In the modern world, human life experience is largely played out in interior spaces. We may love the out-of-doors for the sense of open air and sky, for the escape it offers from life inside enclosure, but the very joy of being outside reflects the reality that so much of life is spent inside.
Buildings and their interiors are planned to serve the purposes and styles of the times of their origins, but they exert their influence on the activities and lives that they house as long as they continue in use.
The study of interior design, its development and change through history is a useful way both to explore the past and to make sense of the spaces in which modern life is lived.
Professional interior designers are expected to study design history, to know the practices of the past in terms of "styles," and to know the names and the nature of the contributions of those individuals who generated the most interesting and influential approaches to design.
Charles Rennie Mackintosh
In Glasgow, Scotland, work related to Art Nouveau was produced for a short time by a few designers led by Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928). Mackintosh's work grew out of Arts and Crafts bases, but moved toward the freedom of Art Nouveau and became greatly admired by continental designers, including those based in Vienna.
For private clients and for his own Glasgow flat, Mackintosh developed furniture designs that most often used simple, geometric forms, but then introduced exaggerated proportions, extreme high chair backs, and white or black paint finishes with decorative details in violet, silver, or gold.
Whether you have a Georgian period home, or just want a relaxed and elegant feel in your more modern home, a Georgian interior design style is bound to be top of your list.
Georgian design concentrates on simplicity, beauty and proportion. This makes it an excellent choice for any traditional or modern home.
The Georgian interior design style is named after the decorating style in vogue during the reigns of George I through to George IV in England. This covers a time period from 1714 to 1837.
Of course there were many minor changes of style and design through this lengthy period of time. The Georgian style gradually became more decorative throughout the period. So do consider this if your home dates from either end of the time spectrum, or if you need to be historically accurate, for any reason.
You will see strong influences of other periods and design styles in the Georgian interior design style. The main influences on Georgian design styles were: neo-classical (classical Greek and Roman art and architecture), Oriental design, French aristocratic style, Rococo and Gothic Revival.
Georgian interior design relies quite heavily on its distinctive architectural style. The architecture is very decorative, so add plaster mouldings, ceiling roses and rails and friezes.
The Georgian wall was comprised of 3 sections:
The lower part: This was often wood panelled and ended with a dado rail/chair rail at 75cm height (2'6'')
The centre part: This was most of the wall, and was where wallpaper or decorative fabrics were hung
The upper part: The upper part of the wall comprised a picture rail, cornice and frieze.
Typical Georgian decorative mouldings are egg and dart, acanthus leaves, shells, scrolls, mythological subjects and beasts from fantasy.
Georgian wall colors were quite toned down and muted. Using heritage ranges of paint is an excellent way of making sure you get the right tones and colors.
Wood work was usually painted in white, or chocolate brown or olive green.
Georgian rooms were quite dark, but it was usual to find quite a few little touches of gold and gilt to brighten the feel a bit.
For wallpapers and fabrics choose beautiful patterns. Typical designs are stripes, urns, columns, oriental designs and 'Toile de Jouy'.
Georgian rooms were kept very simple and uncluttered. So keep furniture pared down to a minimum. The furniture itself was dainty in style, in dark woods, and with scrolled arms and 'ball and claw' feet. All very refined and elegant.
Buildings and their interiors are planned to serve the purposes and styles of the times of their origins, but they exert their influence on the activities and lives that they house as long as they continue in use.
The study of interior design, its development and change through history is a useful way both to explore the past and to make sense of the spaces in which modern life is lived.
Professional interior designers are expected to study design history, to know the practices of the past in terms of "styles," and to know the names and the nature of the contributions of those individuals who generated the most interesting and influential approaches to design.
Charles Rennie Mackintosh
In Glasgow, Scotland, work related to Art Nouveau was produced for a short time by a few designers led by Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928). Mackintosh's work grew out of Arts and Crafts bases, but moved toward the freedom of Art Nouveau and became greatly admired by continental designers, including those based in Vienna.
For private clients and for his own Glasgow flat, Mackintosh developed furniture designs that most often used simple, geometric forms, but then introduced exaggerated proportions, extreme high chair backs, and white or black paint finishes with decorative details in violet, silver, or gold.
Whether you have a Georgian period home, or just want a relaxed and elegant feel in your more modern home, a Georgian interior design style is bound to be top of your list.
Georgian design concentrates on simplicity, beauty and proportion. This makes it an excellent choice for any traditional or modern home.
The Georgian interior design style is named after the decorating style in vogue during the reigns of George I through to George IV in England. This covers a time period from 1714 to 1837.
Of course there were many minor changes of style and design through this lengthy period of time. The Georgian style gradually became more decorative throughout the period. So do consider this if your home dates from either end of the time spectrum, or if you need to be historically accurate, for any reason.
You will see strong influences of other periods and design styles in the Georgian interior design style. The main influences on Georgian design styles were: neo-classical (classical Greek and Roman art and architecture), Oriental design, French aristocratic style, Rococo and Gothic Revival.
Georgian interior design relies quite heavily on its distinctive architectural style. The architecture is very decorative, so add plaster mouldings, ceiling roses and rails and friezes.
The Georgian wall was comprised of 3 sections:
The lower part: This was often wood panelled and ended with a dado rail/chair rail at 75cm height (2'6'')
The centre part: This was most of the wall, and was where wallpaper or decorative fabrics were hung
The upper part: The upper part of the wall comprised a picture rail, cornice and frieze.
Typical Georgian decorative mouldings are egg and dart, acanthus leaves, shells, scrolls, mythological subjects and beasts from fantasy.
Georgian wall colors were quite toned down and muted. Using heritage ranges of paint is an excellent way of making sure you get the right tones and colors.
Wood work was usually painted in white, or chocolate brown or olive green.
Georgian rooms were quite dark, but it was usual to find quite a few little touches of gold and gilt to brighten the feel a bit.
For wallpapers and fabrics choose beautiful patterns. Typical designs are stripes, urns, columns, oriental designs and 'Toile de Jouy'.
Georgian rooms were kept very simple and uncluttered. So keep furniture pared down to a minimum. The furniture itself was dainty in style, in dark woods, and with scrolled arms and 'ball and claw' feet. All very refined and elegant.