As for Georgian and Victorian architecture, the Edwardian architecture style was named after King Edward VIII. But as the style of architecture began before Edward’s reign and for five years after it, the general term of Federation Architecture was coined in Australia in 1969, reflecting the Federation or joining of states to form one nation, in 1901. And so that is the reference we now use when discussing the Edwardian style in Australia.

There were 12 distinct Federation Styles. They were:

1. Academic Classical
2. Free Classical
3. Filigree
4. Anglo-Dutch
5. Romanesque
6. Gothic
7. Carpenter Gothic
8. Warehouse
9. Queen Anne
10. Free Style
11. Arts and Crafts
12. Bungalow

For public buildings, the Classical styles dominated while churches were created in reminiscence of Gothic and the American Romanesque style.

This age in architecture was, despite the above styles, characterised by the development in adornment of roofing, finials and decorative ridge tiles. Despite the wonderful use of decorative wrought iron, this period saw the decline in its use. Its decorative function was replaced with decorative and expert ornamental woodwork. The brickwork in a building became more decorative as well. Instead of just being the substance of the building it also became the decoration – with brickwork being used decoratively around windows and doors – and in some instances in chimneys as well. The interest in leadlight windows continued but the interest in the long verandah gave way to the entry porch with decorative wooden additions.