A Georgian decor revival was always going to be on the cards for American bookseller Craig Johnson. This was especially the case when he moved to the town of Brighton on the southern coast of England in the 1970′s. Having grown up in 1950s America, the Georgian charm he fell in love with during his youth stayed with him throughout the following decades. What was the catalyst that led Johnson to become enamoured with this particular style?
It was the film adaptation of Johnny Tremain, a 1943 children’s novel by Esther Forbes, that kindled his love for Georgian designs. The architectural and interior styles as seen in the film appealed to Johnson who found the “balance, rationality, calmness and elegance” of this look highly appealing.
Originally from New Jersey, Craig Johnson bought the terraced house for £30,000 in the 1980s after having rented the accommodation for ten years. At first he occupied only the first two floors but then a little later he also bought the ground floor which eventually was merged with the rest of the house. Although the house is technically Victorian, having being built in 1847, the interior is now decidedly Georgian due to Johnson’s love of furniture and decor of this period.
Upon walking into the small terraced house one immediately notices the lack of 21st Century gadgets and paraphernalia. This is apt for it mirrors the Georgian reaction against the ostentatious Baroque style it succeeded. Whilst the large array items Johnson has collected could look cluttered to some, I think it works well. In part, this is due to the coherence of the period style.
The kitchen is an interesting mixture of Georgian and retro 1950′s styles. It’s also interesting to note how the kitchen merges into what could be mistaken for a sitting room and vice versa. On the 1951 Tricity cooker you’ll notice an old copper kettle. Johnson salvaged this item from building rubble in the late 1970s, had it fixed and has been using it ever since.
Whilst the overall theme of the interior design is Georgian, there is also a relaxed mixing of styles and periods. Late 1970′s Laura Ashley striped wallpapers adorn some of the walls which are also decorated with paintings and wall hangings particular to the Georgian era. In the drawing room is a 1980s eau-de-nil paper called Nuages, by Osborne and Little.
What do you think of this Georgian decor revival in the heart of Brighton? Have the pictures given you any ideas for your own home decoration?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
It is a bit much for my tastes. I love the building but would want to strip it out and make things a bit cleaner/neater design wise. However, I do think what they have done really works as a scheme. Fab post.
I agree. It’s not how I would have designed the interior but interesting nonetheless and great for taking inspiration from certain elements.