American Federal Style
Federal Style - (1790-1820)
First Harrison Gray Ottis House. Stair Hall. Boston, Massachusetts (1795-1796)
Source: ARTStore - VIU Online Images Library
Hi again, I hope you guys enjoyed my last post!
Today, I will be talking about the, oh so very neoclassical and patriotic American Federal Style! We now move from France to the other side of the pond, in AMERICA! This period refer to the design style happening in the United States of America after the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and up to around 1820-1830. This style is easily recognizable as it is very much inspired by the neoclassical style and the love for the Greek and Roman architecture. Therefore, columns, portico, entablature and pediment are largely used in the Federal style architecture.
The main characteristics of this style in the interior are the dentil mouldings, the swags motifs (not showed in this pictures) and the light neutral colours painted on the walls. White is the most common colour used for trims, wall paneling, doors and ceiling. Additionally, the wall paneling is often used only on the bottom portion of the walls in opposite to the French Neoclassical style, which is applied on the entire wall!
The most typical Federal style feature observable in this picture is the use of dentil moulding as a cornice to ornate the separation between the walls and the ceiling. In addition to the white wall paneling, the dark wooden floor, the fan light above the window located on the upper part of the staircase as well as the central location of the staircase in the house are equally common features of the Federal style.
Contemporary Living Room
Source: http://www.phoebehoward.net/projects/atlanta-apartment.aspx
The Federal style is applied in an elegant manner is this modern living room designed by Phoebe Howard. The main feature of this interior, acting as a direct reference to the Federal style, is the use of dentil moulding as a cornice between the walls and the ceiling. Furthermore, using white as the main colour for all trims, open shelves, doors and ceiling is an indication of the Federal style as an inspiration. The uses of a light pastel blue as the field colour in the adjacent room produce the same effect.
The dark wooden floor is also a good choice to echo the style as it was a common floor finishes used during this period. We can also observe the rectangular wall details in the bottom section of the built-in open bookshelves as well as the door, which refers to the bottom wall paneling broadly used in this style. Finally, the symmetry of this room is typical of a neoclassical interior.
As you can see, the American Federal style is part of the neoclassical period and therefore, shares great similarities with the other styles of this period. However, it is quite easily recognizable with an informed and trained eye. One thing to remember is that it is a more reserved and toned down version of the French Neoclassical. There are still detailed mouldings, wall paneling and motifs, but they are used in a more reserved way and, as an example, do not feature golden gilded details as the Louis XIV style do. One should also take note that the swag motif is a total give away that you are in the presence of a Federal style building, with the addition of the patriotic American flag, of course!
Oh yes, and in case you wonder, here is a picture of the swag motif! ;)
That is all for today! Thanks for reading! Next post will be about the Regency Period.
Have a good day!