How to decorate a Georgian house

How to decorate a Georgian House - from nailing delicate Palladian grandure, to vivid colour in a Georgian country parsonage. The best modern interpretations of Georgian interiors from the archive

'Georgian interiors are often the easiest to decorate and restore. Let the attractive, harmonious proportions speak for themselves and leave great piles of furniture to the Victorians,' says architectural historian Oliver Gerrish in his __design tips for historical homes. 'Although grey has become ubiquitous in modern day historic interiors, don't be afraid of strong and vibrant colours - the cool and serene proportions can take them.  The wealthiest Georgians tried to be positively shocking with their palettes. One only has to enter the Ante Room at Syon, with its thrilling gaudiness, to feel transported into another realm. Later Georgian interiors, otherwise known as Regency, can be daring and colourful or simple and light. The architects from this period experimented with a wide range of styles, including Egyptian (as seen in the dining room at Goodwood House), Indo-Chinese (the Royal Pavilion in Brighton) and heavy Greek. This approach works well today with Art Deco pieces and well-proportioned, plain furniture.'

Other features you may find useful: Design Tips for Historical Homes | Traditional Interior Design | English country cottages | Ben Pentreath's Dorset country house | Harriet Anstruther's Sussex farmhouse | A French country home rich with colour and pattern | Cameron Short's restored Georgian country house | French farmhouse retreat

Georgian House Hallway - Bradwell Lodge

Georgian House Dining Room - Ben Pentreath

Georgian House Living Room - Max Rollitt

Georgian House Sofa - Max Rollitt

Georgian House Hallway - Max Rollitt

Georgian House Chairs - Max Rollitt

Georgian House Stairs - Max Rollitt

Georgian House Living Room - Bridie Hall

Georgian House Bedroom - Clare Mosley

Georgian House Bathroom - Clare Mosley

Georgian House Dining Room - Clare Mosley

Georgian House Bathroom - Restored Somerset House

Georgian House Anteroom - Restored Somerset House

Georgian House Staircase - Restored Somerset House

Georgian House Study - Bradwell Lodge

Georgian House Drawing Room - Restored Somerset House

Georgian House Hallway - Ben Pentreath

Georgian House Drawing Room - Cameron Short

Georgian House Hallway - Cameron Short

Georgian House Bedroom - Cameron Short

Georgian House Dining Room - Bradwell Lodge

Georgian House Drawing Room - Bradwell Lodge

Georgian House Dining Room - Bowood House

Georgian House Bedroom - Bowood House

Georgian House Staircase - Bowood House

Georgian House Kitchen - Ben Pentreath

Georgian House Living Room - Ben Pentreath