How to Style Modern Georgian Interior Design

If you're wondering what Georgian buildings look like, head to Bath. The historic city is defined by its beautiful Georgian properties, from spacious country houses to central townhouses. Look at the famous Royal Crescent and you'll notice distinctive Palladian details like statuesque columns and high ceilings, a look that can transport you straight back to the Georgian era, imagining horse-drawn carriages pulling up outside the grand houses.

The beauty of Georgian homes lies in their delicious symmetry; much of a Georgian house's visual appeal comes from interior design with an inherent order and symmetry, making exterior and interior feel balanced, harmonious and in proportion, which in turn lends an air of peace. You'll see that symmetry everywhere in Georgian architecture, from windows and doors to floors and period features.

What is a modern Georgian style?

Themes from traditional Georgian design carry through into contemporary modern Georgian interiors. Focal point: one strong element the eye is drawn to immediately, such as a fireplace, symmetrical bookcases or alcoves, or a chandelier. Proportion: consider scale, so artwork or mirrors should take up three-fifths of the wall (leaving one-fifth either side). Balance: keep symmetry in window panes, panelling and floor tiles, and in a dining room have the same number of chairs either side of the table.

Keep these principles but bring in current elements, whether modern artwork, vibrant fabrics, contemporary furniture or colour.

What are the most popular colours in modern Georgian interiors?

You might assume the palette would be elegant, refined, pale and muted, but Georgian proportions work well with bolder, more daring colours too; in fact wealthy Georgians liked to shock and show off, with rich burgundy, lush green and pretty pinks all popular. The same applies today, as an energetic scheme emphasises the property's personality. We recommend our warm mustard yellow Haymarket™ No.47, the classic dark green Messel™, and the nuanced blue-grey Long Acre™, each bringing the unexpected to a room.

In the late Georgian or Regency period, softer colours were used alongside the daring, so calmer neutrals like Egyptian Grey™ No.154 and Honest John™ No.58 work well in modern-day Georgian homes. Adding touches of gold to ornate features like a ceiling rose brings opulence and luxury while drawing the eye upwards.

What furniture is popular in modern Georgian homes?

Unlike the Victorian era, which celebrated an abundance of furniture, Georgian design was slightly simpler, letting the harmonious architecture shine. Remember the all-important theme of balance: in larger living rooms, choose sofas that can sit symmetrically, and select chairs in equal numbers or of similar weight to keep harmony in the drawing room.

Thomas Chippendale started out at this time, inspired by neo-classical and Rococo styles, so look for tables and chairs with curved legs or decorative details, topped with large statement lamps and decorated vases to emulate the look.

In a modern home it's good to take a classic furniture shape, such as a curved chair, and add a contemporary twist, perhaps fabulous fabric upholstery, retaining the period heritage while injecting current style and personality; upcycling furniture makes a great DIY project.

Modern Georgian bedroom ideas

To embrace the room's stature and heritage, use rich, luxurious yet restful colours, trying heritage shades like London Plane No.200, a light olive green, or Burlington Arcade No.216, a deep blue-green.

In Georgian country houses and cottages, cottagecore works well, so floral patterns, natural textiles and pretty ornaments complete the look.

Modern Georgian living room ideas

In a family home, a cosy living room can appeal; create a calming vibe with cool wall colours like Kensington Rose No.22 or Egyptian Grey No.154. Georgian living rooms often have a fireplace focal point with distinct cornices, columns or a carved frieze, the walls a simple backdrop to that statement feature, with layers of warmth and interest added through patterned textiles.

However, if you want a living room with showstopping personality, be like the wealthy Georgians and go bold. Discover Mylands' extensive range of paints, from heritage to contemporary.