Who, what, where, when and why are questions that can help you better understand the styles and fashions. When looking at a painting, a house, or even a teacup, observe the specific design and learn to interpret what it conveys. Keep looking with bright eyes! There is so much to SEE. Take a look at style periodically!

In this issue we will look at the history, principals, and proliferation of the Georgian Style in Annapolis, Maryland in the 1700's. Like all architecture and the decorative arts styles, an understanding of the who, what, where, and why combine to "tell the story" behind the "look". Let's look at history to describe, define and connect the stylistic characteristics of the Georgian period in this premiere colonial seaport.

"Annapolis is the gentlest of all the cities in the colonies", George Washington wrote during one of his numerous visits to the capital of Maryland. In 18th Century British Colonial America, Annapolis was a fashionable place. With a thriving seaport and a profitable tobacco crop, the 1000 or so inhabitants enjoyed an increasingly comfortable colonial lifestyle.

The affluent and emerging influential families of colonial Maryland adopted the prevailing English notions of "enlightenment and refinement" and built a society, as well as their architecture, on those principles. The Annapolitans created a unique society that would come together as a "remarkable collection of merchants, lawyers, and tradesman to form one of the most sparkling communities in British America." * (Builders of Annapolis, Norman K. Risjord)

The indelible imprint that some enterprising and superlative talents left on Annapolis is still very much with us today. Thanks to staunch protest, hard work and a real love for this "City of Flowers by the Bay", the Historic Annapolis Foundation saved significant records of early British American Architecture. So fine is the collection of Georgian and 18th Century Architecture, Annapolis ranks as a premiere museum of colonial life. This unusual preserve provides a remarkable glimpse into the lives and lifestyles of a society and is a snapshot of a stylistic movement - the Colonial Georgian Period Style.

Annapolis is an excellent city to visit and make sense of architecture and decorative arts styles. By observing the details of the exteriors and interiors of the Paca, Brice, Hammond-Harwood and Chase-Lloyd houses we can better understand the underpinnings of taste, design and fashion prevalent three hundred years ago. That information is helpful in defining and identifying the characteristics of this specific period style.

In interior design, "period style" is a term that is frequently used, often incorrectly. Whether restoring a historic property, looking for antiques or creating a decorating concept, period styles are wonderful sources to draw from if your goal is to create a remarkable interior.

By studying and understanding classic and refined style throughout history, we can better create a tasteful classic interior today. Learning about the styles of yesterday broadens our options for creative expression. Understanding styles through the ages is a tool that will make a real design difference in your interiors.

We hope to help de-mystify what is meant by the term "period style", and build a better understanding and vocabulary about this concept! (In every issue we will look at decorative styles, the influences, the designs, the innovations, and how to develop concepts. Subscribe Now)

Period Style
Georgian History

Now we'll take a look at Georgian the six different components of design:
Shape, Materials, Structure, Color, Texture, and Size.

For more information on Annapolis History, visit the web site for the Historic Annapolis Foundation.

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