Damasks

A beautiful pattern found in wallpapers, window treatments, upholstery, and fabrics of classical and neoclassical design is the Damask.

Damask fabrics can be found everywhere from the walls of Buckingham Palace to the upholstery of a living room sofa cushion.

Here are some beautiful damask wallpapers and fabrics

Most of these are from Brewster Wall Coverings

A Bedroom Renovation

Every year, one of my favorite things to do is redesign my bedroom. I just finished designing a new plan in SketchUp. 

My new design features Damask wallpaper, brass wall sconces, small brass chandelier, brass candle sconces, 3' high wall paneling, chevron-pattern oak floors, beamed ceiling, mahogany doors, and mahogany shutters over the windows.

Since the walls between the hall and the bedroom are quite thick, I'm going to have one door on each side and a paneled door stop in between. Here, you can see the hall door on the bedroom side is open but the hall-side door is closed.

Here, the window shutters are closed. They open like bi-fold doors.

Closet doors and hall door.

Window shutters also closed here.

Gaslights

During the 18th and 19th century, gas lighting was very popular. Candles were still in vast use because they were cheap and not everyone lived near a gas line. Electrical lighting came to Britain in the late 1800s and were installed in the streets of London for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. 

I find Victorian-era gas bulb chandeliers and sconces unique and interesting. Here are some I found online. (http://www.vintagehardware.com)

Some Georgian Inspiration...

My favorite style of architecture is Georgian Architecture. The Georgian era of Great Britain began in 1714 and ended in 1837. During this time period, Kings George I, II, III, IV and William IV ruled. After the death of William IV in 1837, the Queen Victoria's coronation marked the start of the Victorian era.

Essentially, Georgian architecture is an 18th century english style. Some of the key components of Georgian architecture are:

- Symmetry
- Proportion and Balance
- Bold Moulding and Millwork
- Brick or Stone Facade
- Elements of Palladian, Roman, and Greek Architecture
- Circular (one-centered) and Elliptical (3-centered) Arches

Some embellishments that you might find in Georgian-style houses and buildings are:

- Herringbone Pattern Wood Floors
- Large Combination Crown Moulding
- Dentils in the Crown Moulding
- Egg and Dart Moulding and Motifs
- Reed and Ribbon Moulding and Motifs
- Ribbon and Bow Moulding and Motifs
- Large or Small Pediments (mostly pointed and circular pediments)
- Fluted Columns
- Brass/Gold Hardware (Lighting Fixtures, Picture Frames, etc...)

I've included some of the many pictures I have of examples of Georgian architecture that have inspired me.

These first 2 pictures are taken of a country club designed by Mark P. Finlay (markfinlay.com). This shows and example of Neo-Georgian (Georgian Revival) architecture. Since authentic Georgian buildings are over 200 years old, their beauty may be concealed by their age. Neo-georgian architecture takes the classic elements of Georgian architecture and modernizes it. 

Notice the pediment headings above the door casings and the elliptical arch. Lanterns and wall sconces are popular lighting fixtures in Georgian homes and buildings.

A large Georgian house. Notice the lantern, chandelier, wall sconce, dentils in the crown moulding, as well as the large pilasters and pediment. This pediment is known as an Open Pointed Pediment.

Beautiful library. Notice the dentils in the crown moulding.

Beautiful house in New Canaan, CT. Notice the stone exterior, symmetry of the design, shutters, and the beautiful pediment. This pediment is called a Broken Curved Pediment. (Mark Finlay)

Notice the dentils in the crown moulding, the Broken Pointed Pediment, mahogany double doors, brass and crystal empire chandelier, brass and crystal wall sconces, brass mirror, and the chinoiserie wall paper.

Chinoiserie is a Chinese-inspired design motif that is sometimes featured in Georgian houses. It's a very whimsical, asymmetrical, colorful style. As you can see here, it adds a unique quality to the room and is also quite bright.

Diagram depicting characteristics of a Georgian home.

Beautiful dark green dining room.

Beautiful Georgian exterior. Notice the dormer windows, dentil crown moulding, Palladian window, symmetrical design, elliptical arch over door, portico, and columns.

Beautiful living room with Chinoiserie millwork on the ceiling.

Georgian style house in CT. (Mark Finlay)

Library with coffered ceiling.

 Close up view of a broken pointed pediment.

Georgian style kitchen.

Old but beautiful fireplace mantel design.

Dining room of the Palace at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

Sitting room of the White House. The White House is an example of Federal architecture. Federal architecture is an American style of architecture that is almost identical to Georgian but makes minor changes.