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 that is used is solid, heavy and comfortable with clean, square lines. Pieces are functional and what they lack in ornamentation, they make up for with the use of quality materials and meticulous attention to detail. Oak was the main type of wood used in the past but other types are used as well today, as long as the careful attention to detail is clearly seen and the lines are angular rather than curved.
With inspiration being drawn from nature, many lighter colors and neutrals are used. These work well together with the rich tones of wooden furniture. Accent colors also echo the colors of nature such as a cushion in a moss or forest greens, a distressed copper bowl or a beautiful terracotta pot.
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.
Those who love the warm look of wood, simple lines and handcrafted details still embrace decor that celebrates these elements. They want to bring to mind a slower era when people worked with their hands and lived a simple life. Furniture, lighting, textiles and accessories are all used to capture an artisan aesthetic. These elements make homes warm, comfortable, functional and yet beautiful too.
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 that is used is solid, heavy and comfortable with clean, square lines. Pieces are functional and what they lack in ornamentation, they make up for with the use of quality materials and meticulous attention to detail. Oak was the main type of wood used in the past but other types are used as well today, as long as the careful attention to detail is clearly seen and the lines are angular rather than curved.
With inspiration being drawn from nature, many lighter colors and neutrals are used. These work well together with the rich tones of wooden furniture. Accent colors also echo the colors of nature such as a cushion in a moss or forest greens, a distressed copper bowl or a beautiful terracotta pot.
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.
Those who love the warm look of wood, simple lines and handcrafted details still embrace decor that celebrates these elements. They want to bring to mind a slower era when people worked with their hands and lived a simple life. Furniture, lighting, textiles and accessories are all used to capture an artisan aesthetic. These elements make homes warm, comfortable, functional and yet beautiful too.
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