What Is a Federal-Style Home?

The earliest decades of United States history are sometimes referred to as the Federal Period, and one of the dominant architecture designs of that era shares the same name. Federal-style homes embrace simplicity and symmetry and carry elements of the Greek Revival form of architecture. Federal architecture was popular between about 1780 and 1820.

Federal homes can still be found in most east coast cities, especially the northeastern seaboard, and many of its design principles still apply today. Federal design was not limited to homes or even government buildings. The philosophy’s emphasis on graceful shapes and simple symmetry were reflected even in city layouts such as the designs of Washington, D.C., Manhattan, or Indianapolis. 

As a general rule, Federal home designers embraced symmetry as a key design principle. The left and right sides of the buildings were frequently mirror images of each other, with doors, windows and other features perfectly reflected on each side.

Federal design emphasized simplicity, so ornamentation was kept to a minimum. Although Federal architects appreciated flourishes such as Roman columns or fanlights over doors, these elements still focused on graceful shapes rather than elaborate decoration.

Federal architects tended to focus on square or rectangular designs, which matched well with the symmetrical approach. Homes were frequently two rooms deep and two stories high, adding another level of symmetry to the design.

Federal homes rarely include a large porch. The door is centered at the front of the building and even if the porch is well decorated, it tends to be quite small.