The Antebellum Architecture and Interior Design

Friday, May 12th, 2017

If history were to be the basis for the definition of Antebellum, then it is that period when civil war was at its peak and when it ended in 1812. This also includes a brief part of the after-war era till the 1789 adoption of the Constitution.

Cotton plantations were quite profitable during this time. The South enjoyed this cotton boom and their economy soared.

The Industrial Revolution started with the New England textile industry. This was brought about by Samuel Slater who was an apprentice in one of the biggest textile factories in Britain. He was the first to open the fully-mechanized mill.

There are many other historical happenings that affected the characteristics of anything considered to be antebellum.

Antebellum Architecture

Antebellum architecture focuses on the elegant and huge plantation homes in the South. Antebellum is the Latin word for before war. These days, it is used to define the style of a house or even furnishing style. But if we would have to be technical, it represents a historical place and time.

Southern architecture is hugely inspired by whoever inhabited the land – the French, Spanish, Native Americans or Creoles. These entrepreneurs dominated the Southern economy and also the architectural features of many homes.

A great many antebellum homes are in Classical Revival, Greek Revival, Federal Style or French Colonial in symmetry and form. Just take a careful look at the boxy balconies, pillars and columns and you’d know that you’re looking at an antebellum home.

Antebellum homes also feature the most opulent details such as –

• Gabled roofing
• Evenly-spaced windows
• Balanced façade
• Wide balconies
• Covered porch
• Grand staircases
• Central entryway
• Cupola
• Formal ballroom

Are you picturing the home in the movie The Sound of Music? That’s actually already pretty modern. The home in Gone with the Wind is more like it.

The American antebellum represents everything that’s grand, stately and powerful. It reflects the idealism of the rich plantation owners of the South. Here are some of the best and well-known examples of Antebellum homes –

• The Oak Alley Plantation from Vacherie, LA
• The Belle Meade Plantation from Nashville, TN
• The Longwood Estate situated in Natchez, MS
• Long Branch Estate located in Millwood, VA.

Most of these homes were damaged during the Civil War and also during Hurricane Katrina.

Stylizing the Antebellum Home

So, if your home has those wide, spacious porches, extensive grounds and huge rooms, then you are blessed. You probably own a Southern plantation home. You can begin looking for the best paint colors, cabinetry and lighting fixtures to decorate your home with.

Begin with styling the Antebellum porch.  Nothing can offer a more relaxing vibe than to have this classic porch transformed into an easygoing area. Install lantern-style fixtures and ornate yet still laidback furniture pieces.

Blue green is the most apt color for porch ceilings. This is because it was originally considered as a means to ward off evil spirits. White paint is also the look of antique. Just like every Farrow & Ball color, white can change with the light. So this can appear off-white, pale gray, cream, even yellowish.

Speaking of light, you can use pendant fixtures, still in lantern style.

To complete the look, install also a ceiling fan or two.

As you go indoors, expect to find coffered ceilings. If these are not installed in your current home, then don’t fret ask a professional to do everything.

Having a luxurious flooring is also a must. As much as you can, save the original floors. If that’s no longer possible, it would be nice to have a reclaimed heart pine installed as your Antebellum home’s new – yet old-looking – flooring.

Tags: Antebellum, Antebellum design, Antebellum furnishings, Antebellum interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
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