Give Your Home a Colonial Look

Building a dream

Lisa and Tom Schreiner have always loved the look of authentic Colonial houses in the Northeast and wanted a home like that in Illinois. So they recently built their own house about 40 miles northwest of Chicago, filling it with 18th-century details that reflect nearly 20 years of planning.

Symmetry and classical detailing mark Georgian style. The front facade features a central entry, paired chimneys and five window openings on the second story. Essential to the look are double-hung windows with divided lights.