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Thursday, April 16, 2015

Common Arts And Crafts Style Decorating Elements

By Joanna Walsh


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.

Inspiration was taken from the natural world, with use of earthy organic colors and natural materials like wood and stone. Specific design elements are used by homeowners today that create this look, with wood probably being one of the most important ones. Wood has a natural, organic beauty and people wanting this type of decor would never ever paint it. The idea would be to showcase the natural grain of the wood as much as possible. Stains may be used which amplify rather than hide the natural grain.

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.

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 follows the natural aesthetic. Hardwood planks, stone and slate are all popular choices. The more one-of-a-kind patterns and variations in color, the better. Once again, the focus is on showcasing natural, organic beauty.

Clutter is avoided in these interiors and the few accessories used are carefully chosen for the most impact. Hammered or distressed metal accessories are popular as they compliment wood so well. Glazed tiles, pottery and simple stencils are also features of these interiors.

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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