Styles Of Architecture Georgian Architecture

Date Published:

26/06/2008

Are you lucky enough to own a Georgian house? Famed for beautiful proportions, light rooms and subtle, understated style, it will look all the better if it is restored and maintained with some thought for its original features and colour schemes. So, what is Georgian style?

By Sacha Markin

Is Your House Georgian?

Although the heyday of Georgian architecture was between 1730 and 1800, the style largely covers from 1714 to 1837. The period is often divided into the Palladian, early and late Georgian period, and was largely influenced by the classical architecture of yesteryear.

Why Do Georgian Houses Look Like They Do?

This period of history saw a massive and rapid urban expansion, when the need to fit many homes into small areas brought the birth of terraced housing, with row upon row of symmetrically designed houses.

The matching house fronts were a very desirable feature of Georgian town planning. Homes were usually built with either brick or stone, but the trend was for a lot of reddish brick walls that contrasted with the white which was used on window trimmings and cornices. The entrances were often emphasised by a portico. And the walls built between terraced houses were sturdy and thick.

What Are The Classic Georgian Features?

Georgian properties were light and very spacious, with large windows that showed off pale colour schemes and plenty of woodwork. Unlike the Victorians, the Georgians tended to go for a subtler, more sophisticated room – at least in today’s eyes

The Exterior

Red bricks were replaced by yellow bricks later on during the Georgian period and, although stucco fascias were the norm, stone was the favoured choice. The roof was hidden behind a parapet, and the lower level was usually stucco-faced.

Windows

Window shutters were extremely popular, and many front doors had a filigree fanlight with a canopy overhanging. The window openings were likely to be double-hung sash windows and chimneys would be found on both sides of the home. The doors often had a fanlight.

Colour Schemes

Sought-after paint colours during the early phase of the period included burgundy and sage green, but as time wore on, the colour scheme preferences turned much lighter, and included shades such as soft blue, grey, dusky pink and white. Many paint) manufacturers today offer historical period colours.

Curtains were sumptuous, with large pelmets and would match the furniture - fabrics would be decorated with delicate patterns, including floral designs.

Walls

Panelled walls often only reached the height of the dado rail, and the plaster above would be decorated with wallpaper or pale paint.

Print rooms were extremely popular and it’s a simple look to achieve by pasting walls from floor to ceiling with old prints and engravings, or aged photocopies, and adding a coat of varnish for longevity.

Floors

Floors largely comprised of bare floorboards, predominately pine and fir, as opposed to oak, covered in areas by ornamental rugs. The patterns on such coverings were often influenced by the Orient, which can be easily picked up today. The more opulent properties often had stone or marble floors, but this can be recreated today with some of the cheaper modern floor options that can give a similar finish.

Lighting

Georgian lighting – fuelled by paraffin – consisted of chandeliers, made from glass, metal and wood with curved centrepiece arms. Wall lights were made in brass or silver, or often a simple candle flame bulb.

Details

There were an abundance of mouldings, which were very detailed and intricate, with ceilings decorated with ribbons, classical figures and urns. Many firms today specialise in making reproduction features, and other companies can restore and repair original mouldings.

The living area would include classical pillars and columns, screens over the fireplaces and furniture adorned with swags and decoration. The fireplace was always the main focal point of the room, and the walls would be decked out with ornaments such as fans and paintings.