The Georgian period is arguably one of Britain’s most favoured and recognisable architectural eras. Characterised by their symmetrical brick or stucco-fronted exteriors, sash windows, and large and balanced interiors, Georgian homes can be some of the easiest to decorate and dress.

If you live in or are interested in buying a Georgian property, here are a few tips on how to do it.

The entrance

The entrance hall of a Georgian home is more often than not a spectacle. After all, it's where first impressions are made. Traditional Georgian homes typically featured stone or tiled flooring leading to a wide or sweeping staircase to the upper floors. If you are renovating or redecorating your Georgian home, stair runners complemented by a darker balustrade would work well and will help draw the eye. As for the walls, wainscotting painted in a neutral colour against a white wall is a great way of adding period charm as well as depth to the hallway.

Hanging lights or a large wooden table, should space allow, will also add points of interest. For those feeling brave, a bold patterned tile can help add drama.

The kitchen 

Georgian kitchens often feature hand-painted wooden cabinets and walls painted in a single colour. While the Georgians started off using darker shades, lighter colours, such as stone and pastel tones, were introduced later on. Much like the overall build, Georgian kitchens were often based on symmetry – around the range or Belfast sink – and featured cupped brushed metal handles. Marble was also a much-loved material so is a good choice if you are looking to create a kitchen sympathetic to the age of the property.

Reception rooms

The focal point of a Georgian reception room was typically a large fireplace that was complemented with statement furniture. The ceilings were usually adorned with ornate cornicing, ceiling roses and moulded plaster painted in white, used against richer colours or patterned wallpapers. On the upper floors, these rooms were usually flooded with light from the large windows and could therefore carry a more elaborate design. To embrace the period feel you might like to add long drape curtains, plush furniture in rich mahogany wood and maximalist wallpapers of a botanical design, as well as pendant lighting.

Bedrooms 

A bed is the focal point of any bedroom, but particularly so in a Georgian home. With plenty of floor space and high ceilings, these rooms allowed the opportunity to have a real showstopper. The interior design of Georgian homes remained soft and relaxing with pastel colour schemes – a contrast against statement furniture pieces often in mahogany wood or highly decorative in style. To create your own Georgian bedroom, you might want to use soft neutrals, greens and blues to create a calming space. Long sheer curtains help ‘frame’ the room and allow light to flood in without being interrupted.

Bathrooms 

Georgian bathrooms were opulent spaces that had a luxurious feel, much like the rest of the home. They often featured the symmetry you’d expect, with neat panelling on the walls, and standalone baths and his and hers sinks. Early Georgian bathrooms were bold but became more subdued over time when greys and pale pastel colours were used instead. To create an authentic bathroom of this much-loved period, a freestanding rolltop bath is a great way to create a sense of grandeur and luxury, especially when paired with traditional pedestal basins.

To find out more about the Georgian era take a look at our earlier blogs 

Celebrating and protecting our Georgian heritage

How the Georgians changed our streets and shops

Further information

Contact Charlotte Hodges-Peck