07 Jun Captivating Georgian colour schemes

Dining room, designed by Etons of Bath

One of the defining features of Georgian interior design is its distinctive Georgian colour schemes, which play a pivotal role in capturing the essence of this architectural style.

The interior designers at Etons of Bath work on Georgian homes for clients with a myriad of tastes and briefs. So, whilst we don’t have a house style or palette for Georgian colour schemes, it’s key to understand the history and heritage so we can apply it in the modern era.

Here take a brief but fascinating journey through Georgian colour palettes. We explore the hues that were favoured during this time and understanding the impact they had on the overall aesthetics of the buildings and Georgian interior design.

The Influence of Neoclassical Art

Etons of Bath interior design

The Georgian era, spanning from the early 18th to the early 19th century, coincided with the rise of Neoclassical art and design. Inspired by the aesthetics of ancient Greece and Rome, Georgian colour schemes drew heavily from the neoclassical palette. Soft, muted tones such as pale blues, greys and greens became popular choices for exteriors, reflecting a desire for harmony and simplicity. These were complemented by stark white or off-white, creating a striking contrast that emphasised the architectural details.

The Allure of Earthy Tones

Design by Veere Grenney

Within the interiors, Georgian colour schemes and particularly Georgian paints embraced warm earthy tones. Rich shades of ochre, sienna, and terracotta were frequently employed to evoke a sense of warmth and comfort. On the walls, they created a cozy atmosphere within the living spaces. Soft pinks, light blues, and delicate yellows were also favoured, lending a touch of delicacy and femininity to the rooms. These colours were often used in the form of wallpapers or intricate fabric patterns, further enhancing the elegance of the Georgian interiors.

Regal Reds and Royal Blues

Withdrawing room design by Etons of Bath

Georgian colour schemes also witnessed the usage of bolder colours, particularly in grand public buildings and opulent houses. Regal reds, deep burgundies, and vibrant royal blues were employed to signify wealth, power, and prestige. These colours were often found in upholstery, draperies and wallpapers, bringing a sense of grandeur. The juxtaposition of these rich colours against the intricate plasterwork and ornate furnishings created a captivating and stunning Georgian interior design scheme

Georgian cottage living room, design by Etons of Bath

The Timeless Appeal of Monochrome

Hallway design by Etons of Bath

While Georgian colour schemes incorporated a wide range of colours, the use of monochrome was also popular. Black and white combinations were particularly favoured, lending a sense of timelessness and elegance to the architectural elements. The classic pairing of black and white was found in decorative floor tiles, checkered marble entrances, and monochrome wallpapers, creating a timeless appeal that can still be seen in many of the Georgian buildings across the UK today.

Modern Georgian colours

If you’d like some help with choosing colour schemes for your Georgian interiors today, do contact us for advice and ideas on 01225 639002