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.
Lamps are used to give subtle lighting that emphasizes the rich wood tones and makes them glow. Tiffany lamps were iconic in this era but today any lamps with clean, geometric lines, combining metals such as bronze and copper with stained glass are suitable. Windows in houses often feature leaded or stained glass. Geometric and linear patterns add interest without taking away from the view or making interiors dark.
The floors in such a home will also be as natural as possible. They are usually made of stone, slate or hardwood planks. These elements often show variations in colors and patterns and this makes them unique and reveals their natural beauty. Floors are covered with handmade rugs. These often feature distinctive motifs.
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.
Lamps are used to give subtle lighting that emphasizes the rich wood tones and makes them glow. Tiffany lamps were iconic in this era but today any lamps with clean, geometric lines, combining metals such as bronze and copper with stained glass are suitable. Windows in houses often feature leaded or stained glass. Geometric and linear patterns add interest without taking away from the view or making interiors dark.
The floors in such a home will also be as natural as possible. They are usually made of stone, slate or hardwood planks. These elements often show variations in colors and patterns and this makes them unique and reveals their natural beauty. Floors are covered with handmade rugs. These often feature distinctive motifs.
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.
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