Georgian Style Houses: A Complete Overview

Looking for a home style that feels both classic and comfortable? Georgian homes might be just what you need. 

These buildings from the 1700s and early 1800s still catch our eye today with their balanced design and simple beauty.

Named after King George IV, this style spread from England to America, bringing with it a sense of order and calm.

In this post, we’ll walk through what makes Georgian homes special, how they’ve changed over time, and why so many people still love them today. 

Ready to see if this timeless style might work for your home? Let’s jump in!

The History and Origins of Georgian-Style Houses

Georgian architecture shows us how homes and buildings were built during the 1700s and early 1800s. This style got its name from the four King Georges who ruled Britain during this time. 

Let’s look at how this style started and spread across different parts of the world.

Georgian Architecture in England

Georgian homes in England started when King George I took the throne in 1714. The style lasted until around 1830. 

These homes were simple but fancy, with straight lines and balanced designs. Rich families loved these homes because they looked clean and important. 

The style took ideas from old Greek and Roman buildings, showing that the owners were smart and cultured.

Georgian Architecture in the American Colonies

As British settlers came to America, they brought their building ideas with them. American Georgian homes popped up from New England to the South between 1700 and 1800. 

American builders had to use local materials like wood instead of stone. They also made simpler versions since they had fewer skilled workers. 

Still, these homes helped show that the colonies were becoming more settled and stable.

Key Features of Georgian-Style Homes

When you look at a Georgian home, certain features instantly catch your eye. These homes have a special look that makes them stand out even today. 

Let’s check out what makes Georgian architecture so special and why these homes feel both grand yet comfortable at the same time.

Symmetry and Proportions

Georgian homes love balance. If you draw a line down the middle of the front, both sides match perfectly. Windows line up neatly, and doors sit right in the center. 

Builders used math rules like the Golden Ratio to make everything look “just right” to our eyes. This balance isn’t just pretty, it makes us feel calm and pleased when we look at these homes.

Exteriors and Materials

The outside of Georgian homes used what was easy to find locally. In England, many were built with red brick or pale stone. In America, wood became popular, too.

Most had simple roofs that sloped on all four sides (called hipped roofs) or on two sides (gabled roofs). The windows are special, too.

They slide up and down with many small glass panes that let in lots of light while keeping the cold out.

Decorative Elements

The front door is often the star of a Georgian home. You’ll see fancy carved wood, sometimes with a half-circle window above, called a fanlight. 

You’ll notice detailed trim work along the edges of the roof. Some homes have flat columns, called pilasters, pressed against the walls. Cornerstones, or quoins, often stand out in a different color.

These small touches add class without being too showy.

The Modern Georgian Revival

Georgian style is making a comeback. Today’s families are falling in love with these classic designs but want modern comforts, too.

Let’s see how builders are mixing old-world vibes with new-world living to create homes that feel both timeless and fresh.

How Georgian Architecture is Being Adapted Today

The Georgian homes of today still have those beautiful symmetrical fronts we love, but step inside, and you’ll find spaces that work for modern families.

Kitchens are bigger and more open, perfect for when friends come over. Walls have come down to create flowing spaces where families can be together while doing different things.

Smart home systems are hidden behind classic moldings, and energy-efficient windows look just like the originals.

Today’s builders respect the past while making these homes work better for us.

They’re keeping the good stuff, the balanced look, the nice proportions, but fixing the parts that didn’t work so well, like tiny kitchens and closed-off rooms.

Decorating and Restoring Georgian Interiors

The inside of a Georgian home can feel like stepping back in time, but with all the comforts we enjoy today. These spaces have a special feel – grand yet cozy, fancy yet practical. 

If you’re lucky enough to live in a Georgian home or want to bring this style into your house, here are some tips to help create that special Georgian magic indoors.

Proportional Design and Simplicity

Georgian rooms just feel right when you walk into them. That’s because they follow rules about height, width, and length that please our eyes. 

Keep your rooms feeling open and clean; too much stuff can ruin the effect. Choose fewer well-made pieces of furniture instead of filling every corner.

When you walk into a well-designed Georgian room, you should immediately feel calm. You can create this same feeling by keeping things simple and focusing on quality over quantity.

Color Palettes and Decorative Styles

Many people think Georgian homes were all about white walls, but that’s not true. 

Early Georgian homes used deep reds, blues, and greens. Later ones turned to softer colors like sky blue, pink, and pale green. Don’t be afraid to use color in your Georgian-style rooms.

Famous designers like Sir John Soane mixed styles from around the world. You can follow their lead by mixing in items from different places that make you happy.

Georgian style is actually more flexible than many people think.

Flooring, Fireplaces, and Architectural Details

Original Georgian floors were often wide wooden boards or fancy patterns in rich homes. Stone or marble worked well in entry halls.

If you’re restoring a home, try to save the old floors if you can – they have character that new ones can’t match.

The fireplace was the heart of every Georgian room. If yours is still there, make it the star of your space. Add a nice mirror above it, just as they did 300 years ago. 

Small touches like crown molding and chair rails can also bring that Georgian feel to any room in your house.

Practical Tips for Designing or Renovating a Georgian House

Falling in love with Georgian style is easy, but figuring out how to bring it into your own home can feel overwhelming. These ideas can help make it happen without spending a lot.

1. Start with the front door – a six-panel door painted in a bold color can instantly add Georgian character.
2. Keep your modern kitchen layout but add period-style cabinet doors and simple crown molding.
3. Use Georgian-inspired color schemes (soft blues, creams, greens) with your existing furniture.
4. Add chair rails in main living areas – they’re simple to install but make a big impact.
5. Keep modern bathrooms but add small Georgian touches like framed mirrors or classic faucets.
6. Look for light fixtures that have Georgian shapes but updated finishes.

Georgian Style on a Budget

These ideas can help make it happen without spending a lot. Don’t worry! We’ve gathered some tips that can help you create that classic Georgian feel while still keeping things modern.

• Check out thrift stores and Facebook Marketplace for second-hand Georgian-style items
• Use painted MDF instead of expensive hardwoods for decorative elements
• Create the look of wall panels with simple wooden strips and paint
• Focus on symmetry in your furniture arrangement – it costs nothing but looks very Georgian
• Buy regular curtains, but hang them higher and wider to mimic Georgian proportions
• Use peel-and-stick wallpaper with Georgian patterns in small spaces like powder rooms

Common Misconceptions About Georgian Style

When people talk about Georgian homes, they often get a few things wrong.

These mix-ups can lead to confusion when you’re trying to understand or create this beautiful style. 

Let’s clear up some common mistakes people make about Georgian architecture.

Misunderstanding the Simplicity

Georgian homes look simple at first glance, but don’t be fooled! Behind those clean lines lies careful math and skilled craftsmanship. 

The beauty comes from getting tiny details just right. This “simple” look actually took master builders years to perfect.

The Myth of Strictly Historical Accuracy in Modern Homes

You don’t need to live like it’s 1750 to enjoy a Georgian-style home. It’s totally fine to mix in modern comforts.

The best Georgian-inspired homes today keep the classic look outside but work for how we live now.

Remember, even people in the 1700s wanted the newest, most comfortable homes they could get!

Conclusion

Now that we’ve walked through the entire story of Georgian homes, we know they aren’t just pretty buildings; they’re homes that make us feel good when we’re in them.

What’s great is you don’t need to live in a mansion to enjoy Georgian style.

Small touches like a painted six-panel door or simple crown molding can bring this classic look into any home.

Georgian design is how it mixes beauty with comfort. It’s not stuck in the past but keeps growing with us. 

If you’re fixing up an old Georgian home or just adding a few touches to your current place, this style offers a warmth and balance that never goes out of fashion.