The Arts and Crafts period lasted from the late 1800s through the early 1900s. This style is known for its influence in Medieval, Oriental and Gothic times. Furniture is handmade with carvings, colors are natural and muted and accessories were made of ceramic, pewter, copper, and iron. The Arts and Crafts style is classic, down to earth and a true style of its own. Here are a few decorating tips. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Step back in time. To decorate in the Arts and Crafts style you'll need to become familiar with names like William Morris, Gustav Stickley, Dick Van Erp, and CFA Voysey. Read up on these names to get inspired for furniture, wall decorating, lighting and textile ideas.
2. Plan your color palate. Natural subdued tones taken from the middle ages are earthy and warm. Colors like dusty rose, sapphire blue, mossy green, deep red, and burnished brown add contrast to ivory and cream.
3. Hang wallpaper with Gothic and Oriental motifs. The Arts and Crafts decor uses large-scale designs with repeat patterned wallpaper. A wooden chair rail separates the wall and the bottom half is covered with wainscoting or tongue and groove boards.
4. Select hardwood floors either in long boards or parquet squares and polish or stain them a dark color. Stone is perfect for an entrance hall, linoleum with geometric designs is great for a high traffic kitchen and a simple subdued color works well in a bathroom.
5. Find furniture. Traditional built-ins were the style back then but today look for high quality bookcases and cabinets. Furniture should have broad backs, arms set far apart and can be rectangular in shape trimmed with leather straps or copper and upside down hearts. Getting a four poster bed is a must.
6. Light up the rooms. Tiffany style stained glass lamp shades glow softly against the hammered copper patina base. Use sconces and many table lamps throughout the house.
7. Put the accent on accessories with stoneware, pottery, jugs, and goblets. Use pewter, copper, iron, bronze, and silver in Arts and Crafts style decor. Add details by hanging pictures of pastoral scenes.
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