Photo: Pinterest
With July 4th being right around the corner I thought I’d dedicate a design piece to the first true American style house: The Federal style. These buildings embody classic American style and are common all along the Eastern seaboard from Massachusetts to Georgia; I have a thing for the historical architecture of the Northeast, especially. The symmetry and detail give this style a rich feeling without being overly ostentatious or stuffy and is one of the reasons I am so drawn to it. Being that these styles were prominent in the early years of our country’s independence and so much of it can be seen in the birthplaces of the United States, especially in New England and Pennsylvania, not to mention it can be found all over our Capitol and surrounding areas.
And while I’m madly in love with the traditional aspect of this architecture, I prefer the interior to be a bit more modern, yet still comfortable and inviting. On the flip-side, I am beginning to embrace the addition of more classic pieces of furniture and decor into our home and have found that this more traditional style is fairly easy to give a modern edge.
Here are some ideas I would love to incorporate into our home to give it that classic All-American (yet updated) feel:
Photo: Pinterest
Photo: PinterestPhoto: Pinterest
Love the simplicity of the cabinetry and the creamy-greige color; it’s not as abrasive as stark white so it makes the whole space feel warmer. I would probably do brushed brass hardware in a more modern/clean edged style. The marble tops paired with the oak floors and traditional rug lend to the perfect balance of old and new.
Photo: Pinterest
These floors: all day, every day. I love me a good wide-plank floor but would just go a little darker…like an American Walnut stain.
The Carlisle Sofa from Pottery Barn is contemporary in white and it’s streamlined pillows but has the right amount of elegance added to it with the arm and leg shape.
Photo: Pinterest
This rich, blue velvet but in club chairs.
Photo: Pinterest
Smooth crystal door knobs, EVERYWHERE, with a brushed brass or oil rubbed bronze/black back plate.
Can’t forget crystal lamps, too! The shape and style of this lamp and lampshade can update a more traditional room in a heartbeat.
Photo: Pinterest
Windsor benches are great for adding a historical looking piece without being too busy. It’s so easy for these benches to blend into almost any style.
Photo: Etsy
This is probably as crazy as I will ever get to wanting overly detailed accent decor but I REALLY want a mirror like this! The convex mirror makes it all the more rad.
These Nantucket Brass Lanterns from Anthropologie are modern in shape but the brass gives a more traditional feel.
Here are a few more American beauties! Seriously, how perfect is this stone farmhouse from Architectural Digest??
And just for fun, a chart of architecture of American homes throughout history! (from Mental Floss)
Check out these links to read more about this patriotic style!
What’s your favorite style home? Are you more traditional or more modern?