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.
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.
Lighting plays an important part in creating the atmosphere in any home. The lamps used are those with geometric, clean lines combined with warm metal tones. Tiffany lamps are iconic elements of this type of decor but any lamp combining stained glass and metal is likely to be suitable. Leaded or stained glass windows with geometric or linear patterns are common features of homes built in this style.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lighting plays an important part in creating the atmosphere in any home. The lamps used are those with geometric, clean lines combined with warm metal tones. Tiffany lamps are iconic elements of this type of decor but any lamp combining stained glass and metal is likely to be suitable. Leaded or stained glass windows with geometric or linear patterns are common features of homes built in this style.
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.
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.
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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