In a reaction against the decor of the Victorian era with its complex patterns and fussy designs, designers felt the need to return to more organic, natural designs and celebrate true craftsmanship once more. The backlash came in the form of the arts and crafts style decorating movement that began in England in the late 1900s and later spread to America where it was given its own expression by designers. Inspiration was drawn from the natural world in the neutral color palettes, used with contrasting earthy colored accessories to add depth.
One of the most important elements of this particular design style is wood. Wood is chosen for the beauty of its natural grains. This is often enhanced with a stain and hiding it with a coat of paint is just not done. Other elements taken from nature are rustic stone, slate and clay. Plant motifs are often used in fabrics too.
The furniture created at this time is still sought after today. It has clean, square lines and is solid and comfortable. Oak was usually used and leather upholstery was the norm. Other kinds of wood are used to create furniture today and the most important consideration is usually how much attention to detail can be seen. Pieces do not have curves or ornamentation but the interest comes in the quality of wood used and the careful construction of each piece.
The colors used take their cue from nature. Lighter, neutral colors work well with the warmth of wood. Accessories are used to bring in accent colors such as moss green, mustard, amber and brown. Earthy tones add depth and contrast to the neutral palette.
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.
Metals like copper, bronze and brass are used instead of steel or chrome. The warm tones of these metals set off the wooden elements. For example, a hammered copper bowl may rest on a wooden table. Glazed tiles and pottery are also common, as are simple stencils that reflect the sentiments of a happy home.
For those who enjoy a natural, simple aesthetic with the interest coming from finely crafted pieces, this style is very appealing. Simple and yet finely crafted furniture, textiles, accessories and lighting suited to this type of decor are sold at online stores today. Homeowners can buy pieces that they combine harmoniously to create a functional, comfortable home that has great beauty and an appealing artisan aesthetic.
One of the most important elements of this particular design style is wood. Wood is chosen for the beauty of its natural grains. This is often enhanced with a stain and hiding it with a coat of paint is just not done. Other elements taken from nature are rustic stone, slate and clay. Plant motifs are often used in fabrics too.
The furniture created at this time is still sought after today. It has clean, square lines and is solid and comfortable. Oak was usually used and leather upholstery was the norm. Other kinds of wood are used to create furniture today and the most important consideration is usually how much attention to detail can be seen. Pieces do not have curves or ornamentation but the interest comes in the quality of wood used and the careful construction of each piece.
The colors used take their cue from nature. Lighter, neutral colors work well with the warmth of wood. Accessories are used to bring in accent colors such as moss green, mustard, amber and brown. Earthy tones add depth and contrast to the neutral palette.
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.
Metals like copper, bronze and brass are used instead of steel or chrome. The warm tones of these metals set off the wooden elements. For example, a hammered copper bowl may rest on a wooden table. Glazed tiles and pottery are also common, as are simple stencils that reflect the sentiments of a happy home.
For those who enjoy a natural, simple aesthetic with the interest coming from finely crafted pieces, this style is very appealing. Simple and yet finely crafted furniture, textiles, accessories and lighting suited to this type of decor are sold at online stores today. Homeowners can buy pieces that they combine harmoniously to create a functional, comfortable home that has great beauty and an appealing artisan aesthetic.
