Georgian homes were built to provide a generous sense of space and natural light and this is why they are so popular as homes. Here are some practical tips to maintain the Georgian aesthetic, while also creating a functional modern family home full of individuality and style.

Lighting

In the Georgian era, houses were lit by the light of the fireside and candles, which were carried from room to room. Everyday lighting was rarely part of an architectural design, although in larger houses, sconces, pendant lights and chandeliers provided fixed fittings. 

Georgian houses are associated with large windows, but many period properties can be dark dark, so using the right lighting is vital for modern living. Lighting is also one of the most important features in contemporary interior design. It’s practical, of course, but when done right it also creates atmosphere and enhances the feel of a room. 

Modern chandeliers and pendant lights can look incredible as focal points in traditional Georgian rooms with high ceilings and ornate roses.

Every contemporary room should have a variety of light sources. A combination of ambient, task and accent lighting will create mood and atmosphere. Wall lights, floor lamps and table lamps for illuminating a space, creating a cosy glow or serving as an accent are key decisions to make to add focus, depth and shade to a room.  I love using table lamps with fabric shades, giving an opportunity to add an interesting contemporary fabric into the room.

Kitchens

The kitchen in a large Georgian house would have been a basic basement room, used by servants. Many of my clients have kept the kitchen located in the basement, but given it a contemporary feel by opening the basement rooms up so it’s a light and bright space.

When choosing a new kitchen, nod to the elegance and symmetry of the Georgian period by choosing simple Shaker style cabinets painted in a fresh modern colour and a pale worktop in granite or marble, a material loved by the Georgians. A contemporary Belfast sink and sleek brass or copper taps, which nod to the copper pots and pans of the period, are on trend but won’t date either.

Georgian houses often have enough room for a kitchen island which is a wonderful addition for modern family life. Choose a bright contrasting paint colour to your cabinets and add some modern bar stools.

Bespoke cabinetry

One of the joys of owning a period property is that your home is unique. Rooms are often not entirely symmetrical, floors can be uneven and most Georgian homes have a fireplace with alcoves either side. Lack of storage is also often an issue because Georgians just didn’t own as many clothes, books or bits of technology as we do. 

The wonky rooms and lack of storage means that it is often more cost effective to have bespoke cabinetry made to fit. Alcove units, wardrobes, shelving, media units and wine storage can be made in contemporary or minimalist styles and painted any colour to fit into a scheme. Flush doors, concealed hinges and push latches create clean straight lines which work perfectly for our modern needs and workspaces.

Rugs

If you have original Georgian wooden floors or stone staircases, you are lucky. Restoring them may take time and effort but once done, they will last another 200 years. Wood and stone floors can be cold, so in Georgian houses I think rugs are a wonderful addition.

A rug can transform any space by adding colour, texture and style. Rugs can also help create different zones, and runners are a great way to help lead the eye from one space into another. I love antique rugs for their power to make a space feel timeless and layered. If you choose a rug with hand-knotted elements or fringing details it will also add warmth to your room. Layered rugs look great on a wooden floor. If a rug isn’t big enough, a top tip is to buy a large sisal rug and use that as your base.

Fabrics

Fabric can make or break a room and Georgian houses can take an eclectic mix of patterns. Layer different patterns of varying scales to add movement and texture and create a contemporary designed look. Pick a large pattern as the main pattern and then add medium and smaller scale patterns as accents. When you mix patterns, you need the right combination of shape, colour, shade, and size to create a cohesive look. Keep your colours similar in tone so all your patterns work together. Create some areas of solid colour to break up the lines and shapes of the designs you’ve chosen. 

Curtains are the perfect place to use a large-scale contemporary print that you love. Bold prints are best used on tall curtains so you can see the repeat pattern. If you can’t choose between two favourite fabrics, use one on either side of your curtains. I love this look.

Living in a Georgian house is a priviledge. Working with an interior designer with experience in how to blend tradition with modernity will give your beautiful home a stylish look. 

This article originally appeared in The Bath Magazine, July 2024