architecture emerged in the early 17th century when Dutch traders and settlers established a colony called New Netherland. Though the British annexed the settlement and renamed it New York, the Dutch had left their architectural mark. Whether New York or Pennsylvania is the style’s original home is up for debate.
The term “Dutch” wasn’t used as it is today. Rather, it was a catch-all term for non-British settlers, whether Dutch, Belgian, or German. As a result, you can’t trace every Dutch Colonial feature back to the Netherlands.
To complicate matters, few original 17th-century Dutch buildings remain today. Most existing Dutch Colonial buildings are actually 20th-century revivals of the style stemming from patriotic nostalgia.
What Are the Key Features of Dutch Colonial Homes?
The Dutch Colonial focus on homes rather than other types of buildings helped develop a few iconic features with both form and function. Here are just a few of them.
The Gambrel Roof
The most distinctive Dutch Colonial feature is a broad, barn-style, double-pitched gambrel roof. These roofs originated in France, England, and Flanders and were cheaper and easier to build than standard two-story gable roofs. They also saved homeowners money in taxes since assessors classified homes with gambrel roofs as one-story houses.
Dormers and Windows
To further enhance usable space and natural light on the upper floors, Dutch Colonial homes often feature dormers, which raise the ceiling on the second floor and provide space for additional windows. Common dormer styles include:
- Gable dormers: These are the most traditional type and suit classic looks.
- Hipped dormers: These add a bit more complexity to the roofline design.
- Shed dormers: These span much of the roofline for a more contemporary twist on a historical design.
Windows in Dutch Colonial homes typically follow a symmetrical pattern, with orderly rows on the facade. The most common window style is the double-hung 8-over-8 design—beautiful and functional. Some more-ornate houses feature decorative round windows in the gable ends, adding architectural interest.
Flared Eaves and Porches
Another distinctive element of Dutch Colonial roofs is flared eaves, also known as kicked eaves. This feature often extends partly or completely over the porch, adding both visual interest and sheltered space.
Porches on Dutch Colonial homes are almost always covered, with simple columns supporting the roofs, so you can enjoy them for longer in the year.
Dutch Doors and Exterior Materials
Many Dutch Colonial homes have split or double-hung doors, a feature borrowed from barn design. These Dutch doors let fresh air circulate while keeping kids inside and animals out.
When it comes to exterior materials, Dutch Colonial homes have evolved over time. The first generations of builders used brick or stone. In the 20th century, builders turned to brick veneer. You’ll now see Dutch Colonial revival homes with clapboards or shingle siding. A muted brown, gray, steel blue, or moss green color complements their uncluttered exteriors.
