Georgian architecture, named after the reigns of the first four King Georges of England from 1714 to 1830, exudes a timeless charm with its classic elegance and understated detailing. From Palladian to neoclassical, red brick to stucco-fronted, these buildings showcase a variety of styles. Georgian homes, whether townhouses or country houses, are known for their symmetry, proportion, and balance.
Recognizing Georgian architecture is easy as it tends to feel considered and proportionate. Plentiful windows, often built below waist height, create a need for wrought-iron balconies. However, due to window taxes, many windows were bricked in over time.
"These homes have a subtle grandeur inspired by the restrained and rational elegance of Palladian architecture," explains Tim Gledstone, partner at architecture and design company Squire & Partners. "Rooms are sequenced to flow naturally from one to the other. Details including cornices, architraves, and skirting can be restored and replaced using modern technology such as 3D molding."
Updating a Georgian home for modern living is relatively straightforward, thanks to its intuitive layout. "Their symmetry makes them a joy to design around, particularly as they are often laid out with a central staircase," says interior designer Pia Pelkonen. Preserving and enhancing period features like coving, ceiling roses, and fireplaces is worth considering. When it comes to renovations, one may need to navigate a listed status or rethink room positions.
When it comes to decorating a Georgian home, simplicity is key. "It's important to let original detailing sing," advises designer Emma Sims-Hilditch. Incorporating additional storage intelligently and playing to the proportions of the house can enhance its architectural merits. Choosing colors carefully, from pastels in airy rooms to bold hues in cozier spaces, pays homage to the era while introducing a modern touch. The Georgians, with their considered approach to decorating, appreciated minimal clutter and mixed antique furnishings with contemporary pieces.
Mixing old and new elements allows the beauty of Georgian homes to shine through a contemporary lens. Retaining features like panelling and cornices while applying a light, fresh color scheme and various wallpaper murals can create a harmonious blend. Calm, serene colors that maximize available light work well, along with plain, striped, or checked fabrics and mid-century pieces. Unfussy fixtures and fittings, burnished metals, pops of color, and relaxed textiles gracefully bridge the gap between the past and the future.
Georgian homes are an embodiment of timeless elegance. By respecting their architectural features while infusing contemporary touches, you can create a welcoming and harmonious space that blends the best of the past with the present. Let the refined charm of Georgian architecture inspire you to design a home that is both classic and contemporary.
Words by Emma J Page, feature originally published in September 2022 UK issue.