The Victorian era was known for its overblown style and fussy decor, using furnishing produced in factories. As a reaction against this, arts and crafts style decorating took off in England in the late nineteenth century. This movement spread to the United States, where it was taken up by American designers and interpreted in their own way. Designers wanted to create environments governed by fine workmanship to counteract the negative impact of mechanization.
Wood is one of the most important elements of this style of decor. The natural beauty of its grain is showcased and therefore painting it is not an option. Stains are used, however, as these enhance the grain. Other natural elements often used are rustic stone and hammered or distressed metals.
The furniture created in the days when this movement was at its height was solid, heavy, unadorned and comfortable. It was often made of oak and featured leather upholstery. Clean, square, angular profiles were evident. Today, the furniture used is made from different types of wood. However, the quality of material used matters and it must have clear, simple lines and be carefully constructed.
The color palettes used are subtle and muted. These lighter colors and neutrals set off the warm tones of the wooden furniture beautifully. Colors like moss and leaf greens, warm brown, amber and mustard show up as accent colors in accessories, lighting and textiles. A comfy cushion in earth or jewel tones will contrast with a neutral color palette, adding interest and depth.
As this type of decor is not fussy, not too many accessories are used but lighting is important. Lamps are used to create a rich, organic glow. Metals such as copper and bronze are combined with stained glass in lighting fixtures. Tiffany lamps are iconic to the style but any lamps that offer clean lines, simple geometric forms and warm metal tones are suitable. Stained and leaded glass windows are also common in such houses, usually featuring linear or geometric patterns.
Flooring is also chosen to reflect nature. Stone, hardwood and slate floors are common, chosen for the patterns, color and variations that make them unique. The more they reflect natural beauty, the better they are. Handmade rugs cover these floors and often feature an interesting motif.
One will not see any steel or chrome in a house decorated in this manner. Instead, distressed or hammered metals like brass, copper and bronze will be used in accessories to add warmth and compliment the tones of the wood. Pottery, glazed tiles and handmade rugs with strong motifs are also used.
The warmth of wood, clean lines, earthy colors and superior craftsmanship still appeal to many homeowners today. Many of the elements such as flooring, lighting, furnishings and accessories are sold online. Homeowners buy these elements and combine them in simple but harmonious ways to make a home inviting and comfortable. They enjoy the simplicity and yet artistic flair of these elements that go into making a comfortable and yet stylish environment.
Wood is one of the most important elements of this style of decor. The natural beauty of its grain is showcased and therefore painting it is not an option. Stains are used, however, as these enhance the grain. Other natural elements often used are rustic stone and hammered or distressed metals.
The furniture created in the days when this movement was at its height was solid, heavy, unadorned and comfortable. It was often made of oak and featured leather upholstery. Clean, square, angular profiles were evident. Today, the furniture used is made from different types of wood. However, the quality of material used matters and it must have clear, simple lines and be carefully constructed.
The color palettes used are subtle and muted. These lighter colors and neutrals set off the warm tones of the wooden furniture beautifully. Colors like moss and leaf greens, warm brown, amber and mustard show up as accent colors in accessories, lighting and textiles. A comfy cushion in earth or jewel tones will contrast with a neutral color palette, adding interest and depth.
As this type of decor is not fussy, not too many accessories are used but lighting is important. Lamps are used to create a rich, organic glow. Metals such as copper and bronze are combined with stained glass in lighting fixtures. Tiffany lamps are iconic to the style but any lamps that offer clean lines, simple geometric forms and warm metal tones are suitable. Stained and leaded glass windows are also common in such houses, usually featuring linear or geometric patterns.
Flooring is also chosen to reflect nature. Stone, hardwood and slate floors are common, chosen for the patterns, color and variations that make them unique. The more they reflect natural beauty, the better they are. Handmade rugs cover these floors and often feature an interesting motif.
One will not see any steel or chrome in a house decorated in this manner. Instead, distressed or hammered metals like brass, copper and bronze will be used in accessories to add warmth and compliment the tones of the wood. Pottery, glazed tiles and handmade rugs with strong motifs are also used.
The warmth of wood, clean lines, earthy colors and superior craftsmanship still appeal to many homeowners today. Many of the elements such as flooring, lighting, furnishings and accessories are sold online. Homeowners buy these elements and combine them in simple but harmonious ways to make a home inviting and comfortable. They enjoy the simplicity and yet artistic flair of these elements that go into making a comfortable and yet stylish environment.
About the Author:
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