21 Colonial House Exterior Ideas
So, you’re thinking about giving your colonial-style home a facelift—or maybe you’re just daydreaming about those stately, symmetrical beauties with their white columns and timeless charm. Either way, you’re in the right place.
Don’t worry, friend, I’ve rounded up 21 colonial house exterior ideas that range from classic elegance to subtle modern twists.
Whether you’ve got an old brick colonial begging for TLC or a newer build that just feels a little “meh,” these ideas will help your house step up its curb appeal game.
Ready? Let’s talk colonial chic.
1. Classic White Paint with Black Shutters
You can’t talk colonial without mentioning the white-and-black combo. It’s crisp, timeless, and makes you look like you know a thing or two about tradition.
Ever wondered why it works so well? Because it’s clean, bold, and instantly recognizable. Add a shiny black front door, and boom—you’ve nailed the look.
2. Brick Colonial with a Fresh Wash
If you’ve got brick, consider a limewash or whitewash. It softens the red tones and gives the home that “aged but classy” vibe.
Plus, it hides imperfections (trust me, brick ages faster than we’d like to admit).
3. Symmetry Is King
Colonials thrive on balance. Line up windows evenly, match shutters on both sides, and center the front door.
It’s not just an architectural choice—it’s practically colonial law. And IMO, symmetry just feels… calming.
4. A Bold Front Door
Ever seen a colonial with a red or navy door? It’s a small change that makes a big impact.
Personally, I love a deep green—it pops against brick or white siding without screaming for attention.
5. Statement Columns
Colonials love columns like peanut butter loves jelly. If your house has them, show them off.
Upgrade to chunkier, more dramatic columns or paint them in a bold contrasting shade for a fresh twist.
6. Lantern-Style Lighting
Forget boring floodlights. Go for colonial-style lanterns by the entryway. They not only fit the vibe but also give your home that warm, “come on in” glow at night.
Ever pulled into your driveway and thought, “Yep, this feels cozy”? That’s the lantern magic.
7. Dormer Windows for Charm
If you’ve got a sloped roof, add dormer windows. They break up the roofline and give your house more personality.
Bonus: they make your attic space less creepy and more usable.
8. Wide, Welcoming Porch
Colonials with porches always feel friendlier. A wraparound porch screams southern colonial vibes, while a simple front stoop with columns leans New England classic.
Add rocking chairs if you’re into the “sit and sip sweet tea” lifestyle.
9. Mixed Materials for Depth
Who says colonials have to stick with just one finish? Try brick on the bottom, siding on top.
It gives the house some texture and breaks up that big, boxy look colonials often have.
10. Crisp Trim Work
Sharp, contrasting trim makes colonial architecture pop. Go for bright white trim against darker siding, or black trim for a bold statement.
Trust me, sloppy trim ruins the whole look—don’t skimp here.
11. Symmetrical Landscaping
Remember how colonials are all about symmetry? Carry that into the yard.
Two trees framing the walkway, twin planters by the door, evenly trimmed hedges—it ties the whole exterior together like a bow on a present.
12. Window Boxes with Flowers
If your colonial feels a little stiff, add flower boxes under the windows.
Bright blooms soften the rigid lines and make your house look more inviting. Geraniums, petunias, or ivy? Yes, please.
13. Shingle Roof Upgrade
A new roof may not sound sexy, but trust me—it changes everything. Go for wood or slate-look shingles to give your colonial a richer, more authentic appearance.
Asphalt works too, but let’s be honest, wood shingles scream “I’m fancy.”
14. Pops of Color Beyond the Door
We all know the front door gets the spotlight, but what about shutters in hunter green or navy? A subtle color shift adds personality without going too modern.
15. Grand Entryway Steps
Your entry steps deserve attention. Replace cracked concrete with stone, brick, or wide wooden steps.
Throw in a colonial-style railing, and suddenly your home says, “Yes, I am sophisticated. Thank you for noticing.”
16. Symmetrical Garage Doors
Colonials with attached garages can look awkward. Solve this by using carriage-style garage doors that blend with the home’s design. Symmetry + style = win.
17. Seasonal Wreaths & Decor
Colonials practically beg for front door wreaths. Swap them seasonally—spring florals, fall leaves, winter greenery.
It’s the easiest way to keep the exterior feeling fresh without breaking the bank.
18. Side Gables for Character
If your colonial feels too boxy, add side gables or small architectural details. They keep the classic symmetry but give more depth to the roofline.
19. Neutral Paint with a Twist
White is classic, but don’t sleep on taupe, pale gray, or cream. They still feel traditional but with a softer edge. Pair with bold black shutters, and you’re golden.
20. Iron Railings & Hardware
Small details matter. Swap out plain railings for wrought-iron styles and choose colonial-inspired door knockers or handles.
It’s like accessorizing an outfit—you don’t notice it at first, but it makes the whole look feel complete.
21. Lighting the Walkway
Finish it off with pathway lighting. Colonial homes love symmetry, and a perfectly lit walkway that leads right to the front door just feels right.
Plus, you’ll stop tripping on the driveway at night—so, double win.
Final Thoughts
Colonial homes already come with built-in charm, but with the right tweaks, they can go from “cute” to “wow.”
The trick is keeping the balance of tradition and personality. Stick to symmetry, use bold but timeless details, and don’t be afraid to let a little color or modern touch sneak in.
Honestly, the best colonial exteriors are the ones that look classic but still feel personal—like your home has stories to tell but isn’t stuck in the past.
So whether you’re painting shutters, adding lanterns, or going full-on porch makeover, remember:
colonial style is about timeless elegance, but it’s also about making it yours.
