Like the Amish woodworkers of today Arts and Crafts inspired designers created furnishings for all rooms of the home and office. Of all design styles the Mission or Arts and Crafts style may be the most efficient yet comforting. When designing with Mission pieces and Arts and Crafts objects keep in mind that in order to use them we should also honor the designers belief that every item in the home should be useful; right down to a simple occasional table. This was not just a style but a philosophy for living. Appropriate decorating in the style means little to no clutter and a seamless flow throughout the room. Keeping with the geometric lines of the Mission furniture first created by designers like Stickley or Wright will help you enjoy your home even more.

By understanding some basic design principles of this iconic style and by following a few details you can have an Arts and Crafts inspired showcase at home.

FURNITURE: Of all the pieces to start your collection adding an oak reclining seat like the Morris Chair is an expected must in creating a room honoring the works of the Mission designers.

If you choose upholstery it should be in bold geometric fabrics or rustic and supple leather.

LIGHTING: Big open windows with simple or no curtains allow the natural lighting in that the designers were trying to capture with the organic elements of Arts and Crafts.

Lamps should be in metalwork, most especially in copper with the golden glow of glass amber shades.

Wooden or metalwork candlesticks instead of crystal or elaborately ornate bring the sense of warmth and authenticity you desire.

DECORATING: Bringing in nature also honors the Arts and Crafts organic philosophy. This can be done with stenciled or mural floral motifs that help bring in the outdoors.

White walls help create a backdrop, especially with a green painted railing across the top of the room or as a chair rail called a dado. You can suspend paintings or family photos from the railing that is a foot or so from ceiling.

In a room that is largely solid wood a warm rug in reds will help bring the welcoming feeling you desire.

DINING ROOM: Because of the focus on family and friends gathering together the dining room was important to Arts and Crafts designers. In the dining room a fine, large hardwood Mission table from Amish woodworkers should be the focal point.

OFFICE: Amish crafted desks in the Mission style can create the kind of office even enjoyed by Morris, Stickley or Greene & Greene. Add a solid wood bookcase to organize the clutter or display books and awards. The addition of a solid wood armchair for guest or reading brings a new dimension to your office environment. Reading and writing were of high importance to the Arts and Crafts followers.

BEDROOM: Within the Arts and Crafts Movement was a belief that the bedroom was a sanctuary of simplicity. Use simple and light accessories on the furniture. Allow for plenty of light. A great compliment to the design is William Morris designed wallpaper and textiles that have never went out of production or popularity.

Tags: Amish, Arts and Crafts, Frank Lloyd Wright, Gustav Stickley, Mission, William Morris

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 at 1:37 pm and is filed under Amish Furniture Styles, Arts and Crafts, Bookcases, Craftsman, Decorating Ideas, Design Style, Furniture Uses, Mission. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.