Georgian Interior Style – A Hidden Gem in Modern Interior World

I’m sharing one of my latest obsessions – modern georgian interior style, and a tour into this Georgian mansion turned hotel in Britain. Let’s explore what Georgian modern interior design style and how we can take some ideas and use it for our own home.

Can Georgian be an interior style?

We have heard so much about Farmhouse, Contemporary, Cottage, Bohemian, as trendy interior design styles. But what about Georgian interior style or Georgian style homes? At least I hadn’t heard much about it.

Then I encountered Heckfield Place, a Georgian home restored and turned into a beautiful hotel in England. The interior matches the exterior, not only with the Georgian period history, but also it has so much harmony with Georgian architectural style.

So what exactly is the Heckfield Place’s interior style? Well, I’m sure each person would interpret it differently. In my mind, I like to refer to it as “Modern Georgian style”.

It is classic, but not extravagant. It has a formal living vibe, but never too grand or fancy, rather more on the practical side. More importantly, it looks chic and relevant which can go well with modern or contemporary homes, like yours and mine.

Modern Georgian interior design – A field study of Heckfield Place

I’m so in love with how Heckfield Place interprets Georgian style in a modern interior setting. And there are so many takeaways for me to learn  interior design by taking a virtual tour with their beautiful Georgian house.

So here’s a breakdown on its Modern Georgian interior characteristics that I have observed from Heckfield Place. I’m taking so much note from its beautiful and unique interior design style and I hope you do too 🙂

Modern Georgian interior style – Use of color

The first thing that jumps to my mind is the use of color – so bold but also so neutral!  

This sounds contradictory right? The thing is they have made such smart paint color choices which made the color go so harmonious within the space, and at the same time add a lot of personality.

One thing I’ve always been interested in is using colors as neutral. What does that mean? Well, that is when you use a similar hue for the wall and the furniture, and some decor pieces, so that they just blend in together. This is sometimes called  tone-on-tone.

Using colors as neutrals can be a creative and interesting way to bring depth and dimension to your interior design. In traditional interior design, neutral colors like beige, white, and gray are often used as a backdrop, but using more vibrant or unexpected colors as neutrals can create a unique and personalized look.

To use colors as neutrals, it’s important to choose colors that can complement a wide range of other colors and patterns. Some popular colors to use as neutrals include:

1. Navy Blue: This deep shade of blue is versatile and can work well with a wide range of colors, from pastels to brights. It can be used as an alternative to black or gray, and it can add a sense of sophistication to a space.
2. Olive Green: This muted green can act as a neutral and pairs well with other earthy tones like rust, terra cotta, and mustard yellow. In this living/dining space, they chose a bold color of deep olive green for the walls. I would be terrified if I received a can of this color and was asked to paint it immediately. However, even though this can be a terrifying color, it works so well in this space.
3. Blush Pink: This soft and subtle pink can work well as a neutral in a variety of styles, from bohemian to modern. It pairs well with shades of gray, black, and white, as well as other pastels. In the bedroom area, the wall is in a muted salmon pink. They have painted the cabinet a lighter pink color. The floor is soft and softened orange with a similar peach tone. All these 3 big color blocks work so well together because they have a very similar hue and tone. So even though the wall and cabinet individually may look like a color that really stands out, putting them all together makes the space look harmonious – and it just works!
4. Warm Gray: A warm gray can be a great alternative to a cool-toned gray, and it can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in a space.

When using colors as neutrals, it’s important to balance them with other elements in the space to create a cohesive and harmonious design. You can use other colors, patterns, and textures to create contrast and interest while still maintaining a cohesive overall look.

In this Georgian bedroom, the wall is in a muted salmon pink. They have painted the cabinet a lighter pink color. The floor is a light and muted orange tone which has some what a similar peach tone. 

All of these 3 big color blocks work so well together because they are in a very similar hue and tone. So even though the wall and cabinet individually may look like a color that really stands out, putting them all together makes the space look harmonious – and it just works!

This is a great trick to create a Georgian bedroom if this interior style is your cup of tea.

In this Georgian style living / dining space they have chosen a bold color of a deep olive green for the walls. I would be terrified if I received a can of paint in this color and was asked to paint it right away. However, even though this can be a terrifying color, it works so well in this space.

Now look at this space: with the dark wood accent throughout the room, the dark paintings on the wall, this bold color actually blends in with the environment so well that you don’t even register this paint color as something unusual.

To me, the most important thing is to always choose paint colors according to what’s in the room, rather than picking one out of the blue. If you are building a brand new space, maybe paint color can be the jumping off point and choose furniture around it. If you are repainting walls of a finished space, then think about what paint goes well with your existing furniture.

I also love that they added a pair of orange pillows to add some accent color. Because the entire space is based on a yellow tone so nothing really looks jarring, even though there are quite some bold colors within the space.

Another note I’d like to make: instead of choosing any bold color, choose historical colors that you can see in old buildings or rooms because they have been tested by time and proven to be timeless.

Tips of choosing paint colors for your Georgian inspired room

Here are some additional tips to help you choose paint colors that work well with the other elements in a room:

1. Start with the largest items: Look at the colors in your furniture and flooring, as these are typically the largest items in a room. Choose a paint color that complements these items and ties the room together.
2. Consider the undertones: Pay attention to the undertones in your existing colors. For example, if your furniture has warm tones, consider a warm paint color like a beige or a soft yellow. If your furniture has cool tones, consider a cooler paint color like a light blue or gray.
3. Use a color wheel: A color wheel can help you select complementary colors or create a monochromatic color scheme. You can choose colors that are opposite each other on the wheel (complementary), or colors that are next to each other (analogous).
4. Get paint samples: It’s important to test out paint colors in the room before committing to a large project. Get samples of a few different colors and test them out on the wall to see how they look in different lighting conditions.
5. Don’t forget the ceiling: The ceiling can be a great opportunity to add a pop of color or create contrast in a room. Consider painting the ceiling a lighter or darker shade of the wall color, or choose a complementary color.

Overall, by considering the existing colors in a room, you can choose a paint color that complements and enhances the space, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

Modern Georgian interior style – The traditional influence

Something so charming about the modern Georgian interior is that the traditional influence. You can see a lot of classic historical elements in this space.

I love that this Georgian style bathroom below is using classic console sinks with polished nickel legs. Using a console sink at the hotel is definitely a smart choice since guests don’t need to store a ton of items during travel. 

For a home though, it might be a good idea to try this in the powder room, instead of a small bathroom where you need a lot of closed storage for all sorts of skin and body care.

The arched sconces on the wall also helps to bring elegance and sophistication to this bathroom.

Additionally, they have paid a lot of attention to the layout of what’s in the room. In this Georgian style living room below, the table, tablecloth, chairs, and cabinets are positioned in a very classic setting. The traditional armchairs aged the space in a beautiful way.

Historical elements in a modern Georgian interior style

Classic historical elements can add a sense of timelessness and elegance to interior design. Here are some examples of historical elements that are often used in modern Georgian interior design:

1. Crown Molding: Crown molding is a decorative trim that is typically used at the junction of the wall and ceiling. It adds a sense of elegance and sophistication to a room and can be made from wood, plaster, or other materials.
2. Wainscoting: Wainscoting is a type of paneling that is applied to the lower portion of a wall. It was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries and adds a sense of traditional elegance to a room.
3. Fireplace Mantel: A fireplace mantel is a decorative frame that surrounds a fireplace. It can be made from wood, marble, or other materials, and it adds a focal point to a room while creating a sense of warmth and comfort.
4. Chandeliers: Chandeliers are decorative light fixtures that are suspended from the ceiling. They were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries and can be made from crystal, glass, or other materials. Chandeliers add a sense of grandeur and formality to a room.
5. Decorative Molding: Decorative molding includes elements such as baseboards, door and window casings, and chair rails. These elements add depth and detail to a room and can be used to create a sense of unity and balance.
6. Oriental Rugs: Oriental rugs are handmade rugs that feature intricate patterns and vibrant colors. They are often used in traditional interior design to add texture, color, and a sense of luxury.

Overall, incorporating classic historical elements into interior design can add a sense of elegance and timelessness to a space. By choosing elements that complement the overall design aesthetic, you can create a cohesive and harmonious design that is both beautiful and functional.

Modern Georgian interior style – Architectural details

Another thing that really stands out about modern Georgian interiors is highlighting architectural details. In this dining space you can see that they have highlighted the vaulted ceiling by planking it and keeping the beams in wood finish. Together, it draws our eye up and notice the ceiling before the dining set below.

A lot of Georgian houses have vaulted ceiling because of the architecture style. So if used smartly it can really bring wow to a space. Sometimes architecture details are more impactful than the furniture within.

Another way of adding architectural detail is the use of moldings. In this little office nook they have added box moldings to the wall and painted it with a blue gray color to make it look like it was from hundreds years ago.

If you are looking to add molding to your house, think about what period your house is from or what period you want your home to look like. Then you can plan out the mouldings and other architecture details according to that. 

There are tons of books about architecture features that you can reference, such as this book Architectural Details.

I’m so obsessed with this Georgian living room corner. The warm hue combined with fresh greeneries just make it so dreamy. I especially love the paint color of the wall, which is a light grey with a green undertone. Green paint color can sometimes look old or dated but they made it look so chic in this space.

Architectural detail ideas for modern Georgian home interior design

When it comes to modern Georgian interior design, there are several architectural details that can help create a timeless and elegant look. Here are some key features to consider:

1. Wainscoting: Wainscoting is a traditional Georgian detail that involves covering the lower part of a wall with wood paneling. This can add texture and depth to a room, and can be painted in a contrasting color for a modern twist. I have added wainscoting to my bathroom and loved how much character it added.
2. Crown molding: Crown molding is a decorative trim that runs along the top of a wall, where it meets the ceiling. This is a classic Georgian detail that can help to add sophistication to a room. If you have a high ceiling, consider layer several trim pieces to create a more grand crown molding look.
3. Paneled doors: Paneled doors are a staple of Georgian architecture, and can add depth and texture to an interior space. They can be painted in a contrasting color to create a modern look.
4. Fireplace mantel: A traditional Georgian fireplace mantel is a focal point of the room and can be decorated with ornate carvings and trim. A modern take on the mantel could feature a sleek, minimalist design. In fact, I’m considering redoing my fireplace mantel because it looks kinda dingy, and I know how much impact a beautiful classic fireplace can add to a space.
5. Built-in bookcases: Built-in bookcases are a great way to add storage to a room while also creating a classic Georgian look no matter your home is traditional or modern. These can be customized to fit the dimensions of the room and can feature ornate details or a more modern design.

Overall, modern Georgian interior design is all about combining classic details with modern touches to create a sophisticated and elegant look.

More Modern Georgian interior design ideas

Besides these three emerging themes to achieve modern or comtemporary Georgian style, there are some other ideas to lean to the traditional side of Georgian interiors while still making it look current.

Modern Georgian style homes are usually based on traditional design, but leveraging comtemporary taste. For example, this home office / living room corner has a lot of traditional design elements such as the spindle chair, wainscoting, herringbone floors. 

At the same time, it has a modern taste that you can observe by the use of dark moody color for almost the entire space. The bookcase on the back has very clean lines which is very contemporary. The decor choice also lean more on geometric, such as the floor lamp on the left and stool.

These clean lines paired with traditional furnitures like the arm chair on the front is a perfect representation of traditional modern Georgian interior design

Another classic bone with a modern taste example is this kitchen below. This kitchen interior is a combination of Georgian and farmhouse style – it feels traditional and cozy. 

Often using wood as kitchen cabinet finish can look quite dated, but definitely not for this kitchen. Instead of using a vibrant wood tone, they are using muted organic looking wood finish which has been quite trendy these days. 

Combined with clean shaker details, it really present a modern farmhouse inside a traditional home with a lot of coziness.

Other favorite interior styles

French Country Interior Style

European Chic Interior Style

Modern Farmhouse Interior Style

Pin it for later