jeudi 9 avril 2015

Arts And Crafts Style Decorating Elements

By Joanna Walsh


As a reaction against Victorian decor with its complexity and fussiness, designers wanted to return to a simpler, more organic aesthetic. They wanted to celebrate craftsmanship once more and bring nature into decor as much as possible. The arts and crafts style decorating movement was born in England and later spread to the United States. American designers then interpreted it in their own manner, influenced by their past. People still appreciate this way of decorating today, looking for pieces of furniture and accessories in this tradition for their homes.

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.

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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