During the Victorian age, opposition developed toward the developing industrialization trend and also the excess opulence of these times. The Arts and Crafts movement, or the aesthetic movement, was born out of the opposition. The motion, which prospered between 1860 and 1910, was dedicated to beauty and art in the form of work by skilled craftspeople and artists.
Designer William Morris was among the most influential figures of the period of time, and epitomized the motion in his now-famous quote: “Have nothing in your houses which you don’t know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” Clutter and garish machine-made products were rejected in favor of hand-made items, with an emphasis on preserving the natural attributes of the substances. Lines were clean and simple, and the flora and fauna of the British countryside inspired fabrics and background patterns. This motion wasn’t so different from today’s fad against mass-produced home goods.
Gardner Architects LLC
This age saw the introduction of a formal hallway and also the abandonment of stuffy Victorian public rooms. Halls became places to sit flowed into living and dining areas. The colours shown in this photo are perfect for the age; those in the Green Dining Room in The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, designed by William Morris, beautifully exemplify the period as well.
Albert, Righter & Tittmann Architects, Inc..
The Arts and Crafts movement was all about simple, clean lines and expert craftsmanship together with objects inspired by nature. I think this a gorgeous interpretation. The blue-green tiles contrasted with orange, and also the Morris-style pillow and fitted bench, are sympathetic to the style.
Many people worry that an Arts and Crafts home means a lot of somber wood. Not so! Phillip Webb was a leading Arts and Crafts architect who worked alongside Morris on many projects. One of their better-known projects is Standen, a gorgeous Arts and Crafts country house in Sussex, England (available to the public as part of their National Trust) where much of the paneling was taken to the brick and painted white, as in this area. Panels painted a neutral green or green-blue were popular also.
Lotion and Orange Arts and Crafts Soumak Rug – $389
Webb also designed the Red House at Bexleyheath, London, for his buddy Morris. Again, white painted walls and a sizable Morris-designed bookcase and bench unit (called a settle) were constructed in. Morris’ rugs were used, creating a simple, uncluttered and surprisingly modern style.
Suzanne Price Design, LLC
Morris was most famous for his two-dimensional layouts in background and fabrics. Background became hugely popular in the Arts and Crafts era, and his designs live on throughout the firm he founded. They include the merest bit of Arts and Crafts, which I think he would have been delighted with.
Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd..
Stained glass was another attribute used at the Arts and Crafts era. This really is a grand case based on a typical natural theme.
RW Anderson Homes
Talented stained glass artisans still exercise now. The panel shown here is a smart and easy means of introducing a bit of Arts and Crafts. Its simple lines and uncluttered nature are extremely sympathetic to the motion.
Victorian Indoor Fireplaces – $500
Tiles were heavily used, in a style similar to art nouveau. However, the colours were brighter, using cobalt blues, greens and reds in nature-inspired layouts.
Deep River Partners
This tile and wood has a very beautiful Arts and Crafts aesthetic. Tiles in an Arts and Crafts style can still be picked up in salvage yards. You could even find many reproductions of work by one of their most famous tile, pottery and glass designers of the age, William de Morgan.
More: So Your Style Is: Arts and Crafts