Everything Old is New
Modern, rustic, retro and so many others; the history of furniture and the different types actually spans the history of the world. Some of us gravitate to the old traditional styles that originated mostly in Europe, while others like the sleek stylings of more modern furniture.
What you wear or sit on says more than you might imagine. Expressing yourself, whether with the fashion you wear, or the choices you make with your home décor, is most definitely a reflection of your personality. Discover which furniture styles fit you and your home best.
Traditional
Simple and elegant are two words to describe this style. Traditional design style originates from furniture that came out of Europe. The 18th-century English, 19th-century neoclassic French country are popular traditional styles. This classic style is characterized by symmetry which creates a tranquil and well-ordered décor. The fabric and textile designs are described as floral, stripped or plaid. Adding to the tranquility is the use of a muted to mid-tone color palette.
Historical (or Period)
This classification encompasses a variety of styles, such as Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Arts & Crafts. The decorative arts of the Victorian era led to a design style that used a grand excess of ornamentation within the design. During this period in history, symbols of status was at its height. Furniture history changed forever through the Victorian period. The demand to have a home laden with ostentatious furniture was a show of ones status among peers. The late Victorian era gave way to the Arts and Crafts and the Art Nouveau style.
Arts and Crafts
In the late 19th, early 20th century, the Arts and Crafts style began to be popular. Simplicity of form is reflective of the Arts and Crafts style. Showing how the furniture is put together adds to the natural look and appeal of this style. “Truth in Materials” is very important in Arts and Crafts design.
Musée de lEcole de Nancy
Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau developed from the Arts and Crafts movement dating from around 1895 up to WWI. The furniture and design elements of the Art Nouveau style was an evolution of the Arts and Crafts movement. The differences in craftsmanship between the two styles is polar. Art Nouveau furniture put emphasis on fluid, undulating lines and shapes which produced the illusion of movement where there was none. Like Arts and Crafts, the Art Nouveau movement was inspired by nature’s organic forms.
There is a wide variety of furniture styles. Over the next few weeks I will share the most popular designs, style features and history with you. If you have a great interior decorated home with a specific style, please share pictures and/or possibly why you like a particular style with us in the comments.