Drawing inspiration from the ancient architecture of Greece and Rome as these were revived in Renaissance architecture, the Georgian style is widely varied yet characterized by symmetry and proportion.

 

Characteristics:

• Paneled front door, usually centered and topped with an intricate crown accompanied by pilasters, and usually with a row of small rectangular panes of glass under the crown.

• Decorative cornice, emphasized by tooth-like dentil moldings

• Windows with double-hung sashes and many small panes. 

• Windows are lined up in rows, horizontally and vertically symmetrical 

• Central chimneys dominated the northern colonies while end chimneys continued to be common in the south

• Materials varied between the different areas: 

      - Northern colonies: Wood-frame building with shingle or clapboard walls 

      - Middle colonies: brick or stone building

      - Southern colonies: Brick was the dominant building material

 

Subtypes:

 

1. Side-gabled roof—The most common type in the northern and middle colonies

2. Gambrel roof—Found primarily in the northern colonies. The shape is a modification of the gable shape, which gives more space in the attic to store things or sleep.

3. Hipped roof—This type is the most common in the southern colonies, but can also be found in the middle and northern colonies, mostly on high-style landmarks.

4. Centered gable—In this somewhat uncommon style, the facade beneath the gable may either stay flat or be extended slightly forward to make it stand out. This subtype became common only after 1750 in high-style buildings in all the former colonies.

5. Townhouse—The oldest urban homes that are still standing have narrow front facades and linear floor plans.