Georgian

The style is often referred to as “five, four and a door” — a row of five single windows above a row of four single windows and a centered door. The simple rectangular shape is typically topped with a hipped or gable roof with minimal overhang and an embellished cornice.

line drawing of corner of door with Georgian style casement

A decorative door crown flanked by pilasters is a common embellishment of the Georgian style.

Profiles

Georgian houses feature traditional clapboard predominantly (with a choice of 3” to 8” reveals). Beaded siding (in a choice of 6” to 7” reveals) and Dutchlap (in a choice of 3” to 5½” reveals) were also used.

Shapes

While not entirely authentic, today’s architects have customized the Georgian tradition by using vinyl and polypropylene shakes as the exterior cladding. Shakes come in a variety of sizes and looks — straight edge or staggered from 6” to 10” reveals.

Color

Traditionally, a light to medium palette is used. Modern variations are using deeper colors including reds, greens, and browns. Dark gray and blue might be used in the rare instance that shakes replace the clapboard. Vinyl and polypropylene siding come in hundreds of colors certified to withstand fading.

Trim and Accessories

Options suited for Georgian style include a heavy cornice with crown or dentil molding on fascia or friezes; decorative front door surrounds with triangular or broken pediments and pilasters; window crowns or pediments and lineals; shutters; band boards at the foundation; beaded soffit; and roof balustrade.