Georgian style and architecture is still very popular today, several hundred years since its beginnings in 1714 during the reign of King George I. The Georgian era lasted through the reign of several British monarchs up until 1837 when Queen Victoria ascended the Throne, bringing about a change in attitudes towards style.
Global Influenced Design
During the 18th century rich young men were exploring the world and on their return wanted to replicate the styles they had seen on their travels. This became the foundation of Georgian design, which had a wide variety of global influences including Roman, Ancient Greek, Chinese, Egyptian and Gothic.
A repeating theme in Georgian style is simplicity and symmetry. The ancient Greek and Roman influence is clear to see with symmetrical columns and pilasters commonplace in Georgian interior design, as they aimed for their homes to appeal ancient Greek and Roman temples. As well as the travels of the younger generation of Georgians, this was also sparked by a revival in Palladian style, which was originally based on the ideas of famous Venetian architect Andreas Palladio.
Style in the Georgian Home
When it came to choosing colors, there were obvious limitations in the shades that were available. The most popular colors in Georgian homes were sage greens, subtle blues, stone, off white and burgundy. Color schemes were usually quite bold – a hangover from the earlier Baroque style that was ubiquitous during the late 17th century.
Walls were usually decorated with wall paneling up to dado rail height and above covered with oriental themed wallpaper, often pattered and featuring plants or trees.
Ceiling mouldings were a popular choice in the Georgian era; these typically were filled with intricate patterns, particularly those including ribbons or depicting classical figures. Cornice & coving at this time was used to add interest to the join between the walls and ceiling. Strong ancient Greek and Roman influence is present in Georgian style cornice, which is typically decorated with multiple reeds across the length of the cornice.
Georgian Townhouses
Up and down the country Georgian townhouses are a regular feature of British streets, one of the most famous examples being 10 Downing Street. Georgian style townhouses houses are recognizable by having several stories, with elegant sash windows, the grandest being at the bottom and getting smaller towards the top, as in original Georgian homes the higher floors were typically servant's quarters.
Entrances to Georgian houses are often grand, sometimes with steps leading up to the door. Doors were paneled with canopies above and fanlight windows letting light into the hallway.
Getting the Georgian Look in Your Home
Whatever you have a traditional Georgian townhouse and want to enhance the original period charm or are just looking to add a touch of Georgian style to your home, there are a number of options available to you.
If you're going for a more lazy look, simply fitting decorative cornice can give your property a nice hint of Georgian style. For more of a complete Georgian feel, you can go further and add wall paneling, dado rails and ceiling paneling. To get the full ancient Greek & Roman temple inspired look, use columns and pilots, which will instantly add Georgian elegance and transform your home.
Georgian features also look great in modern buildings, complementing contemporary interior design styles perfectly. Davuka specialize in high quality decorative architectural moldings and have a range of products that will help you to achieve the look you are after.