As passionate Interior Design, fond of modern classic style decoration, today today I talk about the English Georgian style, known as the 'era of elegance', the era of high ceilings, and large windows that captured every last bit of natural light. The era of the perfect proportions and a subtle use of color. Georgian interiors are pure inspiration for all the senses.
I invite you to immerse with me on a journey to the past, a journey to the Georgian era, in order to discover its most beautiful aspects and merge them in the most delicate and subtle way in your modern home. If you fancy creating a refined and modern interior with a little bit of history, this is your place.
The Georgian era is known as the era of elegance and craftmade creation. An era of romanticism and also a lot of drama. The era of the extraordinary music of Bethoven and Mozart. An era which was undoubtedly full of inspiration.
Imagine being able to bring a little bit of the beauty of those times and merge it into your modern home. A delicate fusion of modern and antique, where the beauty of opposites highlights the individual beauty.
In the field of architecture, the Georgian architectural style covers the period between 1714 and 1837 created in England during the reign of Kings George I, George II, George III and George IV and William IV. At the beginning of this era the interior influences were much heavier and saturated, however towards the end of the period the interiors felt classic but much lighter, and that is where I want to stay, in the use of simple and elegant lines.
Please find as follows 5 essential keys to creating a modern home with classic touches inspired by the Georgian era.
1. Key elements of modern- classic decoration
Classical architectural elements such as columns, proportion and symmetry were very characteristic of this era. Materials such as stone, artisanal blacksmithing and marble were abundant. Hand-carved wooden trimming with a high level of detail, which blended into interiors with elegant wooden floors.
Source: The mint list
Source: House and garden
2. Symmetry in modern classic decoration
Symmetry is a key aspect in Georgian design. The general layout of the house and also the position of elements such as doors, windows, trimming and decoration were arranged symmetrically. This created interiors that felt peaceful and relaxed.
If you wish to create symmetry in your modern interior you can achieve it in different ways. One of them is around a focal point (what stands out the most when you walk in a room). The fireplace was usually a very important focal point in a Georgian house, and incorporated marble to elevate its presence; The furniture was arranged symmetrically around it, either through shelves or the arrangement of consoles.
In the following examples you can see modern-classical interiors and how they use symmetry.
Source: House Beautiful
Source: The glam pad
Another trick to balance the visual weight is to play with the dimensions, textures, colors of objects and provide balance between them. A gallery wall can be a simple and beautiful idea to create symmetry and visual balance. If you also use antique frames and gold details, the effect can be truly magical.
Source: Debbie Mathews
Mirrors are an essential element to create a modern interior with Georgian hints. Remember to generate symmetry around it through light points on the wall or table and/or floor lamps or even around paintings.
Mirrors that have a patina of time are very fashionable; some of them are specially manufactured to achieve that effect.
Source: Debbie Mathews
Don't neglect any room, symmetry is also important in places like the bathroom. If you have enough space, instead of placing a single mirror you can place two consecutive units and frame it with two beautiful sconces.
Source: Drummons
In the following example it is possible to see how symmetry has been created around the shower area, divided by the chandelier on the ceiling as a vertical axis.
Source: Drummons
Symmetry will help you create a visually balanced interior, an essential aspect in your modern home with Georgian hints. However, breaking symmetry is also important, as it helps create a more natural, dynamic and less rigid interior.
3.Walls and ceilings
At this time, decoration was a way of measuring status and wealth, which is why plaster coverings, stucco, wood trimming and fabrics were widely used. Walls were usually painted in shades of blue, pink and green.
Source: Louis Holt
Walls were also painted with elements inspired by nature that were reminiscent of the idyllic life in the countryside.
Source: Drummons
Source: Wonderland Philosophy
Source: Debbie Matheus
It is known that one of the first patterns painted on walls was the famous "damask". Even today there are companies that manufacture wallpapers inspired by this era, for example Hamilton Weston or Little Greene.
Source: Hamilton Hueston
Source: F&P Interiors
The Georgian era was a period where ceilings also took on great importance, turning them into a high and elegant space. You can place cornices and even ceiling rosettes, they will help you create a classic modern interior.
4. Color palette
Choose a color palette inspired by the Georgian era. The most typical colors of the Georgian era were off-whites, dusty pinks, soft greys, lavenders and light greens.
Towards the end of the Georgian period, brighter tones began to be used, such as blues, pinks and intense yellows in matte finishes.
Typically lighter tones created elegant interiors, while darker, more expensive tones were used to emphasize trimming and cornices.
5. Furniture
If you want to create a modern interior with Georgian hints you should know that at that time the interiors were elegant and not cluttered.
Look for craft made furniture, and pay special attention to the symmetry of its designs. The woods most commonly used were walnut, mahogany and maple with dark stains. The pieces highlighted hand-carved work with details on the legs and heads of the chairs.
The upholstery provided a color tone that created an interesting color palette. Both dark tones and bright tones such as yellow or pink, combined looking for symmetry and clean lines, look very beautiful.
Source: The glam pad
Source: The desire to inspire
MODERN CLASSIC INTERIOR DESIGNER
If you would like to create a modern home and fuse it with classic beauty, contact LADY J. INTERIORS, Interior Designer in Sitges, to talk or visit the home. I'd love to help you!
