Ideas for Decorating a Home in Mission Style
Mission style--also known as arts and crafts or craftsman style--is a design style characterized by clean, straight lines, geometric shapes, natural elements and handcrafted pieces. Common materials associated with this decorating style include wrought iron, stained glass and hardwood. If you want to give your home a warm and inviting feel, considering decorating in mission style. Does this Spark an idea?
Natural Color
Since this decorating style centers around natural elements, the colors you use should also reflect nature. Common colors associated with mission style include brown, tan, beige and muted green, red and yellow. Showcase these colors in the walls, furniture, linens and area rugs. The woods, stained glass and wrought iron elements featured in this design pop against these natural colors.
Windows
Stained glass windows should feature somewhere in a mission style home, as this type of window is handcrafted and typically showcases the geometric shapes and clean lines common to mission style. Incorporate large panels of stained glass in the front windows of your home or opt to feature it in a small window, such as in your front door. While stained glass is eye-catching, it may not provide the privacy you seek. In this case, choose a window covering that compliments the mission style look--such as simple, solid colored cotton drapes or wood plantation shutters.
Furniture
When furnishing a mission style home, choose handcrafted pieces made from natural woods. Cherry, oak and walnut are medium-colored woods that work well with this decorating style. Simplistic furniture that features clean, straight lines will suit the style. Couches and chairs should be upholstered with natural fabrics, such as leather or cotton.
Floors
Natural materials should also feature prominently in your mission style home's floors. Wide planked hardwood is commonly used for flooring. Other durable natural materials that work well for flooring include slate and terracotta. To add softness and warmth to your natural floors, bring in simple-colored throw rugs made of organic fibers like cotton or jute. To add interest to the floors, toss about some braided throw rugs in basic colors.
Finishing Touches
Since mission style is simple, you don't need a lot of accessories--though that's not to say that you shouldn't incorporate any accessories. Tiffany style lamps are a striking accessory commonly featured in this design style. Wood carvings and wrought iron decorations will also complement mission style decor.
Tags: mission style, stained glass, decorating style, mission style home, style home, this decorating