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What is a Georgian Style House?
The Georgian style house is a house that copies many of the details of Georgian architecture, which was popular from 1720 to about 1840. The style is named after the four Hanoverian kings named George, who reigned in succession in England from August 1714 to June 1830. Georgian architecture was a reaction again the highly ornamented Baroque style that preceded it. The style reached back to the classical era of Greece and Rome, especially as interpreted by Renaissance architects and artists. Symmetry was an essential component of the Georgian style.
Proportion and balance were essential elements of Georgian architecture. Builders typically used the proportions of the golden rectangle to determine things like the relative size of the main body of a house to the size of the wings, or the height and width of windows. Brick and stone were favorite building materials, and red, tan, or white were typical exterior colors chosen for a Georgian style house.
Symmetry and proportion were also important in city planning during the Georgian period. Planners and builders thought that the fronts of several houses placed side by side should make a harmonious pattern. Royal Crescent, built between 1767 and 1774, in Bath, England, is an excellent example this Georgian style house design.
The Georgian style was brought to America through the use of pattern books. It was extremely popular, and wealthy colonists were likely to have a Georgian style house constructed. These houses were simpler than the Georgian mansions of England and were often made of wood. The style remained in favor until about 1850, and there have been many revivals of the Colonial Georgian style since then.
This style of house always has a symmetrical shape, often square. The front door is usually centered, paneled, and topped with a decorative crown. There are often columns on both sides of the door, although the columns may be flattened and primarily decorative. A Georgian style house typically has five windows across the front, and the windows are likely to have 12 or nine windowpanes in each sash. The roof usually has a minimal overhang and paired chimneys. There may be dentil molding installed along the eaves.
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Discussion Comments
@ocelot60- It think that furniture that has a Victorian look goes very nicely in Georgian style houses. If you sop around different furniture stores, you should be able to find unique old-fashioned looking furniture that is brand new and will compliment your friend's home.
@ocelot60- When I was a child, my grandparents lived in a Georgian style house, and the inside was as inviting as the outside. Since my grandmother had a knack for decorating, she knew exactly what fit for this classic home. Here are a few ideas that I think will work for your friend's home.
A combination of neutral and jewel-toned paints give the interior of a Georgian style home a cozy, traditional feel. Hardware like door knobs and light fixtures look great when they have an antique finish and old-fashioned designs. Lacy curtains on the windows make you feel like you are stepping back in time, and give the rooms of the home a touch of traditional class.
When you help your friend decorate her home, it might also be fun to pick out art and paintings together. Wrought iron wall sconces and pictures of outdoor scenes look great in Georgian style houses.
I have a friend who has a Georgian style house, and I think it has beautiful architecture. I am helping her decorate the interior this year, and I want to make sure that the decor inside does justice to the gorgeous exterior. Does anyone have some suggestions for interior design for Georgian style houses?
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