The French Colonial Style & Millwork

What Is French Colonial Architecture?

French Colonial was one of four domestic architectural styles that developed during the colonial period in what would become the United States. 

French Colonial architecture developed alongside:

• British Colonial Architecture (Most Common)
• Dutch Colonial Architecture
• Spanish Colonial Architecture

During the colonial period, American colonists were a mix of nationalists, with most originally hailing from Britain, pockets of Dutch, Spanish, and French mingled throughout the colonies. Because of its origins as a cultural melting pot, many different sources of inspiration affected colonial architecture styles.

These early styles of architecture can still be seen throughout neighborhoods all across the United States, and continue to influence home architecture and designs into today. 

View our gallery of French Colonial style homes, millwork, and moldings

French Colonial House Characteristics

French Colonial style of architecture is usually signified by a raised one-story house with many narrow door and window openings complemented by paired shutters.

French Colonial style homes typically feature: a steeply pitched roof, either hipped or side-gabled, and walls of stucco, commonly over a half-timbered frame. 

Exterior stairs were another common element; the stairs would often climb up to a distinctive, full-length porch, on a home’s front facade.

French Colonial Moldings & Millwork

French Colonial style moldings are usually derived from simple boards and can feature quirk and bead flourishes.

This makes French colonial moldings versatile – a large contributing factor to their continued popularity today.

In more complex examples of French colonial millwork, intricate shapes like coves, quarter-rounds, ogees, and ovolos are used as embellishment. 

French Colonial Architecture, Trim, & Drawings Gallery