Design your own luxurious abode by throwing back to the Renaissance period.
Few housing styles offer quite the same level of beauty and history as Georgian. Created by British architects inspired by the balance and symmetry of the Renaissance period, Georgian themed homes are renowned for their classical detail, oozing prestige and opulence.
‘The mood of a successful Georgian home style is formal and yet timeless, warm and inviting. It’s luxury meets sustainability,’ says Boutique’s Senior Interior Designer, Mitra Whittle.
While Georgian trends have evolved considerably since the 1700s – often meshed with other popular interior styles, from ranch and farmhouse to modern – it’s still easy enough to create your own little slice of elegance.
The façade
Classical Georgian homes were all about mirrored details – traditionally, doors were placed front and centre of the exterior, with aligned parapet windows either side. Brickwork and mouldings add a touch of elegance, as seen in the Manor façade.
Plan your interiors
The symmetry of the Georgian-themed façade is brought into your interior design via panelling and profiled cornices and cabinetry. Open plan living spaces and high ceilings are common, celebrating the evolving social culture of the time.
Choose brass, chrome or gold accessories for a hint of luxe, suggests Mitra.
‘Pick warm tone timber panelling and decorative lighting – chandeliers but not crystal,’ she adds.
‘Avoid clutter or too many ornate features. You need to be careful in mixing patterns and material and select refined formed furniture and furnishings.’
Choose your colours
Tradition usually turns to monochrome colour schemes for Georgian style homes, offset by warm timber flooring. But you can still add your own twist on the classic by integrating muted tones, rather than stark.
‘Certainly, there is nothing against colour, just don’t pick anything too bright. Traditional colours include navy, emerald greens, burgundy and Wedgewood blue, and even gold tones or mustards,’ advises Mitra.
Create the perfect room
Kitchen
Select a single colour palette for your kitchen, and add in profiled doors and panelled cabinetry. Bench tops should have a granite appearance with deep and pronounced veins rather than plain patterning. ‘Decorative handles in brass, gold or chrome work well,’ adds Mitra.
Bathroom
Freestanding Baths are a favourite feature, with clawed feet to emulate the Georgian era. Consider tessellated tiles and decorative pendants hung from your walls or ceiling and a feature wall to help create interest in the space.
‘Use a classical patterned wall paper on one wall, bearing in mind that it needs to be vinyl to withstand moisture,’ says Mitra.
‘Select elegant tapware in brass, gold or chrome to enhance the sense of luxury and style.’
Living areas
Choose refined, upholstered furniture in luxurious textures. Velvet, silks and thick-weave fabric work well in the living spaces, but be sure to steer away from the coastal feel of linens.
Geometric and minimalist patterns create the sense of balance native to Georgian, so avoid floral or other complex designs in your wall papers or rugs.
‘Timber furniture is an option, either black or upholsterer. Make sure you strike a balance between solid furniture and contemporary by choosing pieces with curves, which make the room feel more elegant and less modern,’ says Mitra.
Outside
Pick curvaceous cast iron tables and chair frames with terrazzo, tiled or granite table tops, while avoiding timber.
‘The design could be simple elegant curves or a Neo-Georgian style which bears more ornate features such as detailed motifs and patterns,’ adds Mitra.
Have you found ‘The One’?
Share your home journey and connect with the Boutique Instagram community by using #ourboutiquehome