Explore the elegance and charm of modern federal style houses with these twenty inspiring ideas that perfectly blend history and contemporary design.
Federal style architecture has been around since the late 1700s, but it’s still as popular as ever. This timeless style is known for its symmetrical design and classic features like columns and pediments.
But just because it’s a traditional style doesn’t mean it can’t be modernized. In fact, there are plenty of ways to update a Federal-style house to make it feel fresh and contemporary while still paying homage to its historic roots.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 modern Federal-style houses that showcase how this classic architectural style can be adapted for today’s living. From bold colors to sleek lines, these homes prove that you don’t have to sacrifice tradition for modernity.
So if you’re looking for inspiration for your own home or just appreciate beautiful architecture, read on!
What You Will Learn
Open Floor Plan
An open floor plan is a popular feature in modern federal style houses. It involves removing walls that separate the kitchen, dining room, and living room to create one large space.
This design allows for better flow and communication between family members or guests during gatherings. The lack of barriers also maximizes natural light throughout the house, making it feel more spacious and airy.
An open floor plan can be enhanced with high ceilings, large windows or glass doors leading to outdoor spaces such as patios or decks for an even greater sense of openness and connection with nature.
Grand Entrance
It sets the tone for the entire home and creates an impressive first impression. The entrance typically features a large, ornate door with sidelights and transom windows that allow natural light to flood into the foyer.
A portico or covered porch may also be present, providing shelter from inclement weather while adding architectural interest to the exterior of the house. Inside, visitors are greeted by soaring ceilings and elegant moldings that create an atmosphere of sophistication and luxury from their very first step inside your home’s front door.
Symmetrical Facade
The design features an equal distribution of windows, doors, and other architectural elements on either side of a central axis. This creates a sense of balance and harmony that is pleasing to the eye.
The symmetry can be seen in everything from the placement of chimneys to the shape and size of windows. A well-executed symmetrical facade can make even a modest-sized home look grander than it actually is by creating an impression that it’s larger than its actual square footage suggests.
It also gives off an air or formality which was highly valued during this period in American architecture history when these homes were first built between 1780-1830s.
Elegant Columns
These columns, typically made of stone or wood, add grandeur and sophistication to the home’s exterior. They can be found in various styles such as Doric, Ionic or Corinthian and are often placed at the entrance to create an impressive first impression.
The use of elegant columns is not limited to just the outside; they can also be used inside as decorative elements that provide structural support while adding visual interest to large open spaces like living rooms or foyers. Whether you prefer traditional white marble pillars or sleek black iron posts, incorporating elegant columns into your modern federal style house will elevate its overall aesthetic appeal and make it stand out from other architectural styles on your street!
Gabled Roofs
These roofs have two sloping sides that meet at the ridge, creating a triangular shape on each end of the house. The gable roof design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical as it allows for better ventilation and natural light in attic spaces.
Gabled roofs can be customized with dormers or other architectural details to add visual interest to the home’s exterior. When choosing roofing materials for your modern federal style house with a gabled roof, consider options such as asphalt shingles or metal roofing that complement the overall design aesthetic while providing durability and longevity against harsh weather conditions.
Circular Driveway
They provide an elegant and practical solution for homeowners who want to create a grand entrance to their property. A circular driveway allows cars to enter and exit the property with ease, while also providing ample space for guests’ vehicles during events or gatherings.
Circular driveways can be made from various materials such as concrete, pavers, or asphalt. Homeowners can choose from different designs that complement the overall aesthetic of their home’s exterior.
Some circular driveways feature intricate patterns created by using contrasting colors or textures in the paving material.
In addition to being functional and visually appealing, circular driveways also add value to properties by enhancing curb appeal. They make it easier for potential buyers or renters to access the house without having difficulty maneuvering through tight spaces when parking their car.
Wrought-iron Details
These intricate designs add an elegant touch to the exterior and interior of the house. From railings to gates, wrought iron can be used in various ways to enhance the overall look of your home.
The durability and strength of wrought iron make it a popular choice for outdoor applications such as fences, balconies, and window grills. In addition to its practical uses, wrought iron also adds character and charm with its unique patterns that can range from simple geometric shapes to elaborate floral motifs.
Whether you choose traditional black or opt for a custom color finish, incorporating wrought-iron details into your modern federal style house will undoubtedly elevate its aesthetic appeal while providing functional benefits at the same time.
Brick or Stone Exterior
The use of these materials not only adds to the home’s aesthetic appeal but also provides durability and longevity. Brick and stone are low-maintenance options that can withstand harsh weather conditions, making them ideal for homes in areas with extreme temperatures or frequent storms.
They offer excellent insulation properties, which can help reduce energy costs over time. When choosing between brick or stone exteriors for your modern Federal-style home, consider factors such as cost, maintenance requirements, and overall design goals to ensure you make an informed decision that meets your needs both aesthetically and functionally.
Classic Moldings
These decorative elements add depth and character to the interior spaces, creating an elegant and refined atmosphere. Crown molding is perhaps the most common type of molding used in these homes, running along the top edge where walls meet ceilings.
Baseboards are another popular choice, providing a clean transition between floors and walls while also protecting them from damage.
Wainscoting is yet another classic molding that can be found in many Federal-style homes. This paneling covers only part of the wall’s height, typically up to chair rail height or slightly higher depending on personal preference.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, moldings serve practical purposes as well: they can help conceal wiring or plumbing lines within walls while also adding insulation against drafts and noise pollution.
Outdoor Living Space
It provides an extension of the indoor living area and allows homeowners to enjoy nature while still being comfortable. The outdoor space can be designed as a patio, deck, or porch with ample seating areas for entertaining guests or relaxing alone.
Adding features such as fire pits, grills, and outdoor kitchens make it possible to cook meals outside during warm weather months. Landscaping elements like gardens and water features add natural beauty to the surroundings while providing privacy from neighbors’ views.
With proper design planning and execution by professionals in construction services industry , an outdoor living space can become one of the most enjoyable parts of any home that will be cherished for years to come!
Palladian Windows
These large, arched windows are typically found on the second story and provide an elegant touch to the facade. The center window is often larger than the two flanking it, creating a sense of balance and symmetry in the design.
Palladian windows were first popularized by Andrea Palladio during the Renaissance period in Italy and have since become a staple in neoclassical architecture around the world. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, these grandiose windows also allow for ample natural light to enter into living spaces within homes that incorporate them into their design scheme.
Hipped Roofs
They have four sloping sides that meet at the top to form a ridge. The hipped roof design provides better stability and durability than other types of roofs, making it ideal for areas with high winds or heavy snowfall.
In addition to their practical benefits, hipped roofs also add an elegant touch to the overall look of the house. They can be covered with various materials such as shingles, tiles or metal sheets depending on personal preference and climate conditions.
One popular variation is called a mansard roof which has two slopes on each side creating additional living space under the roofline. This type of hip roof was commonly used in French architecture during 17th century but still remains popular today due its unique aesthetic appeal.
Neoclassical Portico
It consists of a roof supported by columns, often with decorative elements such as pediments and friezes. The portico serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose, providing shelter from the elements while also adding grandeur to the entrance of the home.
The columns are typically made from materials such as wood or stone, with variations in design ranging from simple to ornate depending on personal preference. A Neoclassical portico can be customized to fit any size or shape of house and is sure to make a statement for those who appreciate classic architecture in their homes.
Expansive Porches
These outdoor living spaces provide ample room for relaxation and entertainment, while also adding to the home’s curb appeal. Typically located at the front of the house, expansive porches often feature grand columns and intricate railings that add to their visual impact.
Homeowners can use these areas as an extension of their indoor living space by incorporating comfortable seating arrangements or even dining tables for al fresco meals with family and friends. Expansive porches also offer protection from inclement weather, allowing homeowners to enjoy fresh air even during rain showers or hot summer days when shade is needed most.
Expansive porches are a must-have feature in any modern federal style house design that prioritizes both form and function in equal measure.
Enhanced Cornices
These decorative features add depth and dimension to the roofline, creating an eye-catching visual effect that draws the eye upward. Cornices can be simple or elaborate, depending on your personal taste and architectural preferences.
Some homeowners opt for classic dentil molding, while others choose more intricate designs with ornate brackets and corbels.
One popular trend in enhanced cornices is to use contrasting colors or materials to make them stand out even more. For example, you might paint your cornice a different color than the rest of your house’s exterior or use copper flashing for added shine.
Another way to enhance your home’s cornice is by adding lighting fixtures underneath it. This creates a warm glow at night that highlights its beauty while also providing additional security around entrances.
Minimalist Interior
This style emphasizes simplicity, clean lines, and functionality. The minimalist approach to decorating involves using only essential furniture pieces and decor items while keeping the space uncluttered.
Neutral colors such as white, beige or gray are often used in this type of interior design to create a calming atmosphere that complements the classic exterior of federal-style homes.
Incorporating natural materials like wood or stone can add warmth and texture to minimalist interiors without detracting from their simplicity. Large windows with simple treatments allow plenty of natural light into the home which further enhances its airy feel.
When it comes to furniture selection for minimalistic interiors, less is more – choose pieces that serve multiple purposes such as storage ottomans or benches with built-in shelving units instead of cluttering up space with unnecessary furnishings.
Two-story Living Areas
These spaces create an open and airy feel, while also providing ample natural light. The second story of the living area can be accessed by a staircase or balcony overlooking the first floor, adding to the grandeur of the space.
This design element is perfect for those who love to entertain guests or have large families as it provides plenty of room for everyone to gather together comfortably. Two-story living areas often include high ceilings and expansive windows that offer stunning views of outdoor surroundings such as gardens or landscapes which further enhance their appeal.
Custom Millwork
It refers to the intricate woodwork that is crafted by skilled artisans and installed in various parts of the house, such as doors, windows, moldings, cabinetry and paneling. The purpose of custom millwork is to add character and sophistication to the interior design while also providing functional benefits like insulation or soundproofing.
One popular type of custom millwork used in federal-style homes are crown moldings which are decorative strips made from wood that run along the top edge where walls meet ceilings. They can be simple or ornate depending on personal preference but they always add an elegant touch.
Another example would be wainscoting which involves installing wooden panels on lower portions of walls for both aesthetic appeal and protection against damage caused by chairs or other furniture rubbing against them.
Energy-efficient Updates
These updates not only help to reduce energy consumption but also save money on utility bills. Some of the most popular energy-efficient upgrades include installing double-paned windows, adding insulation to walls and attics, upgrading HVAC systems with programmable thermostats and high-efficiency units, using LED lighting fixtures throughout the house, and incorporating renewable energy sources such as solar panels or geothermal heating/cooling systems.
By making these changes in your home design plan or renovation project you can create an eco-friendly living space that is both comfortable and cost-effective in the long run.
Rooftop Terrace
They offer an outdoor living space with stunning views of the surrounding area. These terraces can be designed to include seating areas, dining spaces, and even outdoor kitchens.
Some homeowners choose to add greenery or gardens to their rooftop terrace for added ambiance and privacy. When designing a rooftop terrace, it is important to consider safety measures such as railings and non-slip surfaces as well as proper drainage systems for rainwater runoff.
With careful planning and design, a rooftop terrace can become the perfect spot for relaxation or entertaining guests while enjoying breathtaking views from above.
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