A Georgian home is a great investment, and as long as any underlying problems like damp and condensation or structural problems have been fixed, decorating your new property is your next step. Whether you aim to sell the house for a profit, or simply want to live in an authentic period home, decorating your house in Georgian style will surely be a great addition to the property.
- Choose Which Georgian Stage Suits You
The Georgian period lasted many years, and interior design trends evolved throughout this time, so there are many different styles that all fall under the umbrella of ‘Georgian.’ Earlier Georgian styles were simple and uncluttered, but as they moved into the regency period at the end of the Georgian era, styles became more highly decorated and extravagant. The first step to decorating your Georgian home is to decide which stage of the Georgian era fits your personal style. If you’re more of a minimalist, the earlier styles may be your thing, but if you prefer ornate decoration, later styles will suit you better. Don’t worry about mixing different styles from throughout the period, though – there’s no need to be 100% historically accurate, and trends would have changed gradually with some middle ground, so pick whichever elements you like from any time in the Georgian era.
- Choose Authentic Furniture
Furniture in the Georgian era was delicate and light, including wing chairs. Often the same fabric would be used for upholstery and curtains, so try to match the fabrics used in different parts of a room. Popular choices for fabric patterns included oriental influenced patterns of stylised flowers, birds and animals.
- Choose Fireplaces and Light Fittings
In a Georgian home, the fireplace would be the focal point of a room. Go for elegant fireplaces made from white marble, or at least painted white, and choose a fire screen to match the colour scheme and décor of the rest of the room.
Prior to the introduction of electric light, paraffin lights were commonly used. These would have been used in intricate chandeliers as a focal point of a room, or in silver or brass wall lights. Of course, in a modern home, electric lights are a necessity, but keeping Georgian lamp styles such as chandeliers can add a touch of elegance to your home.
- Pick Your Wallpaper Patterns and Colours
Georgian walls were generally split into three sections, and wallpaper or fabric panels would be hung in the centre section. Simple repeat patterns, such as trefoil wallpaper, were popular wallpaper choices. Oriental styles were also popular, and this can be shown with orient-influenced wallpaper patterns. Toned down, muted colours are the best choice for a classic Georgian style. Pale colour schemes were used to achieve a light, spacious appearance in any room. Richer, brighter colours were introduced later in the Georgian era.
Once you’ve decorated your Georgian home it will be a joy to live in, for you or any future buyers of the home.
