Colonial-style homes are the hallmark of Westchester County’s architecture. These homes, with symmetrical facades, gabled roofs, multi-paned windows, and centered front doors, have evolved while keeping their charm.
8 Design Trends for Colonial Style Homes in Westchester
1. Modernize the Layout
Historic colonial-style homes had compartmentalized rooms and center hall layouts. Today, remodels are opening up these spaces subtly, using cased openings, pocket doors, or widening key walls, to improve flow while keeping original trim and flooring. Many recent renovations in Westchester neighborhoods have focused on functionality while keeping the period details.
2. Select Warm Natural Finishes
Colonial interiors have always had hardwood floors, natural wood beams, and painted trim. Today’s trends favor finishes that showcase the beauty of natural materials, white oak flooring, matte or greige painted trim, and soft neutral walls. Accents in muted navy or charcoal provide contrast without overwhelming the historic palette.
3. Plan for Thoughtful Lighting
New lighting in colonial homes is all about mixing vintage with modern. Lantern pendants, candle-style sconces and wrought-iron chandeliers are popular. In main living areas, layered lighting, recessed lights, and decorative fixtures makes rooms feel brighter without losing character or craftsmanship.
4. Use Energy Efficient, Historically Styled Windows
Replacing original windows is a must in colder climates like Westchester. Homeowners are choosing double hung windows with simulated divided light or grille-over-glass to match colonial style proportions. Modern options now have insulated glass and energy-efficient coatings and look traditional.
5. Update Exteriors While Respecting Colonial Style charm
Colonial-style homes are all about balance and simplicity. Exterior updates often include wood-look fiber cement or PVC siding in neutral or historic colors, paneled front doors with sidelights or transoms, and properly sized shutters with operable hardware. Brick homes are sometimes limewashed to soften the tone and match the surrounding homes.
6. Install Discreet Smart Home Features
Today’s colonial-style homes are incorporating smart home features, security systems, WiFi networks, smart lighting, and thermostats, without disrupting the design. Homeowners are choosing devices with a minimal profile or installing them discreetly within millwork or behind cabinetry. The result is a function that respects the home’s traditional look.
7. Build-In Carpentry for Function & Form
Built-in cabinetry is timeless in colonial-style homes. Custom bookshelves, window seats, mudroom cubbies, and paneled accent walls all reinforce the style’s craftsmanship and symmetry. These features are especially useful in older homes with unique alcoves, dormers, or wall angles to use functionally and visually.
8. Layer Color Palettes With Personality
Neutral walls, warm whites, creams, or soft grays continue to dominate colonial interiors. But more homeowners are experimenting with color in smaller spaces like powder rooms, libraries, and entryways. Deep blues, olive greens, and heritage wallpapers inspired by botanical or historical prints are common additions that reflect the home’s original character with a personal touch.
Why These Trends Work in Westchester
Colonial-style homes in Westchester range from authentic early-20th-century homes to well-executed newer builds. Neighborhoods like Scarsdale, Bronxville, and Rye have dozens of colonial revival homes and their timeless proportions and layouts adapt well to modern design ideas.
These trends, centered on symmetry, scale, and craftsmanship, reflect what Westchester homeowners value: beauty that lasts, function that fits today’s lifestyle and upgrades that elevate without erasing the past.
Updating Colonial Homes in Westchester
Modern colonial-style homes in Westchester blend history with modernity:
- Subtle open floor plans
- Wood tones and neutrals instead of bright finishes
- Vintage-inspired but efficient lighting
- New windows for comfort while keeping the original style
- Exteriors updated with historically accurate materials and colors
- Smart tech hidden in traditional interiors
- Built-ins and millwork are beauty and function
Updating your Colonial Home in Westchester?
At HomeSquarePro, we do renovations that respect the past while improving comfort, safety, and functionality. Whether you need trim carpentry, energy-efficient window installation or a full interior refresh, we understand the subtleties of working with older homes and preserving what makes them special.
Thinking About Updating Your Colonial-Style Home?
HomeSquare specializes in thoughtful renovations that respect your home’s history while improving comfort, style, and function. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help bring your vision to life.
