There are as many styles in the world of furniture and design as there are tastes to desire them. From the somber dark woods of the Jacobean period to the geometric characteristics of Art Deco, there is something for everyone, and often making a choice is the hardest part. They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and it is certainly true in the furnishing world. Let’s run through some of the more well-known styles, defining and categorizing them so that with a little understanding, we can better analyze our tastes and desires. From rustic to formal, simple to elaborate, furniture creates a mood and shows off personal taste to best effect. 17th Century Furniture – Furniture has come a long way from the heavy 17th century Jacobean influences. This mediaeval-style furniture was typically plain wood with rush seats, straight lines and characteristically dark wood. In later years Early American style evolved, with typical European influence brought by the immigrants to the New World of America. In contrast, Louis XIV was busy creating the splendours and opulence of Versailles, with ornate gold carvings, fine artwork and magnificent craftsmanship in every room. The later William and Mary style brought trumpet turned legs, ball feet and padded upholstery to English parlours with a new look in oriental lacquer work. 18th Century Furniture – As Queen Anne ascended the English throne in 1702, furnishings became more refined, with graceful cabriole legs, rococo ornate trimmings and shell curves. Tapestry and chintz were popular and this became known as Queen Anne style. Colonial style American furniture was more conservative than English furniture of the same period, featuring carved pillars and less ornamentation. Following Queen Anne, Georgian style appeared and was particularly identifiable in architecture. In furniture, carved cabriole legs were the fashion, along with S-shaped curves and motifs. In the latter half of the 18th century, Chippendale furniture was in vogue, especially after the publication of Chippendale’s book of designs. His furniture was graceful, delicate and cultured and was further developed by Adam and Hepplewhite who introduced tapered legs, veneers and inlay to great effect. From 1780-1820 Sheraton style was the most reproduced style in America during the Federal period, with bow-fronted chests and cabinets. Chairs now had sloping arms and upholstered seats with central splat detail on the backs. 19th Century Furniture – Shaker furniture is still a popular style today. It is defined by the simple, utilitarian furniture approved of by the religious communities in America. It is typically plain and unadorned, as was the architecture and lifestyle of those early immigrants. Back in England, the Victorian era heralded much heavier and darker furniture than before. It is easily recognizable by its Gothic influence, and heavy substantial proportions. It often had elaborate carving or ornamentation to offset the dark finish of the oak, mahogany and walnut woods. 20th Century Furniture, and Onwards – With the dawn of the 20th century, Art Nouveau was a refreshing change. Furniture made a tremendous departure from what had gone before. Chair backs were balloon-shaped or bentwood. Furniture had curving lines, scalloped fronts and intricate patterns. This morphed into the Art Deco period which featured abstract designs, ornamental motifs, rectilinear shapes and a certain geometric style. It took the world by storm at the Paris Exhibition of 1925 after the dreary days of World War I. The Art Deco style is clearly illustrated in the pastel-coloured architecture of South Beach, Miami and the furniture within. In furniture the Mid-Century Modern style was progressing, particularly influenced by Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen and Gio Ponti, whose mass-produced designs in man-made materials revolutionised furniture in the mid 20th century western world. From the 1960’s onwards furniture became Contemporary. Scandinavian ideas featured light natural wood, with simple lines, utilitarian design and very little ornamentation. This was later developed still more by such designers as Marc Newson into the Post Modern and Contemporary style which is popular today for modern homes. This is the story so far, but progress does not stand still. With the advent of new materials, glass furniture and new innovations, styles continue to develop. No doubt by the end of the 21st century, several new terms will have been added to the dictionary of furniture design and style. From contemporary modern furniture, all the way back to antique furniture – Crawleys Furniture has a wide range of items that can work with your home or office needs.
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Antique & Modern Furniture Styles Defined
Gazebo Styles for Every Landscape
Installing a gazebo in your yard or garden is the perfect way to create a welcoming retreat for family and friends to enjoy the scenery and lounge outdoors. Depending on your garden’s style, there is more than likely a variety of gazebo designs that will suit your style, landscape and pocketbook. The subsequent article discusses gazebo installation and design to suit any garden style.
The most commonly found gazebo designs resemble Victorian style structures; these are generally built from wood that can be left natural or painted white typically. This type of style is still popular in both public and private gardens. Kits can readily be found at home improvement and garden centers. Of course, an enterprising builder can even design a plan to perfectly suit the setting. Victorian style gazebos may be simple affairs with floor, railings and roofs or highly ornate with built-in benches, stairs and ramps. These designs are generally open-air structures but it is possible to incorporate screens for those areas with significant mosquito populations.
Many Victorian style gazebos also feature climbing plants. For example, the gazebo’s base may be constructed with lattice-work which is the perfect support for English ivy or climbing roses. When settled within the garden, this becomes the perfect backdrop for any setting. For a romantic and secluded arrangement, consider installing tall trellises around the gazebo and hang baskets of flowers from hooks along the gazebo’s rim. This style is perfectly adapted to formal English style gardens or rustic country landscapes.
For Oriental gardens, consider outfitting your yard with a pagoda-style gazebo. The wood could be left natural or painted black and red and then heavily lacquered for dramatic effect. There are many Oriental garden ornaments and plants to select to surround your gazebo for an overall great effect. Consider suspending hanging lanterns around the open sections of the pavilion or installing a small garden pond nearby filled with Chinese goldfish.
A strictly formal garden can always incorporate a Victorian style gazebo, but consider one made from brick or even stone. Such construction materials will be more costly, but they will also endure the elements quite well and add a stately charm to any formal estate. These gazebos could even be fitted with windows to enjoy the outdoors behind glass in cold or stormy weather. This style could be built right off the house or set somewhere in the landscape overlooking a ridge perhaps or a stream.
Some gardeners prefer a very understated or minimalist approach when it comes to style and a gazebo need not be an ornate or overstated structure to work well. A rustic square style with four posts, a floor and a roof can provide all that is necessary to enjoy the outdoors. Such gazebos are perfect places for outdoor entertaining. A simple set of tables and chairs along with a few lovely containers for plants and you’ve created a wonderful outdoor room.
Finally, whatever design you choose, you can adapt it to fit in any location in your garden. A large plot of land can certainly benefit from a large pavilion style gazebo. But even a courtyard garden can employ a small gazebo in a corner of the space for those romantic candle-lit suppers in the garden. Consider hanging candelabra from the gazebo’s ceiling for enjoying the garden at night.
Whatever your style, you can choose a gazebo to match it or make simple changes in kit designs to suit your needs. A gazebo offers gardeners a place to relax and enjoy the landscape they work so hard to maintain. It also is a spectacular feature for outdoor entertaining during the growing season. Whether built as a focal point or hidden as a surprise feature deep within a garden, a gazebo is an attractive feature for every garden.
How Well Do You Know Your House Styles?
If you were in the market for a new home, would you know what style of home appeals to you? Perhaps a bungalow, a ranch or a grand Victorian or maybe a Georgian? Having a basic knowledge of architectural styles can really help to narrow down your choices and assist your realtor in helping you locate that perfect house. Take this little quiz to find out how architecturally savvy you are. In fact, try it out on prospective real estate agents to see how well they know their peaks and valleys. What style am I? 1. I came on the scene between 1950 and 1970. My wood beams are displayed proudly, where other styles hide them. I like a plain non-ornamental look – no fussy trims for me. My interior is usually wide open with high ceilings. 2. I’m newer than most, attached to my garage, and tend to show off with a big picture window. I’m usually a single story design, but sometimes I get raised or split. 3. I originated in England, but I’m not an English cottage. My exterior is usually plastered with exposed half timbers, and I have a steep gabled roof. My interior uses a lot of dark wood, and I often have a large stone fireplace. 4. I’m pretty funky, with straight vertical lines and often times a flat roof. I was all the rage during the roaring twenties, and was the inspiration for the design for Radio City Music Hall, among other famous New York landmarks. 5. My design emerged in the second half of the 19th century and incorporated many features mass produced by new machine technology. Some of these include patterned shingles, spindles, and decorative brackets. I often have elaborate second floor curved towers and large airy porches. 6. I emerged during the late 1800’s as a result of a needed a change from the fussy Victorian designs. My styles included Georgian, Federal, Dutch and the more modern “Neo” variety. I have simple lines, often barn-like and dormers on the second floors. 7. My design is a little more formal; probably because I was commonly used by nobles in the 1600’s. I have a steep, high roof line, and often arched doorways with porch balustrades. 8. I’m one of the oldest style of house built in the U. S and am commonly seen today in modern subdivisions. My steep, gabled roof usually has at least one or two dormers with shutters. 9. Although I was commonly found in the Midwest, East Coast and San Francisco between 1850 and 1880, my name suggests European origins. My exterior windows and supports may share the same elaborate designs. I often have bay windows, one on each floor and small chimneys. 10. I originated in the 1880’s and remained popular until the Great Depression. My roof is a low pitch and my entry may sport a small covered porch. I am fairly plain compared to my Victorian counterpart and was even available as a kit from the Sears and Roebuck catalog. Answers:1. Contemporary 2. Ranch 3. Tudor 4. Art Deco 5. Victorian 6. Colonial 7. French Provincial 8. Cape Cod 9. Italianate 10. Bungalow
Popular Styles of Bathroom Design
The bathroom has come along way in the past one hundred years. Once just a basic tub set in front of the living room fire and filled with buckets of water, the bathing experience is now a luxury in almost every western home. Back then, a “bathroom” was something only the wealthy and privileged could afford to have in their house. It was this trend which lead to the mass production of bathroom products.
The Edwardian and Victorian styles of the time are still a popular choice today. They look exquisite in a villa or cottage bathroom, and never loose their appeal in terms of design.
Today, thanks to advanced plumbing and modern technology, the bathroom may well have evolved as far as it can. With luxury steam rooms and hydrotherapy baths, it’s difficult to imagine how bathrooms could get any more sophisticated. That said, the bathroom, like any room in the house, is ever changing in terms of design trends.
Here we look at the five most popular styles of bathroom designs. Traditional, Country, Shabby chic, Contemporary and Fantasy.
Traditional
The Traditional bathroom can mean either traditional in terms of Edwardian or Victorian style, or in respect to a standard white bathroom with basic sanitary ware and bath. Here, we’ll be looking at the style of bathroom design where it all started. The Edwardian bathroom.
Over the past decade, with the popularity of TV shows like Changing Rooms, the trend for old-fashioned bathrooms has seen a real upsurge. A rare gem of an old slipper bath or rusty traditional faucet may be found at a scrap yard or in a skip, but thankfully manufacturers are keeping up with demand with skillfully crafted traditional bathroom products.
Certain rooms only work in certain houses, so if you’re living in a modern high rise apartment the traditional bathroom isn’t going to work for you. If you have an old cottage or villa retreat this style of bathroom is one you should definitely consider.
Almost always, the bath is the centre piece attraction of the traditional bathroom. A free-standing roll-top or slipper bath sits proudly on a dark polished floor, and only if going for a traditional continental style bathroom will an inset or sunken tub hold appeal. Either a wall-mounted faucet or a free-standing one looks classy. Deep ridges and curved angles are what makes the traditional sanitary ware what it is – bold and masculine.
When decorating a traditional bathroom both soft tones and bold colours can work well. Strong tones of browns, maroons and greens give a nice warmth to the room, but be sure the bathroom is well lit, maybe with a lavish chandelier. With the right colours, antique gold can look better than chrome. Go for curtains, never blinds. If going for a vanity unit rather than a traditional basin and pedestal, choose an oak or cherry finish; or the white Cynk vanity unit is a good look with traditional baths and toilets.
One of the most appealing things about the traditional bathroom is clutter gives it more of a lived-in effect, thus enhancing the traditional look. Don’t be afraid to put plenty of pictures on the walls – black and white family portraits in gold frames are a good look. A chest of drawers or corner table with scented candles, aromatherapy oils or flowers will really bring the room to life. As a finishing touch an old style set of weighing scales, a large framed mirror or bulky traditional radiator will give the room that cozy old-fashioned feel.
Country
The country style bathroom is perhaps the easiest type of design to create, and like the traditional bathroom only really works well within the right house. The classic country look is best associated with floral wallpaper, high beams, basin frills and a bath canopy. Following the traditional design, cast iron baths and deep ridged sanitary ware are what gives the country bathroom its nostalgic look.
Check, floral or plaid curtains are preferred over roller blinds, and shutters, though rare in England, offer a great form of privacy as well as adding to the country effect. Wood plays a big part in this look, and almost all furniture works well in this setting, especially beech, maple, ash and oak vanity units and cabinets.
Either tiles or wooden floors can be used. Tiles should be a rustic colour, and can be used to create elaborate mosaics. Wooden floors should be varnished to match the furniture. Decorating may see a stenciled motif used as a border, and the technique of rubbing paint on the walls with a sponge gives the room that worn natural look.
Toilets with high level cisterns and pull chains are very rare these days, but a must have for the country bathroom, as are traditional taps for the bath and basin. Just about any kind of free-standing bath will suit the country bathroom. If wishing to have a shower a tiled walk-in shower is the advisable option with a curtain to conceal the area.
For the final touch add wicker baskets filled with pot pouri, wire basket shelves and stylish wall lamps.
Shabby Chic
“Shabby chic”, a relatively new phrase used to describe room designs, is an obscure blend of neglect and style. It is one of the most difficult bathroom designs to create, and it takes a bold decision to go for this bathroom style. It almost certainly achieves its full potential in a continental house, either a French chateau or old Spanish villa.
The absolute opposite of a fitted bathroom, the shabby chic look is a mismatch of styles and products. You can even do the unexpected, like put a put a refrigerator in the corner. Nothing is expected to match and pipework and plumbing are on show rather than concealed. This style is best suited to those who have inherited a bathroom and want to update it a little rather than fork out on a brand new bathroom suite.
The key to decoration is neutral tones with a few dark colors. For the walls choose a matte or flat wall paint. Pale golds and yellows work particularly well as does floral or check patterned wallpaper.
As with the country and traditional bathrooms, cast iron baths are a must. Either a roll-top or slipper bath will do, and although you don‘t want holes or rust, the more dilapidated it looks the better. Even consider running sandpaper over the paint work and claw feet. It’s always worth looking out for old fittings at antique shops and car boot sales.
Counter top basins are highly recommended in this setting, and the look out for extremely unusual decorated designs. Place it on a washstand or run-down vanity unit. Add unique ornaments and antique framed mirrors.
Modern
Modern bathrooms are all about what you do with the space you have. Within many bathrooms there is little room to work with, so making the most of the space is essential. This is why fitted bathroom suites are now so popular. Having bathroom furniture made to measure is one of the most practical design solutions when remodeling the bathroom.
How many of us have had a bathroom with a cluttered airing cupboard? With the modern bathroom there’s no need to cram your toiletries, towels and cleaning fluids around the boiler. With fitted vanity units, storage units and cabinets you‘ll have all the space you need.
When examining modern bathroom design, wall-hung furniture has to get a mention. White gloss will never go out of fashion, but more recently furniture finishes such as wenge, beech and maple have made a real emergence in popularity.
As well as the furniture, wall-hung sanitary ware is a great space-saving solution while giving the bathroom a contemporary feel. Also, concealed cistern units are a more eye-pleasing look than the standard close-coupled toilet.
Showerbaths are a great practical way of optimizing the space, so that you have the comfort of both bathing and showering. Walk-in showers are also very popular in the modern bathroom, and if buying a shower enclosure for the modern bathroom choose one with a chrome structure over white.
Chrome and stainless steel are the ultimate choice in the modern bathroom, and taps and bath mixers are available in a number of contemporary designs, rather than the traditional style faucets. Also, choose chrome towel rails over standard white radiators, as well as matching chrome accessories. .
Don’t be afraid to decorate with bold colours when tiling or painting, getting the contrast right with the chrome and the gloss. If using curtains be subtle with the designs and colours, but preferably go for stylish roller blinds.
Fantasy
Daring to be anything more than conventional, the fantasy bathroom design lets you be truly innovative with your fantasies and tastes. With the emphasis on futuristic, this style of bathroom is the antithesis of the traditionalist.
The fantasy design is ideally exclusive to only larger bathrooms, as with all futuristic interior design large open spaces are what brings the room together. Steam cabins and whirpool baths are the ideal choice for showering and bathing. Or combine the two will a well designed bath screen and a glass shower panel. Because of their minimal effect, Walk-in showers also work well with modern tiling, chrome shower fixtures and classy shower lighting.
For the sanitary ware go with wall-hung or standard close-coupled toilet and basin with pedestal with acute angles and a contemporary design. Abstract towel rails and wenge wall-hung furniture fit well in the fantasy bathroom, giving it that calm almost surreal look.
The ultimate luxury in a fantasy bathroom would have to be a waterproof TV. You could even think of doubling the bathroom up as gym, complete with exercise bike and rowing machine.
Ornaments should be unobtrusive, so choose things like small piles of pebbles and modern wall prints over candles and nick-nacks.
Architectural Styles Primer
The architecture of the United States has included a wide variety of styles throughout its history. Home styles in the U. S. are regionally diverse and the shapes they have taken on have been influenced by many other types of architecture. The result is an eclectic mix of different home styles can often be found within the same neighborhood, even on the same block. Here are some of the most popular types of houses that can be found in most parts of America. The Cape Cod style home originated in colonial New England and they were built as early as the 1600s through the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. In colonial days, a Cape Cod house was a simple, one-story structure made of wood with a single chimney in the center and a symmetrical appearance. Cape Cod houses have a steep roof with side gables, dormers for light, shutters, and little exterior ornamentation. Georgian Colonial was a popular architectural style during the 1700’s through the 1850s and can be mainly found in the east and south. Spacious and comfortable, Georgian Colonial homes are square and symmetrical in shape with a paneled door in the center. A distinctive, decorative crown usually adorns the entrance before a medium pitched roof. Columns or flattened columns can be found on either side of the door. Sound familiar? The most famous example of late Georgian architecture is the White House. In the mid-19th century, many prosperous Americans believed that ancient Greece represented the spirit of democracy. It is no wonder then that during this time period, Greek Revival was a popular form of architecture. Greek Revivals have details reminiscent of the Parthenon, with pillars and a stately appearance. Greek Revival houses usually have a symmetrical shape, pedimented gables, and bold-but-simple moldings. Many Greek Revival houses also tend to have a front porch with columns, decorative pilasters, and narrow windows. The Queen Anne style became an architectural fashion in the 1880s and 1890s. The industrial revolution brought new technologies that enabled builders to use pre-cut exterior trim that had been mass produced to create whimsical looking houses. Victorian Queen Anne homes often have round or square towers, turrets, wrap-around porches, and other fanciful details. Queen Anne houses may also have a steep roof, front facing gables, an asymmetrical shape, bay windows, and ornamental spindles and brackets. With Tudor Revivals, the name almost suggests that these houses were built in the 1500s during the Tudor Dynasty in England, but really they are early 20th century re-inventions of Medieval cottages and even palaces. In fact, they are also referred to as Medieval Revivals. Tudor Revival houses have decorative half-timbers exposed to give the appearance of a medieval house. They may even include a false thatched roof. Decorative woodwork and some brick-work can be found on the exterior walls. Tudor style homes may also have steeply pitched roofs, massive chimneys, prominent cross gables, and narrow windows with small panes. Victorian Stick houses grew in popularity during the mid-19th century. Victorian Sticks can often be mistaken for Tudor Revivals, as they also have exposed timbers or “stickwork” and other details borrowed from medieval times. However, most Tudor Revival houses are sided with stucco, stone, or brick, while Victorian Stick style houses are usually made with wood. Victorian Stick homes tend to have a rectangular shape, steep gabled roofs, overhanging eves, and decorative braces and brackets. Colonial Revival became a standard in the 19th and 20th centuries as Americans sought to express their patriotism and return to classic architectural styles. During that time, builders romanticized colonial architecture, designing rectangular brick homes that were 2 to 3 stories tall. The living areas are on the first floor and bedrooms are on the upper floors. Colonial Revival houses have a symmetrical façade, brick or wood siding, simple detailing, a gabled roof, and dormers. Some may even have a temple-like entrance, with pillars or columns and porticos topped by pediments. The Colonial Revivals were so popular, homes of this style were still being built until the mid-1950’s. California Bungalows, Craftsman Bungalows, and Chicago Bungalows were variations of affordable housing type that swept across the U. S. throughout much of the 20th century. Bungalow houses come in many styles, but most have simple box-like, horizontal shapes, are one and a half stories tall, have an efficient floor plan with living spaces on the ground floor, rooms connected by hallways, and a living room at the center. The kitchens also tend to have built-in cabinets, shelves, and seats. The Foursquare style home, sometimes called the Prairie Box, was pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright in the early 20th century. As the name suggests, they have a simple box shape and a four-room floor plan. Simple Foursquare houses were built in brick, stone, stucco, concrete block, or wood and have large central dormers. Full-width porches with wide stairs are also popular in Foursquare style architecture. Uncomplicated Ranch houses evolved from several 20th century styles, including ramblers and bungalows. Sometimes referred to as a California Rambler, Ranch Style houses are usually one-story tall and rectangular, L-shaped, or U-shaped in design. They tend to have a low-pitched gable roof, deeply-set eaves, attached garages, large windows and sliding glass doors.
