Do you enjoy simplicity, fine craftsmanship, and natural materials in your home? If so, you may be a fan of the Arts and Crafts school of design. Closely related to another modern design movement that we discussed recently, Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts originated inB the 1860’s, yet retains widespread popularity today.
Greene & Greene, The Gamble House, Pasadena, CA, 1908
The Arts and Crafts philosophy was essentially a rebellion from the mass production of the industrial revolution and the cheap, generic, factory-made goods that had begun to make their way into English homes at the time. Rejecting these machine-made goods, William Morris popularized a style that celebrated both natural materials andB hand-craftsmanship. The style was heavily influenced by medieval design, English vernacular crafts, architecture, and folk art, and places a great emphasis on form following function.
Partially-completed textile design by William Morris
Another major influence on Arts and Crafts style is the natural world. Interiors in this style use plenty of richly-stained wood, and materials like stone and natural fibers are also used. In fact, the founder of the movement, William Morris, is well known for his gorgeous textile designs depicting stylized natural motifs. You can see a connection between Morris’ graphic botanical prints and the graceful stylization of Art Nouveau.
Gustav Stickley "Morris Chair", Model 2340. Ca. 1901.
In America, Arts and Crafts, or Craftsmen style, is exemplified by the furniture designs of Gustav Stickley, the bungalows and ultimate bungalows of architects like Greene & Greene, and the Prairie School architecture made famous by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Frank Lloyd Wright, Dana-Thomas House, Springfield, IL, 1904
So, do you appreciate the down-to-earth simplicity and quiet elegance of the Arts and Crafts style, or do you prefer a more contemporary type of interior design? No matter what your style preferences, MJN & Associates Interiors can help transform your Atlanta-area home, so call us today!
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