Best 70+ Beautiful Federal Style House Design You Won't Be Disappointed

One of the most iconic of the Art Deco house designs is the Federal style. Not only is it a classic American design, but it is also extremely popular in many parts of the world today. From its origins in colonial times to its present-day resurgence, this style is a great choice for those looking to add a unique, classic touch to their home.

Federal-style houses are defined by their restrained elegance and predominant use of decoration as the main focus. Characteristic features of a Federal style design include large rectangular shapes, symmetrical exteriors, and multiple stories. Facades are often kept simple, with little or no ornamental detail outside of the windows and door frames. However, in interior decor, Federal-style homes emphasize grandeur and class and often make use of decorative elements such as floral prints, intricate stonework, and beautiful wooden furniture pieces.

The Adamesque style of Art Deco house design is a form of neoclassicism that emerged in America during the mid-19th century. It was heavily inspired by the work of British brothers Robert and James Adam, whose architectural works showcased a more sculptural form of architecture. Adamesque homes often feature two-story facade and tall floor-to-ceiling windows to draw the eye upward. Exteriors are typically kept to two colors – white, and another neutral tone such as tan or light grey. The use of columns and plain ornamentation is typical of the Adamesque style.

Adamesque-style homes also often feature large entryways with double-doors, as well as prominent porticoes. Inside, features including delicate wall-paneling, plaster moldings, and marble fireplaces make this style one of the grandest of all the Art Deco house designs. Perhaps the most recognizable feature of the Adamesque style is the use of curved staircases, which became very popular during the mid-to-late 19th century.

The Adam-Jefferson style was the product of two great architects, Thomas Jefferson and Robert Adam, during early American Colonial period. The style was a melding-together of the more decorative neoclassical features taken from the styles popular in Europe, as well as the simpler, symmetrical designs favored by Americans. The result was a more refined, elegant style of architecture. This style incorporated both classical and rustic elements into a distinctly American design.

The Adam-Jefferson style is particularly noted for its use of small windows, with an asymmetric, yet balanced form. It also often features prominent, two-story exterior columns. Inside, this style of home is often designed for luxurious beauty and comfort. Common characteristics of Adam-Jefferson homes include large living areas, grandiose fireplaces, extensive woodwork, and shining hardwood floors.

If you prefer more grandiose Art Deco house designs, then the Massive Federal Style might be perfect for you. This grand style makes use of taller ceilings, more spacious entrances, and luxurious details. These homes often feature a third floor and wrap-around porches. The interior usually showcases expansive rooms, with beautiful fireplaces, marble accents, stunning woodwork, and grand staircases.

One of the most important features of the Massive Federal Style is its immense attention to detail and its use of luxury details. In the interior, massive chandeliers, ornate wall sconces, and intricate carpets are commonly found. The card room is often featured at the epicenter of the home, and often the most breathtaking entry foyer with magnificent staircases can be found.

The Classic American Federal Style House Design is one of the most popular in today’s world. This style of home is based on the original aesthetics of the Federal-style popularized in the mid-1800s, but with an added twist to give it a more modern edge. Exteriors will often take on an updated version of the classical design, with symmetrical window placement, tall columns, and bold window trim.

Interiors, however, use more refined pieces, often featuring only a few larger furnishings and artwork pieces, rather than overcrowding the space. Floor-to-ceiling windows and open-plan room lay-outs are common for creating a light and airy atmosphere. Hardwood floors, often combined with modern glass pieces, are popular for the ground-level, while the upper level typically includes more decorative elements.

Neo-Federal house designs are an updated version of the popular, classic American Federal style architecture. These homes tend to take a modern spin on the classic architecture, while keeping the hallmark details that make it so iconic. Neo-Federal homes often feature large, arched windows, patterned stonework, and symmetrical exterior designs.

The interiors of Neo-Federal homes often feature a more spacious, open-plan design with high ceilings and modern finishes. Wood is a common element, and often appears in the form of natural-toned furniture pieces and hardwood floors. Neutral walls and flooring help keep the look clean and add to the feeling of openness. Industrial-style lighting and furniture pieces also look attractive in this style of home.

The Directoire Federal design is a type of Art Deco House Design that takes inspiration from the pre-Revolutionary French Republic period. During this time, a more restrained, elegant style of architecture was favored. The Directoire Federal home design is characterized by its simple, straight-lined facades and restrained ornamentation. The look is more reminiscent of a Classical style home than the traditional Art Deco designs.

Details like Greek-key moldings, tall and airy windows, and hipped roofs are often found in the exterior of a Directoire Federal home. Interiors often look very regal and classical, making use of carefully placed furniture items, decorative accents, and ornate window treatments. Bold, rich colors help to create an elegant atmosphere that harks back to this grand period of French history.

Another type of classic French-inspired Art Deco house design is the Louis XVI Federal style. This particular style of architecture borrows from the more classic architectural elements used in the 16th and 17th centuries, such as curved lines and symmetrical shapes. Classic Louis XVI homes feature balconies, arched windows, and porticoes in their facades.

The indoors of a Louis XVI Federal home often showcase a more subtle refinement. Soft and neutral colors, large windows, and an open-plan design help to create a comfortable vibe. In terms of decorative pieces, this style of home often makes use of intricate details such as detailed plaster moldings, cornices, and crown molding trim. When accessorized with antique furniture pieces and finely-crafted pieces, this style creates an intelligently-designed and truly luxurious home.

Gothic Revival style homes are characterized by their use of dark palettes and more ornate details. This style emerged in the mid-19th century as a form of romanticism that mixed elements of gothic style with more traditionally-inspired details. The exteriors of Early Gothic Revival homes include steeply-pitched roofs, intricate window and door frames, and delicate stonework. These give the homes an air of mystery and sophistication.

Early Gothic Revival homes employ features including tall ceilings, stained-glass windows, and elaborate mantles and fireplaces. They also tend to employ more wood-paneled walls to add to their darker, more brooding elements. The general feel of these homes is one of Victorian grandeur, with their intricate designs and decadent details.

The Late 19th-Century Federal Design takes inspiration from early Federal-style homes, but adds a more modern twist to the style. These homes are generally more rectangular in shape than their predecessors, but still feature symmetrical lines and strong facades. Bold exterior details including large double-door entries, decorative window frames, and intricate stonework are all trademarks of this style.

Inside these homes, antique furniture pieces and detailed plasterwork combine to create a look of high-class elegance. Large beams, detailed moldings, and carefully placed artwork pieces help to create an ambiance of sophistication. These homes also tend to make use of luxurious carpets and stunning fireplaces to further add to the luxurious feel.

The French-style Federal design is an updated version of the classic French homes of the 1600s. These homes usually feature taller ceilings, simpler lines, and larger window frames. These features help to create light and airy interiors, perfect for modern living. Stonework and detailed moldings are commonplace in this style, as well as intricate window frames and decorative shutters.

The French-style Federal home will usually incorporate traditional details such as period furniture pieces, molding, and coffered ceilings. An armoire or buffet may be added to the living areas, creating a more rustic feel to the home. The main focus, however, is to create a fashionable and charming atmosphere that is perfect for inviting guests over.