Do you have an architect? That's where I'd start. You should be able to find a good architect in that region well versed in both colonial and modern styles. If it were me I would start with colonial design and do it in a modern way.

Thank you. We will be getting some professional help, but I would like to see what I can come up with, if I have any clever ideas on how to do just that. I feel the biggest piece to address might be the roof. Just thought someone might have some inspiration on this concept,

It is really tough to say because colonial means different things to different people. To an architect colonial can mean any number of different styles from Cape Cod to Saltbox to Georgian and Federal styles. Any of them can be done in a more modern way by removing details, simplifying elements, perhaps throwing things out of symmetry, etc. If someone were to approach me with your request my interpretation would be someone who wants a home that points toward a certain era but that is composed in a modern way. But this is tricky stuff because a fabulous architect like Robert AM Stern could probably pull it off, whereas a lesser architect, you might end up with something approaching the look of a McMansion or a 70s tract home (all those Garrison Colonials you see in New England tract developments from the 60s and 70s were, in my opinion, unsuccessful attempts at doing exactly what you are suggesting).

So where I would start is compiling a bunch of reference images of the types of homes that inspire you. You can't really look at it in terms of things like roof line because that's too specific at this stage of the game. You got to have an overall design concept first. Compile a bunch of pictures and your architect should be able to tell if, for instance, your style leans toward say Federal or Saltbox or whatever and then he or she can begin to work on applying that in a modern way. Research all the different colonial styles and pull reference images, you can even print them out and circle the details you like and dislike, that way your architect knows exactly where to go and isn't trying to interpret. The colonial era in America lasted nearly 200 years, so there's a lot of different architectural styles going on (assuming you mean New England/British colonial and not Spanish, French or Dutch Colonial which are also styles of the same time period). That's why its so important to do your homework before worrying about things like the roof profile. Houzz is a great resource for this. There are lots of books and magazines online and elsewhere too. About.com has an entire section on home styles, and looking through the portfolios of great residential architects like Stern and others will contribute as well. Hope that helps.

Thank you so much. I have been doing just what you suggested, but wasn't sure if my efforts were on target.

..or could be finer honed. I will continue!

I’d get the best architect your budget allows! It makes a huge difference.