Federal style house plans present a formal, rigorously balanced face to the street. Rooflines can be peaked with little overhang, although larger versions sometimes feature a flat roof flanked by a decorative balustrade. Design details are small but telling, providing a formal feel to the living areas inside. Their close cousin, the Colonial Adam/Federal house (named not for the president but for three brothers who specialized in the style in the Colonial era) also presents an elegant and balanced façade. The homes have an airy, delicate feel, with carefully thought-out - but not ostentatious - detailing. Interior design mirrors the home's exterior symmetry, with large open rooms well-lit by numerous windows.
Large Colonials like the Adam-style home plan are particularly popular on the East Coast; a southern variation may feature wrought-iron railings and fencing. The modern Federal-style house abounds with closets, pantries, and supplemental work areas for laundry, home offices and the like, lending a flexibility to the interior despite the often formal and symmetrical interior design.
Architectural Features:
Other Colonial Styles
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Colonial - Adam / Federal Home
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