The Georgian Colonial house represents an enduring symbol of elegance, symmetry, and refined craftsmanship. Rooted in 18th-century British and American architecture, these homes blend classical design with functional beauty, making them a favorite for homeowners seeking timeless appeal. Characterized by balanced proportions, brick or clapboard exteriors, and grand entrances, Georgian Colonial houses exude sophistication. This article explores 35 unique Georgian Colonial house designs, offering inspiration for creating a home that combines historical charm with modern livability, perfect for anyone dreaming of a classic yet contemporary residence.
The Essence of Georgian Colonial Architecture
Georgian Colonial houses draw inspiration from the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, adapted during Britain’s Georgian era (1714–1830). These homes emphasize symmetry, with evenly spaced windows and a central entrance. Brick exteriors, often accented with white trim, create a stately appearance, while pitched roofs and decorative cornices add refinement. The style’s versatility allows for adaptations, from modest family homes to grand estates. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to balance formality with warmth, making it ideal for those who value tradition and elegance in their living spaces.
Symmetry as a Design Cornerstone
Symmetry is the heartbeat of a Georgian Colonial house, defining its aesthetic and structural harmony. The facade typically features a central door flanked by an equal number of windows on each side, creating a mirror-like balance. This design principle extends to chimneys, dormers, and even landscaping, ensuring visual cohesion. Homeowners can enhance this symmetry with matching shutters or evenly spaced exterior lighting. The result is a home that feels orderly and inviting, appealing to those who appreciate precision and classical beauty in their architectural choices.
Brick Facades for Lasting Appeal
Brick is a hallmark of Georgian Colonial houses, offering durability and a rich, warm aesthetic. Red or muted brick facades, often laid in Flemish bond patterns, create a sophisticated look that ages gracefully. White-painted trim and quoins at the corners add contrast, highlighting the home’s geometric precision. For modern designs, homeowners can incorporate reclaimed brick for authenticity or opt for brick veneer for cost efficiency. This material choice not only ensures longevity but also evokes a sense of historical grandeur, making it a popular choice for Georgian-inspired homes.
Grand Entrances That Impress
The entrance of a Georgian Colonial house is a focal point, designed to convey elegance and welcome. Typically, a paneled door is framed by pilasters and topped with a pediment or transom window, creating a classical portal. Some designs feature double doors or decorative crowns for added drama. Homeowners can personalize entrances with brass hardware, sidelights, or seasonal wreaths while maintaining the style’s formal aesthetic. A well-crafted entrance sets the tone for the entire home, blending stately charm with inviting warmth for guests and residents alike.
Window Arrangements for Classic Charm
Windows in a Georgian Colonial house are meticulously arranged to enhance symmetry and light. Multi-pane sash windows, often six-over-six or nine-over-nine, are evenly spaced across the facade. Black or white shutters add contrast and functionality, while window lintels or keystones provide decorative flair. For modern adaptations, energy-efficient double-glazed windows can mimic the traditional look without sacrificing performance. These window designs not only elevate the home’s exterior but also create bright, airy interiors, making them a key element in achieving the Georgian Colonial aesthetic.
Pitched Roofs and Dormer Details
Pitched roofs are a defining feature of Georgian Colonial houses, typically covered in slate or asphalt shingles for durability and style. The steep angle adds verticality, while dormer windows punctuate the roofline, providing light to upper floors. Some designs incorporate gambrel or hip roofs for variety, but all maintain a balanced silhouette. Homeowners can enhance roofs with copper gutters or decorative dormer pediments for a luxurious touch. These elements ensure the roof complements the home’s classical proportions, contributing to its timeless and stately appearance.
Chimneys as Architectural Anchors
Chimneys in Georgian Colonial houses serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, anchoring the home’s symmetrical design. Typically placed at both ends of the roof, they create a balanced silhouette. Brick chimneys, often with simple caps or corbelling, add texture and historical authenticity. Modern designs may incorporate faux chimneys for visual impact without the need for fireplaces. These elements not only enhance the home’s exterior but also evoke a sense of tradition, making them essential for achieving the classic Georgian Colonial look.
Decorative Cornices for Refined Elegance
Cornices in Georgian Colonial houses add a layer of sophistication, framing the roofline with intricate molding. Often painted white to contrast with brick or clapboard, these decorative elements draw from classical entablatures, featuring dentil or modillion details. Homeowners can opt for simpler cornices for smaller homes or elaborate designs for grand estates. Properly proportioned cornices enhance the home’s verticality and elegance, ensuring the exterior feels cohesive and polished, a hallmark of the Georgian style’s attention to architectural detail.
Clapboard Siding for Versatile Beauty
While brick is common, clapboard siding offers a lighter, versatile alternative for Georgian Colonial houses. Painted in muted tones like cream, gray, or pale blue, clapboard creates a crisp, clean look that highlights the home’s symmetry. Narrow boards with clean lines maintain the style’s formal aesthetic, while modern vinyl or fiber cement options provide low-maintenance durability. Clapboard siding allows homeowners to experiment with color while preserving the historical charm, making it a popular choice for those seeking a fresh yet traditional Georgian Colonial design.
Palladian Windows for Architectural Flair
Palladian windows, inspired by Italian architect Andrea Palladio, are a striking feature in some Georgian Colonial houses. These three-part windows, with a large arched center pane flanked by smaller rectangular ones, often appear above entrances or in gables. They add a touch of grandeur while maintaining the style’s classical roots. Homeowners can use Palladian windows as a focal point, pairing them with simple brick or clapboard facades to balance elegance and restraint, creating a home that feels both majestic and approachable.
Pedimented Gables for Classical Accents
Pedimented gables, triangular roof sections inspired by classical temples, are a hallmark of Georgian Colonial houses. Often found above entrances or dormers, they feature clean lines and subtle decorative elements like dentil molding. These gables add architectural interest without overwhelming the home’s symmetry. Homeowners can incorporate pedimented gables in smaller homes for a touch of grandeur or use them extensively in larger estates for dramatic effect. This feature enhances the home’s historical authenticity, making it a standout in the Georgian Colonial style.
Landscaping to Complement the Facade
Landscaping plays a crucial role in enhancing a Georgian Colonial house’s curb appeal. Formal gardens with clipped hedges, symmetrical flower beds, and gravel paths mirror the home’s balanced design. Boxwoods, roses, or topiaries add structure, while a central walkway leads to the grand entrance. Modern homeowners can incorporate low-maintenance shrubs or native plants to maintain the formal aesthetic with less upkeep. Thoughtful landscaping not only frames the home but also creates a cohesive, elegant exterior that reflects the Georgian Colonial style’s timeless charm.
Color Palettes for Timeless Exteriors
Color palettes for Georgian Colonial houses emphasize understated elegance, with neutral or muted tones dominating. Brick facades often pair with white or cream trim, while clapboard homes may feature soft grays, blues, or greens. Black or dark green shutters add contrast without overpowering the design. Homeowners can experiment with bolder accent colors, like deep red doors, for a modern twist while keeping the overall palette restrained. These color choices ensure the home feels both historically accurate and inviting, appealing to a wide range of tastes.
Porches and Porticos for Added Grandeur
Porches and porticos elevate the grandeur of a Georgian Colonial house, offering both functionality and style. A portico with columns and a pediment creates a dramatic entrance, while a simple porch provides a welcoming outdoor space. White-painted wood or brick columns maintain the classical aesthetic, and homeowners can add lanterns or potted plants for charm. These features not only enhance the home’s curb appeal but also create usable space for relaxation, blending the formality of Georgian design with everyday livability.
Shutters for Functional Elegance
Shutters are both decorative and functional in Georgian Colonial houses, framing windows and adding depth to the facade. Typically painted black, dark green, or white, they complement the home’s color palette while providing storm protection. Louvered or paneled designs maintain historical accuracy, and modern homeowners can opt for fixed or operable versions. Shutters enhance the home’s symmetry, drawing attention to the window arrangements and creating a polished look that balances practicality with the refined aesthetic of the Georgian Colonial style.
Multi-Story Designs for Stately Presence
Multi-story Georgian Colonial houses exude a stately presence, with two or three floors emphasizing verticality and grandeur. The symmetrical facade, with evenly spaced windows and a central entrance, creates a commanding yet balanced appearance. Brick or clapboard exteriors, paired with pitched roofs and chimneys, enhance the home’s imposing silhouette. Homeowners can incorporate dormers or gables to add interest to upper floors. These designs are ideal for larger lots, offering ample space for families while maintaining the timeless elegance of the Georgian Colonial aesthetic.
Single-Story Adaptations for Modern Living
Single-story Georgian Colonial houses offer a compact yet elegant alternative, perfect for smaller lots or those seeking accessibility. The symmetrical facade, with a central door and evenly spaced windows, retains the style’s classical charm. Brick or clapboard siding, paired with a pitched roof, ensures historical authenticity. Homeowners can add a small portico or decorative cornice to elevate the design. These homes combine the formality of Georgian architecture with the practicality of single-level living, making them a versatile choice for modern families.
Corner Quoins for Architectural Definition
Corner quoins, decorative stone or brick blocks, add definition to the edges of a Georgian Colonial house. Often painted white or a contrasting color, they emphasize the home’s geometric precision and classical roots. Quoins work particularly well on brick facades, creating a polished, structured look. Homeowners can use faux quoins for cost efficiency or opt for authentic masonry for a luxurious touch. This subtle detail enhances the home’s exterior, making it feel both refined and historically inspired, a key element of the Georgian Colonial style.
Fanlight Windows for Subtle Sophistication
Fanlight windows, semi-circular or elliptical windows above doors, add subtle sophistication to Georgian Colonial houses. Often featuring radiating muntins resembling a fan, they allow natural light into entryways while maintaining the style’s classical aesthetic. Homeowners can pair fanlights with simple or ornate pediments to suit the home’s scale. These windows create a welcoming glow, enhancing the entrance’s elegance without overwhelming the facade. Their delicate design makes them a perfect accent for homeowners seeking to blend tradition with refined beauty.
Classical Columns for Timeless Grandeur
Classical columns, often Doric or Ionic, are a striking feature in some Georgian Colonial houses, particularly in porticos or porches. Painted white or crafted from brick, they evoke the grandeur of ancient architecture while supporting the home’s formal aesthetic. Homeowners can use columns sparingly for a subtle effect or incorporate them across a grand facade for maximum impact. These elements not only elevate the home’s exterior but also create a sense of permanence, making them a defining feature of the Georgian Colonial style.
Hip Roofs for Elegant Simplicity
Hip roofs, where all sides slope downward, offer an elegant alternative to pitched roofs in Georgian Colonial houses. This design creates a compact, balanced silhouette, often punctuated by dormers or chimneys. Slate or asphalt shingles maintain the traditional look, while copper flashing adds a modern touch. Homeowners can use hipped roofs to soften the home’s profile, making it feel approachable yet stately. This roof style enhances the home’s symmetry and classical proportions, ensuring a cohesive and timeless exterior design.
Balanced Dormers for Upper-Level Charm
Dormers in Georgian Colonial houses add charm and functionality to upper levels, breaking up the roofline while providing natural light. Typically small and symmetrically placed, they feature pitched or pedimented roofs that echo the home’s classical design. Homeowners can use dormers to create cozy attic spaces or enhance the home’s exterior balance. Painted to match the trim or roof, dormers blend seamlessly with the facade, contributing to the home’s elegant and cohesive appearance, a hallmark of the Georgian Colonial aesthetic.
Brick Arches for Subtle Drama
Brick arches, often found above windows or entrances, add subtle drama to Georgian Colonial houses. These curved elements soften the home’s geometric precision while maintaining its classical roots. Typically constructed from the same brick as the facade, they create a cohesive look, with white trim or keystones for contrast. Homeowners can use arches sparingly for a refined effect or incorporate them across the facade for a bolder statement. This feature enhances the home’s historical charm, making it a standout in the Georgian Colonial style.
White Trim for Crisp Contrast
White trim is a defining feature of Georgian Colonial houses, providing crisp contrast against brick or clapboard facades. Used on cornices, window frames, and corner quoins, it highlights the home’s architectural details and symmetry. Homeowners can opt for high-gloss paint for a polished look or matte finishes for a softer effect. White trim not only enhances the home’s classical aesthetic but also creates a clean, timeless appearance that appeals to those seeking a balance of tradition and modern simplicity in their home design.
Symmetrical Wings for Expansive Designs
Symmetrical wings, extending from the main structure, add grandeur to larger Georgian Colonial houses. These additions maintain the home’s balanced facade, with matching windows and rooflines on each side. Brick or clapboard exteriors ensure cohesion, while connecting hyphens or breezeways create functional transitions. Homeowners can use wings for additional living space, such as guest suites or home offices, while preserving the style’s classical proportions. This design element makes the home feel expansive yet harmonious, ideal for those seeking a stately residence.
Lanterns and Lighting for Evening Appeal
Exterior lighting, such as lanterns or sconces, enhances the evening appeal of a Georgian Colonial house. Placed symmetrically beside the entrance or along walkways, they highlight the home’s architectural details while providing safety. Brass or black fixtures maintain the traditional aesthetic, and modern homeowners can opt for energy-efficient LED options. Thoughtfully placed lighting creates a warm, inviting glow, emphasizing the home’s symmetry and elegance, making it a welcoming sight at dusk and a perfect complement to the Georgian Colonial style.
Garden Gates for Formal Entrances
Garden gates in Georgian Colonial houses create formal entrances to the property, echoing the home’s symmetrical design. Wrought iron or painted wood gates, often flanked by brick pillars, add elegance and security. Homeowners can incorporate decorative finials or simple geometric patterns to maintain the classical aesthetic. These gates not only define the property’s boundaries but also enhance its curb appeal, creating a cohesive and polished look that complements the home’s stately facade and formal landscaping.
Stone Accents for Textural Contrast
Stone accents, such as lintels, sills, or foundation cladding, add textural contrast to Georgian Colonial houses. Limestone or sandstone, often in neutral tones, complements brick or clapboard facades while maintaining the style’s classical roots. Homeowners can use stone sparingly for a subtle effect or as a prominent feature in grand designs. These accents enhance the home’s durability and visual interest, creating a refined exterior that feels both timeless and luxurious, a key element of the Georgian Colonial aesthetic.
Balustrades for Rooftop Elegance
Balustrades, often found on flat roof sections or widow’s walks, add rooftop elegance to Georgian Colonial houses. Typically crafted from wood or iron and painted white, they create a classical silhouette against the sky. Homeowners can use balustrades to define outdoor spaces or enhance the home’s verticality. These elements not only add architectural interest but also evoke the grandeur of historical estates, making them a striking feature for those seeking a truly majestic Georgian Colonial design.
Circular Windows for Unique Accents
Circular or octagonal windows, often placed in gables or above entrances, add unique accents to Georgian Colonial houses. These windows, sometimes featuring decorative muntins, break the home’s rigid symmetry with subtle whimsy while maintaining its classical aesthetic. Homeowners can use them as focal points in simpler designs or as complementary details in grander facades. Circular windows create visual interest and allow natural light into unexpected spaces, enhancing the home’s charm and individuality within the Georgian Colonial style.
Symmetrical Garages for Seamless Integration
Symmetrical garages, designed to blend with the main house, ensure seamless integration in Georgian Colonial designs. Matching brick or clapboard exteriors, paired with evenly spaced windows or decorative doors, maintain the home’s balanced facade. Homeowners can incorporate pedimented gables or cornices above garage doors for added elegance. These garages not only provide functional storage but also enhance the home’s cohesive appearance, ensuring the entire property reflects the refined and timeless aesthetic of the Georgian Colonial style.
Rusticated Bases for Grounded Elegance
Rusticated bases, where the lower portion of the facade features textured brick or stone, add grounded elegance to Georgian Colonial houses. This technique creates a sense of solidity while contrasting with the smoother upper facade. Homeowners can use rustication to emphasize the home’s foundation or extend it across the entire lower level for a bold effect. This feature enhances the home’s historical authenticity and visual depth, making it a striking choice for those seeking a distinguished Georgian Colonial design.
Arched Doorways for Softened Symmetry
Arched doorways, often framed by brick or white trim, soften the rigid symmetry of Georgian Colonial houses. These gentle curves add warmth and elegance to the entrance, inviting guests with a classical flourish. Homeowners can pair arched doorways with fanlights or sidelights for added sophistication. This feature maintains the style’s formal aesthetic while introducing a subtle softness, making the home feel both stately and approachable, a perfect balance for those seeking a refined yet welcoming Georgian Colonial design.
Widow’s Walks for Coastal Charm
Widow’s walks, flat rooftop platforms surrounded by balustrades, add coastal charm to Georgian Colonial houses, particularly in seaside regions. Traditionally used to watch for returning ships, they now serve as scenic lookouts or decorative features. Homeowners can incorporate widow’s walks on larger homes to enhance verticality and provide outdoor space. Painted white or black, they complement the home’s classical aesthetic, adding a touch of historical romance and architectural distinction to the Georgian Colonial style.
Mixed Materials for Modern Adaptations
Modern Georgian Colonial houses often blend materials like brick, clapboard, and stone for a fresh take on the classic style. For example, a brick facade with stone accents and clapboard wings creates a dynamic yet cohesive look. Homeowners can experiment with sustainable materials, like fiber cement siding, to maintain the traditional aesthetic with modern durability. These mixed-material designs preserve the style’s symmetry and elegance while offering flexibility, making them ideal for those seeking a Georgian Colonial house with contemporary flair.
Georgian Colonial houses embody a timeless elegance that continues to captivate homeowners and architects alike. With their symmetrical facades, classical details, and versatile designs, these homes offer endless possibilities for creating a residence that feels both historical and modern. From grand brick estates to charming single-story adaptations, the 35 designs explored in this article showcase the style’s enduring appeal. Whether you’re drawn to stately porticos, refined cornices, or formal landscaping, a Georgian Colonial house can be tailored to your vision, ensuring a home that stands the test of time.