Everything to Know About Neoclassical Architecture and How to Add It to Your Home

While the days of ancient Greece and Rome are long gone, the neoclassical architecture and design these eras inspired are still alive and well today. Though some characteristics of this home style are better left to our ancestors, many others—like parquet flooring, marble decor, and high ceilings—have proven time and time again that they’ll never truly go out of style. 

Get to know more about the origins and key elements of neoclassical design, how it’s evolved over the years, and how to include the style in your home, whether you want to go all-in or incorporate just a few features. 

What Is Neoclassical Architecture? 

Neoclassical architecture is a revival of classic Greek and Roman design that weaves in 18th- and 19th-century home style elements. Like Greek Revival homes, neoclassical homes are notable for clean lines, geometric shapes, open spaces, neutral colors, and architectural features like columns and crown molding. 

Origins and Influences of Modern Neoclassical Interior Design 

Neoclassical architecture first surfaced in the 18th century as a more refined counterpart to the other styles of the same era, like flowery Rococo. This was a return to basics for people of the time as it relied on clean lines, classic architecture, and reserved elegance rather than the bombastic, over-the-top styles of coinciding interior design approaches.

On the other hand, modern neoclassical interior design has evolved to be even more toned down to better suit our contemporary needs and modern-day architecture. For example, many designers are forgoing extravagant marble columns and outdated chandeliers in favor of sleeker, paired-back alternatives. (More on that in a bit.)

Types of Neoclassical Architecture

If you're considering buying or designing your own house, it's helpful to know that neoclassical architecture appears in various home styles. It can also help you design whether you need an architect or a designer to pull off the look. Here are a few to consider when honoring this timeless look.

Greek Revival

As we touched on earlier, Greek Revival homes took their cue from the Neoclassical architectural movement. The homes feature white plaster exteriors, columns, and double-hung windows.

Georgian Homes

Georgian and Georgian Colonial Revivals are hugely popular throughout the country. While they often include the more traditional look of a federal-style home, these houses still incorporate Neoclassical Architectural elements such as symmetry, columns, fanlights, and pediments. 

Temple-Style Homes

While you are far more likely to see this style in commercial or government buildings, you'll occasionally come across homes that imitate the Roman Pantheon. Symmetrical layouts, exterior columns, and a low-pitched pediment above the front door are common.

Palladium-Style Homes

Named for Andrea Palladio—a 16th-century designer—many elements of Palladian architecture take their cue from Neoclassical Architecture. Even in modern homes, you'll find Palladian windows with rounded tops, Palladium-style doors with spherical fanlights above them, and—as always—the classic use of columns. 

Pros and Cons of Neoclassical Design

Like all historical or historically inspired homes, there are ups and downs to looking at the past. Consider these pros and cons of Neoclassical design you jump in.

Pros

The perks of Neoclassical architecture truly come down to balance and symmetry. With the rise of minimalist design, these elements make your home stand out even today.

• Large double-hung windows and both door and window lights.

• Intricate molding on interior and exterior.

• Symmetrical floor layouts for each home design.

• White facade and interior create a spacious look.

• Blends well with dramatic elements such as chandeliers

Cons

That being said, neoclassical architecture is not the norm in most areas anymore, so you will spend more on the cost of building a house if you go this route. Additionally, here are some downsides to consider.

• Neoclassical architecture is very grand, which can detract from the coziness of a home

• Homes built before the 1970s often require wiring and plumbing upgrades

• Older homes are harder to equip with HVAC vent work

• Ornate trim can be challenging to clean and maintain 

• It may be difficult to blend modern style with classic architecture 

8 Key Elements of Neoclassical Architecture

There are many features of neoclassical architecture and home decor but these eight have come to define the style.

1. Crown Molding

Crown and wall molding are common features in neoclassical spaces. These additions will give your home a regal feel in no time, and installing crown molding is relatively affordable and easy for anyone to DIY—yes, even beginners!

2. Greek- and Roman-Inspired Architecture

Old-school features like columns and intricately carved doorways are common in neoclassical design. That’s all thanks to ancient Greek and Roman architecture's influence on the style. 

While these elements still occur in modern neoclassical interior design, they’re used less frequently to better accommodate contemporary architecture and tastes. Instead, more attention is paid to softer elements introduced in the 18th and 19th centuries, like warm wood floors and delicate colors.

3. Chandeliers

Photo: Pieter Estersohn / Corbis Documentary / Getty Images

Ornate crystal chandeliers were frequently featured in neoclassical spaces of the 18th and 19th centuries. Chandeliers still have a place in modern neoclassical design, but the ones used tend to be more pared-back, sleek, and functional than what was common centuries ago.

4. Neutral Colors

Unlike the vivid colors of Rococo design, neoclassical design relies on a primarily neutral palette. Contrast is limited; walls are typically painted white, beige, or gray to create airy, open spaces. Bold shades are used only in accents and decor, like art and textiles.

5. Parquet Flooring

Hardwood flooring—especially parquet-style flooring—is another defining characteristic of neoclassical design. This feature was introduced to the style during the Classical Revival in the 18th and 19th centuries, and it was used to contrast the harder, colder features of marble and stone neoclassical home decor.

6. Marble Fixtures

Though marble was just about everywhere during the origins of neoclassical design, it’s used much less frequently in modern interpretations. Nowadays, you’ll usually only find it on kitchen and bathroom countertops rather than built into the architecture like it once was.

7. Gold Finishes

Small amounts of gold are used in neoclassical home decor to add flair and glamor without overdoing it. You’ll generally find gold-plated mirrors, picture frames, table rims, and small furnishings (like chairs and stools).

8. Minimal Decor

Originally, the neoclassical design kept decor to a minimum to set itself apart from the excessive ornamentation of the Rococo era. At the time, that meant little wall art—apart from the occasional painting or designated gallery space—and few additional accessories.

However, modern neoclassical interior design has loosened up its rules regarding deco. Designers today have found a way to embrace all the previous elements and a fair amount of additional decor without going against the core principles of this design movement.

How to Incorporate Neoclassical Design Into Your Home

Now that you know more about what makes this design style so unique, here’s how you can begin adding it to your home. If you still need help after reading these tips, consider contacting an interior designer in your area to find your perfect setup.

1. Use Surprising Decor to Make a Big Impact

Embracing neoclassical design is as easy as decorating with the right accessories. Embrace vintage or antique vases, art, and sculptures to add a classical air to even the most modern spaces. That could be a marble bust that you’d never normally think to buy or an old, hand-painted portrait of a relative that you found in your attic.

2. Pick a Color Palette With Minimal Contrast

Neoclassical spaces are known for being light and airy, with minimal contrast from darker hues. Can’t quit color? You don’t have to! Instead, opt for light variations of shades like blue, green, and yellow for walls and furniture. Bolder hues aren’t off-limits, but avoid using too many. Stick to one to two accent colors max to stay within the style.

3. Add Drama and Old-School Elegance With a Large Mirror

Adding a big mirror to your home will expand your space and make your home feel like a ballroom fit for royalty. Opt for a gold-finished frame to add even more of a regal atmosphere to your abode.

4. Embrace Antique Furniture

But not just any antique furniture. Neoclassical furnishings are noteworthy for their clean lines and functional shapes, unlike the round and curved features. If you’re trying to decorate your home with a neoclassical approach, look for any furniture that fits this description, even if it’s from a different period. And opt for dark wood fixtures whenever possible.

5. Use Wood-Look Tile or Vinyl to Create Faux-Parquet Flooring

Installing original parquet flooring is a costly project, but you can easily create a similar effect at a fraction of the cost with wood-look tile, vinyl, or lino flooring.