Georgian Style
Posted by David Taylor on 07/09/2014
Autumn is just around the corner and the majority of us will be spending our time indoors. We need comforting interiors and warm colours as winter closes in, something that makes us want to sit indoors and listen to music, or pick up a book and read. You may be thinking of redecorating, or simply changing the drapes and furnishings in an effort to create the right kind of ambience for those warm nights spent in front of the fire.
If you’re looking for ideas, then I cannot suggest anything better than Georgian, that regency style with hints of the neoclassical, rococo and the orient. Warm colours and fabrics are key when going down this route.
If you are considering this as a possible theme for your home, or even just a single room, then there are a few things you need to consider. Firstly, a Georgian style is uncluttered, with certain dominant motifs such as cabriole legs, ball and claw feet and toile de jouy paper and fabrics.
Influences are Palladian, touring Europe and the influences this brought back with the upper classes. Followed by rococo (which consisted of elaborate patterns and motifs), Gothic and neoclassical designs with Greek and Roman influences, finally, a taste of the Orient too. There’s a lot to work with there.
All these influences can be mixed together for some amazing results. The period started out simple, but become more elaborate as time wore on. Look out for a series of blogs this month where we will focus on certain aspects of the Georgian period and how you can create the influences from this wonderful time and create a real sense of style in your home.
In the meantime take a look on www.antiques.co.uk for some inspiration, such as this Dutch Marquetry cabinet from 1800, http://www.antiques.co.uk/antique/Dutch-Marquetry-Cabinet or the set of 8 Scottish George IV mahogany dining chairs with the aforementioned ball and claw feet. http://www.antiques.co.uk/antique/Set-of-8-6--2-Scottish-George-IV-Mahogany-Dining-Chairs
If you feel inspired take a look on our site and put “Georgian” into the search engine, you’ll come up with a treasure trove of ideas and exciting items that provide inspiration for any Georgian theme you might be considering, perhaps you want to mix it with Victorian, or hold the whole thing together with a more modern twist. Whatever you decide, enjoy it, don’t let it become a chore but something you can all take part in as a family, something that brings as much joy as the results themselves.
Enjoy!