Renovating a Small House With Federal-Style Interiors

Create Atmosphere With Color

• When renovating your home in the Federal style, chose a soft color palette. Muted tones such as powder blue, buttery yellow or cream are characteristic of Federal homes. When paired with white trim, as was traditional for these homes, soft wall colors give a small room a clean, polished look without overwhelming it. For a modern twist, flip your wall and trim color by painting the wall white and the trim light blue, sage green or pale yellow.

Revel in Romanesque Romance

• The Federal style is heavily influenced by ancient Roman and Greek architectural forms. Built upon a foundation of rectilinear lines and accented with columns and crown moulding, Federal-style homes possess an air of sophistication. When renovating your home in this style, install crown or dentil moulding in the main rooms. The effect will not only align the spaces with the style, but the eye will be drawn upward, giving the illusion that the room is larger and the ceilings are higher. Indulge in your love of columns by using one for a plant stand or by adding the feature to your fireplace surround.

Embrace Formality

• Whether it is hardwood floors in the living room or the bed linens in the guest room, Federal style dictates a certain level of formality to designs. Formal seating arrangements that include, for example, a sofa with two Queen Anne chairs around an oval-shaped coffee table are favored for Federal sitting rooms. Adorn your stairway with black-and-white architectural sketches in matching dark wood frames, or hang a portrait over the fireplace. Hardwood floors should be polished to a subtle shine, and draperies should be pulled to the side with corded tiebacks to allow for ample sunlight to flood small spaces.

Add Artisan Touches

• Prosperity and military superiority were celebrated by Federal style. Stretching from roughly 1780 to around 1840, the style included elements of obvious artisanship. Invest in hand-painted Baltimore chairs to pair with your walnut or cherry wood dining table. Carved chairs in the style of Hepplewhite add a touch of elegance with their cutout designs in the shape of shields. Half-oval entry tables and ornate mirrors are must-haves for this style. Accessorize with vases or urns adorned with olive branch designs, or place a bust of your favorite classical composer or Roman war hero alongside a stack of hardback books. Keep accessories to a minimum not only to remain consistent with the style but also to reduce the feel of clutter in your small home.