Georgian Style

Ornate and on a grand scale, Georgian homes have architectural details that reflect the Renaissance

John Hill January 1, 2000

Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City. I have Bachelor of Architecture and Master in Urban Planning degrees, and over ten years experience in architectural practice, split between Chicago and NYC. Currently I'm focused on writing and online pursuits. My daily blog can be found at http://archidose.blogspot.com

Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City. I have Bachelor... More

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Georgian style started in London in the early 18th century — its name comes from the four King Georges who ruled England until 1830. The style is an English interpretation of the Renaissance, and Georgian houses in the United States from the same period are characterized by a symmetrical exterior (including a pair of chimneys), ornately decorated entrances and a grandeur befitting the affluent members of society who built in the style. In England stone was preferred for realizing details befitting the Renaissance and the great 16th-century Italian architect Andrea Palladio, but in the U.S. wood was more common than brick or stone for Georgian houses.

Witt Construction

Here we can see the symmetry, chimneys, ornate entry and grand scale, but also evident are dormers with pediments (semicircular ones, though triangular ones are also common) and a three-part window above the entry, inspired by Palladio.

Neumann Lewis Buchanan Architects

The symmetry, chimneys, entry, dormers, three-part window and grandeur are also in evidence in this house. One difference can be seen in the roof form; both hip roofs and gables are common with Georgian-style houses.

Neumann Lewis Buchanan Architects

Here is a view of the three-part window above the entrance in the same house as above. Given the symmetry of Georgian exteriors, the plans follow suit, with circulation (including stairs) in the middle flanked by rooms on either side.

Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc.

Here is a Georgian-style house rendered in stone. Each core characteristic (grand scale, symmetry and ornate entry) is found, as are dormers on the gable roof. Note how the entry detail is articulated as a semicircular pediment resting on pilasters.

Tucker & Marks

Georgian-style interiors can exhibit the classical elements that were embraced in the Renaissance and later in England; pilasters, arches, pediments, and dentil crown molding are visible in this ornate entry.