<h2>Historical: Arts and crafts movement and American arts and crafts movement.</h2>
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PRACTICAL ARTISTIC EMOTIONAL FASHIONABLE HISTORICAL
> COLORS OF THE 13 COLONIES, 1700-1780
> VICTORIAN SPLENDOR,
1830-1900
> THE ARTS & CRAFTS MOVEMENT, 1860-1920
> THE "MODERNE" LOOK: ART DECO STYLE, 1925-1940
 

Simplicity, fine craftsmanship, integrity of materials and fitness for purpose—with a surprisingly modern feel.

In the second half of the 19th century, a design and social rebellion began to gather momentum in Europe and America.

In reaction to the heavy ornamentation of the Victorian period, a new movement began that embraced simplicity, clean lines, and good design. Christened the Arts and Crafts movement for an 1888 exhibition, but in fact influential from about 1860 to 1920, this new style was fathered by British poet, artist, craftsman and socialist, William Morris (1834-1896).

Convinced that arts and crafts could change people's lives, Morris and his followers (including for the first time notable women designers) rejected the over-elaborate, machine-made products of the Industrial Revolution. Instead, drawing inspiration from nature, they pursued pure, simple forms, excellent materials, and fine craftsmanship.

Other notables associated with the movement include Charles Eastlake, the Scottish Art Nouveau designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and Frank Lloyd Wright, a founding architect of the influential Chicago Prairie School.

Mission style is an American offshoot of the Arts and Crafts movement, usually associated with Gustav Stickley (1848-1942) and the Roycroft community.

The name derives from a Franciscan Mission group in San Francisco who got together to make their own pews in the manner of the simple but sturdy furnishings used in the early Spanish missions.

The Arts and Crafts look is rustic, natural, organized and straightforward, and feels remarkably modern—even today, over 100 years later.

The style embraces clean lines and fine hand-craftsmanship of natural materials—a reaction to the indifferent quality of much machine-made furnishings of the time. Simple, geometric shapes are generally used, sometimes resulting in an Oriental feel.

The Arts and Crafts movement drew inspiration from the materials themselves, emphasizing the form of the stone and the grain of the wood. The simplicity of the form in each piece works together to create a visual harmony.

The goal is to return to honest, hand-made objects, which while utilitarian are also imbued with a satisfying—and almost spiritual—sense of design.

In protest against the chemical dyes used during the Industrial Revolution, the movement's founder, William Morris, began to create natural dyes and pigments similar to those used in the Middle Ages.

Today, natural colors are most often used to complement the Arts and Crafts style. Earth-inspired and warm in tone, the colors of the Arts and Crafts movement are very livable, with long lasting appeal.

Interiors - Palettes include neutral tones of ivories and beiges, with accents of russet brown, mossy green, deep red and terracotta, indigo, sea green-blue, and soft, muted lilac.

Interior Colors

  Artifact 210F-5   Warm Cocoon 310C-3
  Tiny Fawn 240F-4   Cozy Cottage 740C-2
  Caramel Latte 260F-7   Cancun Sand 310E-1
  Firebrick 210D-7 Hazel Woods 460F-7
  Boston Brick 160F-6   Shaded Spruce 480F-6
  Toasted Walnut 720D-6   Shortgrass Prairie 760D-5
  Ashwood 720D-4   Gothic Amethyst 670F-5
  Fossil Butte 350F-6   Distance 540F-6

Exteriors - Colors should work with the immediate natural environment of the home. For example, earthy browns with moss and forest greens, stony taupes, natural ochres, and mineral reds work well with this style. The effect should be a harmonious blend of a man-made structure and its surroundings.

Exterior Colors

  Rich Mahogany 710B-7   Ripe Wheat 310E-3
  Sly Fox S-H-160   Cornerstone 330E-2
  Brown Eyes S-G-740   Hazel Woods 460F-7
  Belgian Sweet 700D-6   Grasshopper Wing 400F-6
  Burnt Almond 280F-4   Squirrel 790D-5
  Olive Leaf S-H-760   Granite Boulder 790D-4
  Mountain Elk 740D-6   Dark Ash 770F-5
  Desert Shadows 750D-5   Hidden Peak 720F-5

Furniture - Frequently made from oak or maple, pieces are sturdy, with straight lines, broad arms and pegged joints, and generally little ornamentation. Wood tends to be waxed rather than polished. Designs are simple, functional and yet extraordinarily accommodating. Authentic-looking reproductions of William Morris furniture designs can be found in better furniture stores.

Fabrics - Inspiration derives from medieval motifs, with two-dimensional patterns of wildflowers, acorns, pinecones, dragonflies, birds, or other natural elements. Materials include cotton, chintz, linen, wool, velvet, or dark leather. Upholstery is very simple and tailored, without undue ornamentation. Curtains are made from sheer, plain fabrics to allow in plenty of light. Morris produced some very distinctive floral wallpaper designs. Reproductions of these pieces are readily available.

Flooring - Construction was usually of wood, stone or tile. Floors may be covered with simple, flat woven rugs that feature Arts and Crafts nature-inspired patterns. Also popular are Oriental and Navajo rugs with subdued coloring.

Accessories - These should be minimal and carefully chosen. For example, display a few simple vases or plates made of pewter or beaten metal on a simple wooden shelf. Metal-framed Arts and Crafts mirrors, photo frames and boxes are also appropriate.

Here are a few simple ideas to help you give modern rooms an Arts and Crafts look.

Organization. Arts and Crafts spaces are streamlined, simple, and organized. Keep rooms free of clutter, with just a few objects on display.

Tip: Shelving is essential to the Arts and Crafts style. Accessories—such as personal collections or knickknacks—should be kept out of sight, giving a look that is simple, clean, and orderly.

Ornamentation. Aim to keep furnishings simple, without unnecessary decorative trimmings.

Tip: Leather furniture works well with this style. Add a couple of throw pillows covered with a Navajo print, or with fabric based on one of Morris' own textile designs.

Stained Glass. Often used during the Arts and Crafts movement, stained glass is a way to embrace the love of openness and light that's essential to this style.

Tip: Use Tiffany-styled glass lamps, or place a stained glass panel based on a Morris or Frank Lloyd Wright design in a sunny window for an added accent of color and light.

Try the ColorSmart™ by BEHR interactive program to experiment with thousands of different color combinations and see how they look in actual room settings.

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