The Arts and Crafts Style in Interior Design History
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The Arts and Crafts movement of the late 1800s and early 1900s was a revival of artistic style and soulful interiors. It was enacted by several groups of artists, designers, and architects against the mass production happening during the Industrial Revolution. Let’s revisit this contemporary renaissance that celebrated artisanal craftsmanship and it’s impact on interior design today. Hope this inspires your to infuse warmth, creativity, and soul into your next project.
The Origin and Ideals of the Movement
The Arts and Crafts movement began in the United Kingdom in the 1860s and quickly gained momentum across Europe and North America. Led by influential figures like William Morris, John Ruskin, and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. This was an artistic and social movement aimed to restore the value of handcrafted items and revive the connection between art and everyday life.
At its core, the Arts and Crafts movement returned to traditional craftsmanship, rejecting the excessive ornamentation of the previous Victorian era and industrial manufacturing of the Industrial Revolution.
Artist and designers favored simple, functional designs that showcased the beauty of natural materials and the skill of the craftsman. The movement emphasized the integration of art into all aspects of life, from architecture and furniture to textiles and decorative arts.
Artistic Expression in Interior Design
The influence of the Arts and Crafts movement on interior design can be seen in various aspects. One of the key principles was the idea of "truth to materials," meaning that the raw, natural qualities of materials should be celebrated rather than hidden.
Wood, stone, metal, and textiles became central elements in interior spaces, showcasing their inherent beauty and craftsmanship. Furniture was often handmade, featured clean lines, attention to detail, and functional simplicity. A focus on unity across elements in a space was ideal.
Artisans focused on quality and durability, combining form and function seamlessly. Chairs, tables, and cabinets were crafted with care, paying meticulous attention to joinery and emphasized the details of the materials.
Many textiles and wall papers were drawn with floral, leaves, vines, and small animals. William Morris’ patterns were drawn, carved into woodblocks, and printed by hand. Printing by wood block differentiated the product from those of the mass produced wallpapers and textiles. Textiles were typically woven with natural fibers and details were embroidered by hand.
Although the Arts and Crafts movement began in the United Kingdom, it’s values connected with artists and designers across the world. It slowly became diffused by the 1900s. But the concepts slowly diffused and became detached from a specific group of designers and artists, especially into artist colonies in the Americas. The Arts and Crafts movement ideas were later adopted into the growing international movement known as Art Nouveau.
What design movements have inspired you? What movement should we cover next? Let us know here.
XO,
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