1714 - 1837
At the beginning of the Georgian era the work of the Italian architect Andrea Palladio (1508-1580) was extremely influential. Palladian style recreated the classical style of Rome with principles of symmetry, proportion and order.
In the second half of the 18th century the work of Robert Adam took the classical style to new heights of refinement and elegance. This Neo-Classical style was influenced by the Renaissance and tended to move away from the more solid nature of the previous Georgian period towards something more delicate and visually lighter
Georgian decoration exuded elegance and style. In grand aristocratic homes the aim was to recreate the splendour of ancient Rome and the Renaissance by means of elaborate plasterwork, pillared entrances, deep cornices and skirtings.
Ceilings would be divided into symmetrical segments around a central motif or ceiling rose and painted in intricate colour schemes to create a sense of elegance. Walls would be divided horizontally into three parts to represent the classical proportions of the column.
In townhouses the walls would be totally panelled from floor to ceiling without any ornate use of plasterwork and painted a single colour. A darker shade may have been used to emphasise details such as skirting boards and doors.
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