Thomas Jefferson's Architecture At Monticello

Jefferson designed the main house using neoclassical design principles described by Italian Renaissance architect, Andrea Palladio and reworking the design through much of his presidency to include design elements popular in late 18th-century Europe and integrating numerous of his own design solutions.
The architecture at Monticello greatly highlights Jefferson’s powers of synthesis as it shows his extraordinary means of combining ideas to form a theory or system to build his home.
This is evident in its architecture as the exterior is similar to that of a villa with unbelievable gardens and grounds but inside, however, seems to be eclectic. Although Jefferson was very particular about what he put in his home, it seems to be a melting pot

of design with its fenestration making it seem like a single story from the facade and that it employs both Neoclassical and Palladian architectural styles. One characteristic which typifies Jefferson's architecture is the use of the octagon and octagonal forms in his designs. Other characteristics which bolster this point in his architecture include portico-and-pediment primary entries, the Classical orders and moldings (especially Tuscan), the Piano nobile (main floor elevated above ground level), red brick construction, white painted trim, sand painted columns, Chinese railings, and "suppressed" (hidden) stairs, instead of grand stairways.