Arts and crafts revival The terms arts and crafts and mission style
are often used synonymously today.They refer to a style of home design
and furnishings emphasizing natural materials, especially wood, and
showcasing a pronounced geometry in aluehome
the design.Their tremendous revival in popularity stems largely from
their association with handcrafted elements(Though many knockoffs are
manufactured by machine), a rarity in this technologically advanced
age.The pieces offer an heirloom quality and a patina that deepens with
age.Arts and crafts furnishings and interiors are also typically very
durable and classic with a timeless appeal.They suit today's desire to
simplify and get back to basics.Arts and crafts interiors are an ideal
marriage of function and aesthetic;Spaces are designed to work for those
living there.To create your own arts and crafts interior, there are
several elements to consider, both in materials and design. The
materials of an arts and crafts interior, while not limited to nature,
emphasize wood, stone, glass(Made from sand), ceramic tiles(Made from
minerals/earth), and textiles(Using wool, cotton, or linen fibers, and,
of course, leather).Much of the visual pattern comes from the grain of
the wood selected.Traditionally oak was used, but currently natural
cherry is frequently enjoyed.The oak tends to have a golden brown gleam,
while the cherry is redder.Both darken naturally with age, which is to
be expected. Flooring, all architectural trim/molding, doors, stair
rails and stiles, and exposed structural supports are all typically
wood, oak being most prevalent.Waxed or oil finishes prevail.Joints are
pegged, or handcrafted metal hardware is used.Door knobs, cabinet
pulls and the like are again handcrafted wrought iron or bronze in
black, umber, or verdigris.Many are square or rectangular shaped and
are hand hammered.For a lighter look, some homeowners today are opting
for a soft brushed pewter or nickel finish instead.Once you have the
guidelines, you can bend them to suit.If an alternative to a wood floor
is desired, tile or slate would be appropriate substitutes.The tile
should be large and laid in a linear pattern, not on the diagonal. To
balance and complement the visual depth of the wood, walls are often
treated with a textured paint or plastered. (The old bungalows have
original plaster. )A good bet is the river rock finish that ralph
lauren paint provides.Paint schemes bear an influence from nature with
goldenrod yellows, burnt sienna browns, cimmaron and indian reds, sage
and moss greens, and a neutral palette of earthy tans, toasts, and
beiges.The overall feeling has a harmony, continuity, with all elements
working together, none upstaging the other.It is about creating an
organic home, one that works within its environment and makes the most
of its surroundings both outside and inside. Fireplaces have wood or
stone mantels, with stone, ceramic or occasionally brick surrounds.The
wood is again oak with a golden stain, usually waxed or rubbed, not
polyurethaned.Satin or matte finishes rule.Stone is field stone stacked
dry or with mortar, it presents a terrific textural visual.River rock
may be used instead and the round smooth stones provide a counterpoint
to the rectilinear geometry otherwise present.Ceramic tiles will
typically have a motif from nature, perhaps a leaf or acorn, or be an
iridescent finish.Today glass tiles are also used to great
advantage.Brick, when employed, is smooth faced and laid in clean
horizontal bands.Again, one of the clear features of an arts and crafts
interior is the linear quality.The feeling that the house is part of a
bigger view, part of the horizon, is all an effort to be from and of
the earth. Historically, many of the arts and crafts and mission homes
sported art glass windows, or at least many panes.This enabled windows
to be left uncovered and still appear decorative.Today, art glass
windows can be cost prohibitive except in select areas, so if treatment
is desired for either privacy, light, or heat control, simpler is
better.This translates to either plain roman shades, silhouettes, wood
blinds, or panels on either tabs or rings on a decorative rod(Wood or
wrought iron)With finials.If tiebacks are desired consider sisal
tassels, simple and bold, or a band of the same fabric as the
drapery.No trim or other decorative element is required.Fabric patterns
may herald nature, such as a leaf print, or be based in geometry.There
is a wide range on the market today including historical prints by
william morris and designs by frank lloyd wright.The same may also be
found in wall covering, though use it sparingly as it is often busy and
distracting.Arts and crafts and mission style today both represent a
desire for a wholesome, hearty lifestyle, a return to yesterday's
values. Furnishings in the arts and crafts home are again wood,
occasionally with a wrought iron or ceramic tile accent.Glass is rarely
used.Tables, being functional as well as good looking, often have at
least a drawer and a shelf for storage.Shapes are squares, rectangles
and octagons.Today more rounds are available.Again, the geometry
created by edges is most apparent.Sofas and chairs are often wood
backed with exposed wood arms and cushions that can be readily cleaned
or changed out depending on the season.Flexibility and adaptability are
prime features.Mission style goes a step further and often offers
sofas or chairs with a deep wood shelf surrounding them acting as the
arm and a table(Frank lloyd wright design), which gives the illusion of
a builtin piece.Leather is frequently used or fabrics in natural
fibers such as cotton, linen, or wool.Rich colors and geometric or
patterns drawn from nature abound.The most significant interest comes
from the combination of elements, again, no one piece dominating.Busy
patterns are used sparingly, increasing longevity and flexibility of
the furnishings.Resources for furnishings include stickley, american
impressions by ethan allen, and cotswald furnishings, a ralph lauren t shirt femme
superior resource for handcrafted furnishings and more in atlanta.
Lighting in an arts and crafts or mission home is critical, especially
with all the dark woods and depth of color schemes popular.While
ceiling lights, including recessed, can give a good general light, it is
far more effective and pleasing to adopt a wealth of
luminaries.Torchieres(Floor lamps that give uplight, and are best
placed in corners)Can provide valuable general lighting, while table
lamps and floor lamps provide invitation and welcome.Accent lighting
can be done with mantel lamps, sconces, and dresser lamps.The two most
common types of lamps are the mica and metal designs(The body of the
lamp being hammered bronze or copper, the shade a sheet of mica)And the
art glass lamps with wood or art glass bases and shades of glass in
geometric patterns and a squared coolie shape.Other lighting options
include a wealth of reproduction lighting through several lighting
sources such as arroyo craftsmen and yamagiwa. (They are available
through designers and have an outstanding line of frank lloyd wright
designs. )Accents, accessories, and artwork should be kept to a minimum
to allow for a fuller appreciation of the architecture of the home and
materials of nature showcased.This is a good chance to provide balance
to the predominance of wood with elements in glass, ceramics, and
metal.Both bowls and vessels are readily available in all materials
mentioned here.Iridescent ware in both ceramics and glass provides an
airy complement to the weight and depth of the wood.
