An architectural and decorative style that drew inspiration from ancient Greek designs. Its dignified motifs, such as the Greek key and acanthus, and classical elements, such as pediments and columns, became popular in America as symbols that embodied the idea of democracy.
This style was revived with the American understanding for Greek theories and the Greek War for Independence (1821-29) from Turkish power. Influenced by these events, classical Greek elements were awakened in American architecture. Greek elements were sometimes used in their traditional manner, but were also blended in different fashions to suit the builders. In one case, a house remained classical in rendering the Greek temple with a large pedimented porch held by columns. A different style used no porch and placed the pediment at the gable ends. Often, corners will have the shaft and the capital of a column to give the house a Greek style. A more commonly used Greek character is a central entrance including a door, a transom, sidelights and pilasters. White paint on wood was the most popular material, but stone and brick were used as well.