Federal architecture – everything you need to know about this classically-inspired style

'Federal' is one of America's grandest architectural styles, drawing inspiration from both ancient traditions, such as Roman and Greek construction, and later Georgian styles.

While it's rare to find a federal building in every neighbourhood across the country, it's a highly influential house style that has undoubtedly played a large role in American architecture. Michele Iapicco, Vice President of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art Texas Chapter, says, 'The Federal style can be found in the United States after the Revolutionary War, from about 1780 to 1830. It is essentially the American version of neoclassical architecture, drawing inspiration from ancient Rome as well as Palladian and Georgian traditions.'

Michele adds, 'Federal architecture feels more refined and graceful than the heavier, earlier Georgian buildings. On the inside, you’ll often find oval-shaped rooms, intricate plasterwork, and elegant mantels, all reflecting a real appreciation for balance and subtlety.'

What is federal architecture?

Federal architecture has many defining characteristics. It's a style heavily influenced by earlier traditions, so you can expect to see highly classic features on a federal style building, such as columns, decorative motifs, and sometimes a portico. Michelle says, 'There are so many great examples of this style along the East Coast, but probably the best-known is the White House in Washington, D.C. Its symmetry and refined details are classic Federal.'

Michele explains, 'Some of the classic features of the Federal style include an emphasis on symmetry and clean, geometric order. You’ll often see brick or clapboard exteriors finished very smoothly, along with low-pitched or flat roofs that are sometimes hidden behind a balustrade. Entrances frequently feature distinctive elliptical or fan-shaped windows above the front door, as well as Palladian windows and narrow sidelights that let in extra light. Decorative details tend to be delicate and refined – think swags, urns, and thin pilasters, many of which are inspired by the neoclassical designs of Robert Adam.'

Federal style properties that showcase the best of the classical style

These three Federal-style homes are the epitome of classical architecture, featuring plenty of distinctive features, both outside and in.

1. An inherited family home in Westchester, NY

Federal-style architecture is just as impressive inside as it is out. Take this lovingly restored home in Westchester County, New York. Designed in the early 20th century, it's not an original federal building, but rather heavily inspired by the aesthetic, falling under the Federal revival style.

Interior designers Carol Flanagan and Megan Flanagan Tompkins of Flanagan Interiors were tasked with the redesign. They sympathetically acknowledged the style of the building, creating a traditional yet liveable home that honors its history. Carol says, 'Although relatively small in overall square footage, these features give this house an elegance and formality. The bow windows throughout the house reflect an ellipse found in Federal style architecture, as well as the brick facade and the symmetry in the rooms and the pilasters in the original millwork.'

Describing the design, Carol said, 'The interiors are clean and crisp with a combination of inherited antiques and new pieces. Additions to the kitchen, family room, and mudroom allow for more casual living, which flows freely into the original spaces. Generous dimensions of the rooms make them gracious and airy, allowing for large gatherings of extended family and friends. My favorite part of this project is the light. Many of the rooms have light on three sides, and the beautiful windows take advantage of the serene, park-like setting.'

2. A classical mansion in Richmond, Virginia

Designed in simplified early Federal style by Alexander Parris, this building is the oldest occupied governor's house in America. It was built in 1814 and is an archetypal example of the classical architectural style.

Thalia Toha, Architectural Historian & Geography Exhibit Designer at Lafayette History Museum, says, 'Being a conglomeration of multiple inherited styles, the standout features of Federal architecture are typically defined by what it excludes from preceding styles. By the time Federal architecture came around, it had already simplified the neoclassical grand portico entrance. Federal architecture’s entrance often consists of a simple two-columned portico.' The pillared entrance can be seen above.

Thalia adds, 'In the following centuries, different regions adapted the style differently based on regional preferences. For example, it's common to see brick in the vast majority of Federal architecture in the South. Meanwhile, the Northeast regions often utilize clapboard instead.'

3. A family home steeped in history in Sudbury, Massachusetts

This traditional home in Sudbury, Massachusetts features dates from 1790. It's a shining example of Federal architecture and was sympathetically redesigned recently by interior designer Linda Weisberg of LW Interiors.

Linda says, 'Federal Architecture is classic and enduring. I find it a very graceful style characterized by its symmetry, elegance, and detailed interior and exterior mouldings. This style, started by British architects in the mid-18th century, was influenced by Greek and Roman architecture and crossed over to the US after the Revolutionary War. It's a style that never grows old.'

Linda said she loved many things about the project, but named a few key features that make an older home livable. She was sure to incorporate a mix of decorating with antiques and comfort, ensuring the antique furniture was sturdy, not delicate. 'I also incorporated traditional motifs, for example, the damask wallpaper ideas in the living room and main bedroom, and the William Morris wallpaper in the study.' These traditional touches make the redesign feel sympathetic and cohesive.

Linda also incorporated 'Art that was meaningful to the clients. The property has a pond where the clients have seen herons, and wanted that reflected when they selected art for the living room.'

Federal architecture is a deeply historic and refined architectural style that is influenced by many earlier traditions. With classical columned facades and ornate motifs, it's undoubtedly a lavish design style that integrates into America's broad architectural history.

We explore another popular architectural style in our explainer on Queen Anne-style homes (they're filled with charm, whimsy, and the utmost decadence).