Structure

As the Georgian style grew in popularity in British America, so did the size of the house, which meant that better building techniques were required. Intro
1 / Period Style
2 / Georgian History
3 / Shape
4 / Materials
5 / Structure
6 / Color
7 / Texture
8 / Size

It is astounding that most of the homes built during this time were put together from representations in books and memories from foreign travel. Amazingly, these structures are very sturdy and solid. This is also due to the classical, square shape that has a solid foundation.

Ceilings - Ceilings of plaster were the most common. Later in the 18th century the elaborately molded, carved or decorated ceiling was popular. Often in the more formal rooms there was a central ornate medallion panel.

Doors - Heavily molded doors are a design of the 18th century Georgian style. Classical surrounds were popular. These were made mostly of wood, and later of stone or brick. The front door is important because it shows off the fancy and elaborate center hall staircase.

Columns - These are visible in porticos, front door surrounds and fireplaces, but typically in the form of a classical pilaster.

Fireplaces - These became smaller and focal points of the entertaining room. "An important factor in this evolution was the separation of the kitchen and the social rooms which left the fireplace unconstrained by the needs of cooking". (The Elements of Style, pg. 121) They were heavily decorated for the most part with carved wooded ornaments, pilasters and classical surrounds. In the mid 1700's the marble fireplace appeared.

Stairs - The central hall staircase is a key element of the Georgian style and classic central hall floor plan. The staircases tend to be open-string and have molded, turned and carved handrails and elaborate balusters. Often the sides of the staircases are paneled or have wainscoting and pilasters, and the side-ends are carved. There is often a second staircase used for more utilitarian purposes. The staircases are made of wood, as are the railings. Balustrades are also wooded.

Windows - By the 1730's the weighted wooden sash windows were starting to appear. Flat and dormer windows are part of this time period. Windows are more symmetric and in greater numbers. Internal shutters were also popular.

Walls - In general, the more formal the room the more decoration on the walls. From applied wood molding onto plaster sheath in imitation panels, to elaborate fretwork, skirting boards, and pilasters, ornamentation on the walls is a trade mark of the Georgian style.

Floors - Almost exclusively the floors were wood, generally pine planks, without stain or varnish. Painted floor cloths were very common. The use of finer rugs was rare and did not become more common until after the Revolutionary war.

Furniture - Built in furniture became more popular and was prestigious. The cupboard, which housed the valuables such as silver, tea, and cloth, was prominent. A more decorative carved glass front corner cabinet visually showcased coveted items of wealth. At the beginning of the 18th century furniture was rather sparse. The improvements to and inventions of furniture really proliferated with the emerging social class. Chairs were no longer simply pushed against the wall but were designed for greater seating comfort and lounging. Small tables for dining were replaced with larger, many-leaved octagonals for sharing meals. Cupboards were no longer just for storing precious items, they were needed to display trinkets, dishes, food and libations. Armoires were created to handle the increase in clothing needed for all the refined activities.

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