A Guide To Federal-Style Houses

One of the most popular styles of American homes is the Federal-style house. They’re timeless, attractive and found all over the country, especially in New England and Washington, D.C. Let’s pull back the curtains on the style and materials of a Federal-style home, and the history along with some pros and cons of owning one.

What Is A Federal-Style House?

Popular in the late 1700s and early 1800s, Federal-style houses have a simple, classical appearance. They’re often two or three stories tall with a boxy, rectangular shape.

Federal-style houses share a lot of DNA with Colonial-style houses, another one of the most popular house styles.

Here are the defining characteristics and materials that make up the Federal style.

Characteristics

These common features define a Federal-style house:

• Façade (the face of the building): Simple elegance is the key to a Federal-style home. The exterior is commonly made out of brick and is usually flat. The homes stand out because they are extremely balanced and geometrical, with little ornamentation.
• Columns: You likely won’t find a porch on a Federal-style home. Instead, you’ll find an understated entrance flanked by elegant columns.
• Entrance: While the entrance is simple, the accents are a little grander than on Colonial homes. You may find intricate moldings or brass hardware. To add to the grand feeling, these homes often have iron balconies or other metalwork designs on the exterior.
• Windows: Because symmetry is a key feature of this architectural style, windows tend to be laid out symmetrically across the facade. Elliptical fan-style windows over the front door and Palladian windows are also popular features.
• Roof: Federal-style homes tend to have a hipped roof, which means the sides slope down toward the walls of the building. Because of that, gables are common, the part of the building that forms a triangle where it meets the sloping sides of the roof. Window structures built into the roof, known as dormers, add extra light.
• Interior: Inside, these homes tend to be two rooms deep, often arranged on either side of a hallway. A surprising feature that many Federal-style homes have is an oval-shaped room at the center of the home.
• Decor: Historically, these homes have been decorated in an elegant, beautiful style. Proportion, balance and symmetry are important. Moldings and cornices are often intricate, adding to the classic flair. Popular decorating colors are pastel yellows, greens and blues.

Materials

These are the materials most commonly used to construct Federal-style homes:

• Brick
• Wood siding (clapboard, etc.)
• Iron

The most popular exterior materials vary by region. In the South, brick is much more common while in the Northeast, wood siding like clapboard is prevalent.

Iron would also be used for details like railings or light fixtures, to add an ornamental accent to the home’s visual impact.

The History Of Federal-Style Houses

The Federal style is an evolution of the Colonial style of home. After the Revolutionary War and America's independence from Britain, folks decided to move away from the Colonial style of England. This style became popular around 1783 – 1815 and continues to this day.

The reason these houses are called “Federal” is because they became popular during the early years of the new United States government, when the federal government first came into its own. Federal houses are also known as “Adam style” after the Adam brothers. They were the British designers who popularized the European neoclassical style the Federal style is based on. Architects of the era were also influenced by Greek and Roman design, and took elements from them to further establish the style we know today.

Are Federal-Style Homes Historic Homes?

The short answer is that they can be, but not all qualify as historic homes. Just because a house is old and well-kept doesn’t mean that it meets the standards to be registered with the National Register of Historic Places. A home is typically designated as historic due to either specific watershed events that occurred there or because of its relation to the surrounding neighborhood.

Examples Of Federal-Style Homes

Some common examples of this style include family homes, town halls, schools and churches. The most famous U.S. Federal-style building is the White House, which includes a very famous example of the Federal-style oval room, the Oval Office.

While these homes are found all over the country, they’re most commonly found on the East Coast, usually in Boston and New York.

Pros And Cons Of Buying A Federal-Style Home

There are a few pros and cons of buying a Federal-style house:

Pros

• Historic charm: Geometric and elegant, these homes are from a different era and there’s an undeniable architectural charm that many people find appealing in these homes.
• Quality construction: Traditionally, they’re made out of durable materials like brick or wood. The sloped roofs also usually last longer than roofs on other homes.
• Unique features: The accent elements like the fanlights and moldings make these homes feel special and one-of-a-kind versus the cookie-cutter feel of many modern styles.

Cons

• Maintenance challenges: Because many of these homes were built over 200 years ago, it’s common for replacements to be needed. However, in addition to the cost, it can be difficult to find qualified craftspeople to make modifications or repairs due to the nature of the materials.
• Difficult to modernize: If the home is a designated historic building there will be limits on any upgrades you can make. Even if it isn’t, you may be limited by the nature of the design. There’s only so much you can do when the bones of the home are made the way they are.
• Accessibility concerns: These homes usually have multiple stories which could present challenges for people who struggle with climbing up and down stairs.

Federal-Style Architecture FAQs

Here are some common questions about Federal-style buildings.

Where are Federal-style homes typically found?

Because they became popular in the early days of the United States, they’re typically found up and down the East Coast and in the South.

What is the difference between Georgian architecture and Federal-style?

A main difference is the interior of the home – Georgian-style integrates more heavy woodwork, whereas Federal-style is more delicate and restrained.

What is the difference between Colonial and Federal architecture?

The main difference between the two is that the Federal-style tends to add a little more ornateness and elegance, whereas the Colonial-style home is much simpler and utilitarian.

The Bottom Line: Federal Architecture Has Charm, But Is Hard To Update

While they share similar features with Colonial and Georgian homes, Federal-style homes are a wonderful balance of simplicity and elegance. Looking for your dream home style? Speak with a Rocket Homes℠ Partner Agent to make a financial plan and find the home you’re looking for.