Georgian homes: Interior and exterior style

Georgian Interiors:

Unlike other time periods, interior Georgian design looked for harmony and balance, so there was no clutter or heavily embellished rooms to be found. High ceilings abounded as did a geometrical floor plan. Interior spaces need to be light and airy along with a subdued colour palate, light woodwork accents, and delicate furnishings and decor. However, in early Georgian design, there might have still been some more dramatic colours like burgundy, but typically the colours of the time period were in the vein of Wedgwood Blue, Pea Green, and muted pinks. Floors included bare floorboards in working class homes while grander homes may have featured stone or marble floors. The walls were either panelled or a combination of panelling and plaster that had been painted or covered in wallpaper. If wallpaper was used, the patterns were ordered and balanced with geometric designs or anything that resembled a chinosierie design. The only things that were slightly ornate in a Georgian interior were the mouldings with ribbons, figures, swags and urns as well as the lighting, which included ornate chandeliers and the fireplaces as a focal point to the room with decorated fronts and fire screens. Furniture features simple wing back chairs and upholstered armchairs. Draperies were also very simple and light. Decor was ordered and balanced as well with formal organisation to any wall hangings and paintings. There may have also been ornamental items from the Orient in bronze or porcelain.

Georgian Exteriors:

Within exterior Georgian design, the most common materials were stone or brick wherein the walls were typically found to have red tones and be trimmed with white accent materials. There are many other exterior design features that characterise a Georgian home. These features include large sash windows and shutters to name but just a few. What is important to remember when considering Georgian exterior design is the fact that there are three main periods – early, mid, and late – where the features became gradually softer and more refined over time. Also over time, the size of the house became noticeably smaller. Other features carried through the whole architectural time period, such as an elegant design and a symmetrical elevation. Georgian exterior doors typically had a filigree fanlight. There might have been other features, including pediments and a canopy.

Renovating your Georgian property?

If you are looking to add an authentic Georgian exterior door to your Georgian period home, Old English Doors creates bespoke reproductions that you can customise to fit your specifications.

 Contact us now on: 01159 588 755

Georgian Exterior image courtesy of: Philip Halling