Interior design in Georgian style. The grace and lightness of touch that characterized Georgian architecture and interior design were well-known. The Neo-classical style, based on Roman and Greek architecture and championed by architects such as Robert Adam, was one of the most durable. Its emphasis on order, symmetry, and balance appealed to British taste for clarity and logic.
The term "Georgian" first appeared in 1754 when the Prince of Wales (later George III) visited London and was given a house fitting out with "Georgian furniture". The word came to signify not only a particular style but also certain popular things associated with it. For example, "a gentleman of the Georgian era" could mean someone of the late 18th century or early 19th century but usually refers to a man who lived between 1730 and 1790. The term is used for furniture and other items dating from this period.
Georgian furniture has strong links with France. It was developed there after 1750 when French designers began emulating English styles. They adopted many features of French Neoclassicism, especially as promoted by architect Jacques-Ange Gabriel. These include the use of fine wood, painted colors, and elegant lines. But they also added their own touches, such as the introduction of new materials such as metal and leather. The result was modern, innovative furniture that could stand up to Britain's hot, humid climate without rotting away.
Say it aloud: "Pause." They established the Georgian style in England, inspired by the classicism of the Italian Renaissance. As the style extended throughout the colonies, it mirrored a time of colonial expansion and affluence, as well as a demand for more formally built structures. The style became popular after the American Revolution, when Britain refused to recognize the new country's debt and also stopped sending money to pay for the war. This left landowners with empty pockets and no choice but to build houses with goods already on hand. The result was a number of very similar houses in different parts of the country.
Georgian architecture is characterized by its emphasis on symmetry, order, and balance. The best-known example is St. Andrew's Church in Edinburgh, which was built between 1760 and 1765. The church consists of a single nave with an aisle running down one side and a transept crossing at the other end. There are two aisles instead of one because the Scottish aristocracy were not supposed to have their gentry neighbors too far away. A gallery at the back of the nave offers additional seating for worshipers. In addition to St. Andrew's Church, many towns and cities across Georgia have Georgian buildings including churches, schools, courts, and offices. Although most are just simple one- or two-story structures, some contain interesting details such as molded cornices, pocket doors, glass windows, and chandeliers.
Throughout the 18th century, the Georgian style was the most popular in the English colonies, distinguished by its symmetrical composition and formal, classical features. The term "Georgian" is derived from King George III of England, who ruled from 1760 to 1820.
The Georgian style came into its own during Britain's Age of Enlightenment, when science and reason were on the rise, leading to an increase in interest in history and antiquity. Formal gardens were also in vogue at this time, so the style was perfectly suited to house plans with aligned blocks and straight paths leading up to a central structure with porticos and other formal elements.
Two architects are generally credited with introducing the Georgian style to North America: Joseph Baierl and Henry Hutchins. Both men arrived in Philadelphia around the same time as Thomas Jefferson, and they quickly gained popularity with the city's ruling class for their innovative design concepts and attention to detail. They are considered the founders of the American Neoclassical style.
In addition to being stylish, the Georgian architecture we see today is also functional.
If you are fortunate enough to dwell in a Georgian home and are looking for interior ideas, or if you simply love nosing about gorgeous homes, have a look at our collection of Georgian houses. Georgian homes are consistently considered the most architecturally appealing kind of residence in the United Kingdom. The distinctive Georgian style evolved in England around 1720 - 1820 and is characterized by symmetrical façades with four equal bays, flat roofs, and large windows. The term "Georgian" is used to describe any building with these characteristics, whether actually built during that time frame or not.
Georgian homes were often larger than necessary for just one family to use, which is why they tend to have many rooms. There were no such things as kitchens with separate cooking facilities before the 1850s, when engineers began designing roomy houses with attached servants' quarters. Before then, people cooked on open fires or in simple ovens located in the center of the main floor. A butler or maid would have their own staircase leading to a small bedroom near the back of the house. A gardener might have had his own entrance at the front of the property.
In general, Georgian houses were very spacious and included many fine features such as carved woodwork, elaborate plasterwork, and tiled fireplaces. It was not unusual for a wealthy household to have five dining rooms!
Georgian architecture saw a rebirth in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century in the United States and the United Kingdom, and it is still a popular design for the construction of suburban townhouses and residences today. Georgian architecture may be found largely in the northeast, midwest, and south of the United States. In Canada, there are many buildings by George Gilbert Scott in Toronto that are representative of Georgian style.
Georgian architecture is characterized by its symmetrical layout, double-height windows, white walls with blue or green glazed tile or stone exteriors, and flat roofs. The term "Georgian" comes from King George III of England, who was born in 1738 and died in 1820. His reign lasted until 1820, so the style is considered old English or British Empire architectural style. The word "Neoclassical" is also applied to works done in the years following the Revolution in America, when the style was in vogue. But since so many architects were involved in this movement, it is not always easy to distinguish one building's true influence from another. For example, Alexander Jackson Davis, who designed several churches in New York City, may have been influenced by Georgia during his formative years, but once he reached maturity he developed his own style which combined Greek and Roman elements with those of Britain and France.
The term "Federalist" is often used to describe the work of American architects who were heavily influenced by the style.
At a glance, the Georgian style included: Roman-inspired elements such as niches and alcoves; usage of the three classical columns—Corinthian, Ionic, and Doric; masonry, ironwork, and marble with shield and urn patterns and carved sculpture showing Roman gods and goddesses; classical figures depicted in profile and utilized as ornamentation.
Georgian interiors were characterized by simplicity and elegance. The style was used mostly in large public spaces such as halls or theaters where decoration was not essential. Chairs were usually plain, without carving or embroidery, and tables had simple legs and flat surfaces covered with cloths. Floors were made of wood or stone and there were no carpeting materials available. Walls were painted a uniform color called "Bath" which was usually done by the homeowner instead of by a professional painter. Bath colors varied from pale to deep red but were generally composed of several shades of white, yellow, or light blue. Cabinets and other furniture were made of mahogany and satinwood. Carved flowers, fruit, and animals adorned many pieces of furniture including desks, chests, and armoires. Velvet, silk, and linen fabrics were commonly used for upholstery though cotton became popular later in the century.
The main influence behind Georgian interiors was France where the style was popular during the reign of King Louis XV.
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