Build your own White House by choosing to build a federal-style house. Originating in post-Revolutionary America, federal-style homes have stood the test of time, evoking sophistication by blending historic American architecture with modern amenities. With a federal-style home, you’ll have a design that honors the past and welcomes the future.
Learn about the federal style and why it is a smart choice for your custom home design.
What Is a Federal-Style House?
Classic American homes have a federal architectural style. This style evolved from Georgian architecture and became popular between 1780 and 1840. This building design embraced elegance and the optimism Americans felt after securing independence.
Today, federal-style homes remain popular for their timeless elegance and historical value. With contemporary renovations and updates, modern families find them appealing and functional.
Federal Architecture Features
Thanks to their unique architecture, federal-style townhomes, houses, and government buildings are instantly recognizable among traditional home styles. The architect’s goal when establishing this style was to evoke modern sophistication. You will see subtle influences of Greek and Roman architecture.
The building’s design has symmetry. It begins with a rectangular or square facade with evenly placed windows throughout. The structure has plenty of clean lines and a simple approach.
It is common to add curved or polygonal projections to increase the size of the building. These are added to the center of the building or paired to match on either side.
There are ornate details around the structural elements. The windows have framing flat lintels with bull’s eye corner accents.
The windows will be tall, with many small panes in a double-hung sash design. The final element is the roof, which comes in three common designs accented with balustrades or cupolas.
- Low-pitched
- Hipped
- Side-gabled
Federal Style Characteristics
The details of these homes are delicately ornate. Federal homes are more ornate with details than Colonial homes, which tend to be more utilitarian. They also feature delicate and intricate details that differ from Georgian homes that have larger-scale moldings and ornaments.
You will find fanlights throughout the home over the exterior doors, decorative cornices, and keystone arches. These elements are inspired by European neoclassical architecture.
Why Choose a Federal-Style House
Choosing a federal style for your home is smart because it has a timeless appeal that adapts to modern amenities. Homeowners can add an open floor plan, energy-efficient features, and smart home technology.
Once built, homeowners can embrace modern home design trends. The subtle details elevate the home and create the perfect backdrop for various interior design styles.
Design Your Home Today
With all the benefits of designing a federal-style house, it is a smart choice for individuals looking to build a custom home. The symmetrical design with subtle, intricate details creates a sophisticated and elegant building. Their timeless appeal ensures your investment will remain desirable for years to come.
At Alpha to Omega Properties, we are a comprehensive construction and design company. Our CEO is both a certified designer and a licensed builder. We specialize in designing innovative, cost-effective solutions in and around Lake Orion, MI.
Schedule a consultation with our experienced architects and project managers to discuss your dream project.