Apr
24

The Arts and Crafts ethic stressed simplicity, use of natural materials, and a return to individual craftsmanship. A Craftsman style lamp is a wonderful expression of this ethic.

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Electric light, although valued for its usefulness, seemed harsh and unnatural to Arts and Crafts designers. To tone down the glare and create a soft, subtle light, they used a wide variety of materials to shade the bulbs. The results were lamps of great beauty. Unlike earlier shades, Arts and Crafts shades were designed to throw light downward into the room or onto the table. This not only increased the useful light in the room but also allowed heat generated by the light bulb to escape more easily, so a greater range of materials could be used for the shade.

Incandescent bulbs were covered with shades made of stained glass, mica, or colored blown glass, all of which satisfactorily softened their glaring light. Shades were also made of linen, silk, and heavy parchment. Mica, a transparent or subtly colored mineral that naturally occurs in thin layers, was highly valued for shades. Shards of mica layered with shellac were often placed in a frame of copper, which gave the shade its shape. The mica, in tones of palest ivory through amber, softly filtered electric light and cast a golden glow over rooms. Dirk Van Erp was famous for his mica shades, which are valuable objects today.

Stained glass was also a favorite material used to shade Craftsman style lamps. From the simple cone-shaped shades of the Roycrofters to the curving forms designed by Tiffany, stained glass was valued both the soft glow it imparted and the motifs it could express. Handel Company lamps are particularly prized by collectors of Craftsman style lamps.

Frosted glass was also popular. Gustav Stickley designed hanging fixtures like lanterns in his Craftsman Workshop. They were elegantly simple frosted glass tubes set in hammered copper frames and suspended on matching chains. This simple design is a classic choice today.

The bases of Craftsman style lamps were as beautiful as the shades. Many materials were used to make the bases for table lighting, including quartersawn oak, walnut, or mahogany; art pottery and leaded glass; and metal such as wrought iron or beaten copper and bronze. Teco Pottery, in Terra Cotta, Illinois, was famous for the architectural shapes of its art pottery, and it used the same aesthetic in designing lamp bases. A Teco lamp is a prized possession for collectors.

Arts and Crafts architects designed interiors as well as exteriors, using one inspirational theme to unify all elements of a design. The motif would be repeated, perhaps with some variation of form, in the lamps and shades as well. Frank Lloyd Wright invented the indirect alcove lighting so popular in modern construction. The frosted glass globes suspended in wooden frames created a bright band over windows or built-in furniture. Greene and Greene designed a lantern of wood and stained glass in shades of amber, caramel, gold, and green that repeated the cloud motif they used as a unifying theme throughout the house. It hung over the dining table and could be raised or lowered with a system of pulleys.

Harsh electric light was forced to conform to the values of simplicity and naturalness with a great variety of beautifully designed Craftsman style lamps.

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Apr
24

The Craftsman bungalow is a particularly American version of the bungalows found at the English seaside, which itself originated in India. The one-story thatch-roofed native houses in the province of Bengal were called “banggolo” or “bangla.” British colonists adapted these houses for use as summer homes, adding deep verandas to shelter themselves from the sun. The kitchens, dining room, bedrooms, and bathrooms were arranged around central living rooms. This efficient plan was adopted by American architects. Bungalows exemplify structural simplicity, efficient use of space, and understated style.

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Greene and Greene are credited with developing bungalow style. The houses they built in California in the early 1900s were influenced by the austere beauty of Japanese houses as well as the tenets of the Arts and Crafts movement. Their houses were widely publicized in magazines and received enthusiastically by the growing middle class. Soon a flood of pattern books made plans for the Craftsman bungalow available across the country. By 1920, the bungalow had become the common builder’s house throughout America.

The Craftsman bungalow has many variations in style, but it is usually a one or one-and-a-half story house with a low-pitched, gabled roof. The roof usually extends to cover a large porch, and a small gable shelters the front door. The rafter tails are ordinarily exposed. Porch columns can be made of wood or stone. They are large and square, resting on pedestals that rise out of the foundation and also function as endposts for the porch railings. The foundations are often built from local stone, blending earth and house in a way much admired by the Arts and Crafts movement. The Craftsman bungalow is characterized by the use of natural materials, an emphasis on structural form, and the integration of interior and exterior spaces.

The windows of a Craftsman bungalow are carefully proportioned to harmonize with the lines of the house. Typically, they are outlined with wood molding. Four-over-1 or 6-over-1 sash windows are the most common, although leaded diamond shapes or other geometric patterns are also common. Stained-glass motifs were sometimes included in the design.

Inside, the most distinctive element of the Craftsman bungalow is the use of wood. Walls are paneled, floorboards are polished, and ceiling timbers are exposed. The grain and color of the natural wood is part of the beauty of the style. Local materials are favored here as well; depending on the area in which the house is located, cedar, oak, fir, or mahogany may be used. California bungalows display redwood doors and paneling, and cypress wainscotting is found in the Southwest. Eastern bungalows are often paneled in chestnut, since it was oversupplied when the chestnut blight swept through the forests.

The Arts and Crafts ethic is also expressed in the interior layout of the Craftsman bungalow. The large, relaxing front porch replaces the formal entry hall, and the front door opens directly into the living room. Interior space is free-flowing, with the living room open to the dining room. Communal space, rather than private space, was desirable.

As beautiful as it is practical, the Craftsman bungalow is still a desirable style for Americans.

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Apr
23

Wrought iron beds were a common site in nineteenth and early twentieth century America. This popular style featured black metal frames, headboards and accents made from relatively thin iron bars bent into a variety of attractive and ornate patterns. Although some wrought iron beds were painted white, the traditional look of these frames involves a black matte finish.

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As time progressed, the once-popular wrought iron bed frames fell out of favor. This was due, in part to a change in tastes on the part of consumers. The highly decorative look that once prevailed in home decoration was slowly replaced by a less detailed and more colorful sense of style.

Additionally, wrought iron beds were not able to maintain a competitive price compared to mass-produced wooden frames. Wood became cheaper, more uniform, sturdier and more readily available and mass production of furniture became increasingly common. Wrought iron beds were generally handmade by artisans and the time-consuming process of making a beautiful wrought iron frame made them far more expensive than a variety of fairly attractive alternatives.

Today, some are looking at wrought iron beds again. This reflects a willingness among consumers to consider historical options in decorating. For decades, homeowners focused on adopting the newest styles and looks. As modern design radicalized, however, many began to look back through history for aesthetically pleasing options. This willingness to backtrack in style has led many to recognize the timeless beauty of wrought iron beds. Wrought iron is making a comeback in many settings, and the bedroom is chief among them. Antique styled dressers with wrought iron hardware and beds made from wrought iron are both climbing in popularity.

Though some buyers’ tastes are turning back toward the nineteenth century look, price tags for a good wrought iron bed remain relatively high. In fact, the price differential between standard wooden beds and even cheaper no-frills metal frames is even more pronounced today than it was decades ago. As such, those who want to capture the antique look of wrought iron must be prepared to pay for the privilege.

Most makers of wrought iron beds are smaller operations focusing on custom construction. They build the bed frames in a manner remarkably similar to the artisans of the past and show a painstaking attention to detail and quality. The beds are ornate, beautiful and extremely well made. In fact, their durability considerably outdistances that of most mass-produced alternatives. One may pay more, but they can get more in return.

If you are looking for a way to make a bold and beautiful statement in your bedroom, you may want to consider wrought iron. This old-fashioned element of design can today serve to reinvigorate a room. There are many features of antique furnishings that still have a striking visual impact today. A perfect example of this are hand-made wrought iron beds.

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Apr
22

Art deco hardware is not hard to find, however without proper training, finding the correct art deco hardware to compliment your room can be difficult. It can come in many shapes, sizes, colors and functions – and without proper knowledge of art deco hardware design and function, it could be easy to turn a room from an art deco haven to an art deco hardware hell. There is an intrinsic beauty to the style “art deco.” Hardware for the room must remain true to the form and purpose of the art.

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Art deco is an art movement whose roots lie in simplicity. Simple shapes and lines create beautiful pieces of artwork, furniture, and sculpture. Because of the social and economic changes following the end of World War I, there was an enormous need for furniture that was both pleasing to view and functional in many way.

The lines are smooth and sleek in art deco. Hardware is hidden between levels of materials, where it’s not easily seen or found. Thus, the furniture is seamless to the naked eye – and having the appearance of being formed out of one or two solid objects. When the hardware is hidden as such, it’s considered a craft unto itself.

Another use for art deco hardware is for light switch coverings. While they can be made of many materials, the most beautiful I’ve found have been made of steel, chrome, aluminum, and other similar materials. They can be very ornate or plain, but usually they are seamless in design, as their furniture counterparts, with contemporary themes and ideas.

You can also find the usage in electrical outlets as well. As with light switches, the hardware for the electrical outlet can be made of chrome, aluminum, steel, plastic, or other materials, but the underlying attachments between the pieces are the functionality and beauty of the design.

Another good place to accent your room with art deco hardware is the doorknob. The doorknob, for example, is a piece of hardware which gets regular use through house and room visitors, and is usually one of the first items noticed when entering or leaving a room. The doorknob, like its other hardware counterparts, can be made from a plethora of materials, and occasionally you’ll find the pieces accented in precious medals such as gold or silver.

As you can see, there is a wide variety of choices when it comes to art deco. Hardware can be made of almost any materials, and can be placed in any utilitarian area to create a sleek, chic, and modern look for the home of anyone who loves the art deco period of art and furniture. While it may not be easy to find the art deco hardware you desire, if you have a highly focused internet search you’ll be able to find the perfect pieces for your home or office.

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Apr
22

Contemporary rugs are a wonderful fit for a beautiful art deco, modern or contemporary style room. Rugs are used to accent the floor design and material or the furnishings surrounding the rug. Rugs can add color, texture, interest and space definition to the room décor and their popularity is escalating.

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Because contemporary rugs are easier to find and they’re being decorated with many popular patterns. While traditional patterned rugs are still available, there is a whole new movement of rugs that contain designs that you will find hip, new, and refreshing. There are a number of companies manufacturing contemporary rugs, and in turn many more retailers are open to providing this alternative to the traditional market.

You can find contemporary rugs in almost any shape or pattern – ranging from the very geometric and angular to patterns including wildlife, nature, personal, political and other scenes. Finding the perfect rug to compliment your home is a breeze with all the patterns and designs to choose from.

Because contemporary rugs are becoming much more fashionable, and easier to make, the costs associated with buying and maintaining a high-quality rug has diminished greatly. No longer are rugs for the very rich – even middle class families can afford to buy and maintain a great contemporary rug that compliments the homes’ décor.

In addition, there is another form of rug called the metro modern rug collection which has a minimalist form and has exquisitely refined details. These rugs are accented by their neutral colors, tone-on-tone designs, and underlying simplicity of line, shape, and form. This range of emotions that the rugs depict makes them a hit for consumers and designers alike.

You can get a contemporary rug created from three basic yarns: wools, nylons, and polypropylene. Wool is the most expensive, next comes nylon, and the cheapest is polypropylene. The quality of the weave in the rug has increased dramatically within the last hundred years, especially since the utilization of mass production, thus the longevity of the rug has been extended. Rugs can be expected to last up to 20 years, needing only occasional cleaning. Rugs are now a easy to maintain and relatively cheap form of artwork for the home.

When you’re shopping for your contemporary rug, make sure to speak with the retailer about your needs. Chances are, your retailer will be able to help you find the perfect rug for your durability, stain resistance, and traffic needs. Because of their inherent knowledge in the field, they will be able to show you which rugs will compliment your home and needs, and which ones stay away from.

As you can see, rugs are now available for all modern consumers regardless of social status. Because the creation process has sped up the creation time of contemporary rugs, you are able to find beautiful, decorated, rugs to accent your home décor – at a reasonable price.

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Apr
21

The Craftsman style home has been an American classic for over a century. These houses are characterized by the use of natural materials, an emphasis on structural form, and the integration of interior and exterior spaces. Their open floor plan prefigured the ‘ranch’ houses so popular in the second half of the 20th century.

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Strictly speaking, only house plans published in Gustav Stickley’s The Craftsman magazine can be called Craftsman homes. He published descriptions, drawings, and floor plans for his homes starting in 1901, and he considered everything about the home as his subject. He wrote, “The word that is best loved in the language of every nation is home, for when a man’s home is born out of his heart and developed through his labor and perfected through his sense of beauty, it is the very cornerstone of his life.” His Craftsman houses, like his furniture, were an attempt to provide that cornerstone. His magazine featured at least one house a month for years, and subscribers could request building plans for one house from the series per year, free of charge.

The Craftsman style home can be recognized by the refinement of design and the quality of construction and finish. It is usually related harmoniously to the building site and is often placed to advantage using the site. The house is built with natural materials native to the region. Sticklely’s house designs rely on exposed structural elements for decorative details. The variety of natural materials included provide textures for light to play on. Visual interest is created by recessed porches and entryways. The interiors of Stickley’s houses emphasize form and function. Space is conservatively and creatively used for living, with design elements utilizing wood and built-in spaces such as inglenooks, benches and cabinets. Light fixtures and hardware are integrated as design elements.

Stickley intended his home designs “to substitute the luxury of taste for the luxury of costliness; to teach that beauty does not imply elaboration or ornament; to employ only those forms and materials which make for simplicity, individuality and dignity of effect.” Other designers and architects, like Greene and Greene, Elbert Hubbard of Roycroft, and Frank Lloyd Wright had similar intentions, and soon their houses too were referred to as Craftsman style homes. Stickley designed over 241 houses in the course of his career, and his decorative details were expensive to execute. Although his houses were idealistically conceived for the masses, they were built primarily by the middle class.

The rich could commission homes by Greene and Greene or Wright. The working class could order not only plans but entire kits from Sears and Roebuck’s mail-order catalog. The house would be delivered with pre-cut lumber, nails, doors, etc., as well as a sheet of instructions. Every necessary building component was included, and a local craftsman could easy assemble the house. The middle class used Stickley’s plans to create their Craftsman style home.

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Apr
21

When decorating in a specific period style, adding the correct type of reproduction lighting puts the finishing touches on a room. With many styles from various time periods to choose from it pays to do a little homework to make sure you choose the right lighting.

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When choosing reproduction lighting to capture a specific time period for a home or building there are a few things you should consider. If the décor has to be accurate to a time frame find out the age of the home or building and the style of décor that was popular during that time. Since you want your lighting to be functional, as well as decorative, you’ll need to pay attention to how much traffic will be going through the area and how much lighting you’ll need.

Once you discover what time period your décor will reflect you’ll need to find out what type of lighting was used during those years. If you are decorating within the time period before the 1800s you’ll be looking for a candle type of reproduction lighting, as that was the only lighting available then. Between the years of 1800 to 1880 candles were still predominantly used with a few gas burning or kerosene light sources. It was not until 1880 that electric lighting sources came into use so keep that in mind when choosing your reproduction lighting.

Now that you know the basic type of lighting used, let’s move on to style. American vintage is a catch all category for many types of fixtures that don’t fit into one distinct style or period. If you are decorating in the teen years to 1920s you’re reproduction lighting needs will probably land in this category if they are not distinctly of another style. This type of lighting tended to copy other designs from various periods but with slight alterations to fit the décor of homes at the time.

Art Deco décor began in the early 1920s and lasted until the 1930s. This modern type of style was popular in the US and Europe and can be recognized by its distinctive sharp, clean lines and angular symmetry. A popular style from this period is a slipper glass fixture, a lighting style in which fixtures were designed with molded slipper glass. If choosing this type of lighting its advisable to seek out an expert in this model as it is one of the more difficult to reproduce properly.

The Craftsman décor era in the early 20th century was an attempt to get away from the frilly details of the Victorian Era. Reproduction lighting from this time period will focus on simplicity and usability of the piece. The style will reflect clean, straight lines with square tubing and bodies. Most of these pieces are made by hand hammering copper or brass.

With many eras and styles to choose from it can seem like a daunting task to choose the correct lighting fixtures. Do your homework and get to know the period you’re decorating for and you can be sure you’re adding the right final touches with your reproduction lighting.

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Apr
20

When decorating a home in a period style using reproduction door knobs adds the perfect finishing touch. Thanks to talented craftsmen there are many styles and finishes of reproductions available to suit your décor and personal taste.

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Knowing the style of the period you’re aiming to capture is your first step. For example, if you are decorating with a Victorian décor you can choose from high end cut crystal octagonal door knobs or similar glass knobs if budget is a factor. If you like bold statements, glass reproduction door knobs in vibrant colors such as cobalt blue or emerald green are available. For those who love antique details try a solid cast bronze door knob with intricate carvings.

Brown or white porcelain reproduction door knobs with a black shank are well suited to a Colonial, Federal or Victorian décor. For a Modern or Art Deco style try a solid cast brass reproduction door knob in an angular sea shell motif, very popular during the Art Deco period. Just be sure to do a little research to confirm that the style and finish used is accurate to the period you want.

The budget is often a consideration when buying accents for your home. If money is an issue you can achieve the same look with a good quality, but less expensive line. The reproduction door knobs in an economy line will likely be stamped brass or brass plated. If money isn’t an issue go for the studier, heavy forged brass knobs. These will not only be more durable but you will have options when it comes to finishes and it will likely come with a high quality lock or latch.

Once you find the perfect reproduction door knobs you will have only one more, albeit very important, factor to consider. Reproduction door knob sets usually come in two styles; a conversion door set or a mortise lock set. If you are installing your door knobs in a new, pre-drilled door you will need a conversion door set to get the right fit. If there is existing hardware on an older door you will need to determine if you have a mortise lock or tubular latches.

Modern doors use a cylindrical door latch that is installed into the edge of a door and is operated by a knob or lever via the spindle. A mortise lock is an old style box lock that is installed into a pocket located in the edge of the door. A Mortise lock has both the latch and dead bolt in one unit so you will need to make sure you order the correct type of reproduction door knobs to fit this type of door.

The perfect door knob can make or break the fine details when decorating in a specific period style. Get it wrong and your door knobs will clash but do a little research and you can add the ultimate finishing touches to your door with the correct reproduction door knobs.

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Apr
20

It’s all in the details, and using the right reproduction drawer pulls can put the perfect finishing touch on that period style desk or cabinetry. From classic Victorian bail pulls to modern stainless steel handles, there’s no shortage of styles to adorn your drawer fronts.

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Before you set out to purchase your hardware there are a few terms you should become familiar with. When finding the correct size of reproduction drawer pulls the term “boring size” refers to the measurement from the center of one hole to the center of the other from which the pulls are attached to the drawer. Different types of drawer pulls are measured depending on their style. Those pulls attached by two small round circular bases will have sizing refer to the width of each of the washer’s diameter. A reproduction drawer pull with a full back plate will be measured by the dimensions of the plate.

Style is an important factor when choosing your reproduction drawer pulls, since you will probably be aiming to recreate a certain period’s décor. For a Victorian theme brass pulls work well, usually with ornate detailing on the face plate of the drawer pull. Try a flower motif or a Greek inspired design to add a touch of class to your drawer fronts. Glass knobs of various colors are also available but if you’re looking for a truly elegant style the pendant-like drop pulls are an excellent choice.

Cast iron reproduction drawer pulls fit well in the Arts and Crafts style of décor. Look for drawer pulls that are black and have a very simple, rustic design. Brass can also work for this style but pay close attention to the detailing on the face plate. Too intricate a design will end up looking more Victorian than Arts and Crafts. If you want to play it safe stick with a plain wooden drawer pull and stain it the same color as the drawer fronts, or black for a contrasting look.

To install your drawer pulls you must first take into consideration the distance between the two mounting screws. If you are replacing an existing pull try and purchase reproduction drawer pulls that are the same sizes and will utilize the same holes when being mounted. Also, be aware that when purchasing your drawer pulls, especially from the Internet, some dealers get their supplies from Europe and, therefore, will list measurements in centimeters instead of inches. Be sure you know whether the measurements you’re looking at are imperial or metric to ensure you get the right sizing.

Choosing the right drawer pulls might take a little forethought and research but if you’re aiming for a certain style the extra work will be well worth it. Know your period décor styles and double check those measurements and you can make any drawer front look amazing with the right reproduction drawer pulls.

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Apr
19

As with any style, art deco fabrics can be made of almost any material, with almost any pattern (or lack thereof), at any grade of quality. Finding the perfect art deco fabric for your room can be difficult, but at the same time can be fun as you play with the different options you have. This article will help you find out what it is you need in art deco fabric, from material construction to durability and pattern.

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The material the art deco fabric is made from can vary from synthetic to natural fibers, and which you choose is ultimately your decision. Natural materials such as cotton and leather are very popular for upholstery, while some more modern materials such as acetate and polyester can be more suitable for curtains and floorings.

The durability of the fabric is usually determined by the manufacturer, so if you are in doubt when looking at your art deco fabric, make sure to ask the retailer or shopkeeper what the durability is of the fabric. Depending on your needs, you may want to find stain resistant fabric, or soft fragile fabrics such as sick. Whichever you decide to purchase, make sure you speak with the retailer or shopkeeper what the materials needs are, and how to keep it in its best condition at all times.

Another factor to take into account with art deco fabric is its texture. Many art deco designers find themselves playing with different textures, thus ideally you should do the same. The key to this is finding textures that compliment one another, you wouldn’t want a burlap-like texture next to a silky fabric – it would seem almost unnatural. Instead, look for textures which are very complimentary to ensure the utmost of beauty.

From the lavish to the minimalist, luxurious floral patterns to subtle geometries, you should be able to find a pattern that suits your needs to a ‘T’. You can find art deco fabric embroidered with gold threads, or with a light emboss to make the silhouette of the material glow in pattern. Different materials intrinsically have different designs to the weave, and therefore some patterns may look better on one type of fabric than another. By searching through, and handling, many fabrics, you’ll be able to find one that fits your needs perfectly.

As you can see, finding the perfect art deco fabric style won’t be very difficult – as long as you know what style you want, what you need of the material, and the pattern. There is a huge variety of all materials, so by taking your time and searching through several retailers’ collections, you’ll find a way to make your home or object the most beautiful it can be. Just make sure you speak with each retailer to ensure that you have the perfect material to compliment your needs – the first time.

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