Arts and Crafts is a popular interior design style that emphasizes simplicity, quality craftsmanship, and natural materials. If your personal style aligns with the cozy and creative Arts and Crafts aesthetic, you’re in good company. This iconic style has been influencing home décor and architecture for over a century.
Incorporating Arts and Crafts elements into your home allows you to infuse warmth, texture, and handmade appeal into any space. Follow these tips and ideas to nail the Arts and Crafts look in your own home.
History and Origins of the Arts and Crafts Movement
The Arts and Crafts movement originated in England in the late 19th century during the Industrial Revolution. It was a backlash against the rise of mass production, which was perceived to lead to a decline in quality and craftsmanship.
Key figures behind the movement were writer and designer William Morris and architect Augustus Pugin. They advocated for well-made, handcrafted goods instead of poorly made, ornate Victorian mass productions.
The motifs and principles of old Medieval craftsmenship inspired the aesthetics of the Arts and Crafts style. Natural materials, simple forms, solid wood furniture and decorative handcrafted accents are hallmarks of the look.
Arts and Crafts style quickly spread beyond the UK. Its influence can be seen in the American Craftsman style and the bungalow style homes of the early 1900s. The look remains popular today in interior design and decor.
Arts and Crafts Style Characteristics
- Simple, handcrafted furniture with visible joinery made from solid wood. Oak, cherry and mahogany are common.
- Natural materials and textiles like cotton, linen and wool. Complex patterns and motifs.
- Simple wood frames with delicate mullions on windows and doors.
- Uncluttered spaces and clean lines without excessive ornamentation.
- Warm, earthy color palette with colors drawn from nature. Common hues are golden browns, mossy greens, burnt oranges and rusty reds.
- Handcrafted ceramic tiles, wood block prints, wrought iron accents and other decorative details.
- Traditional crafts like pottery, metalwork, textiles and woodworking. These often feature Art Nouveau or Celtic influences.
- Comfort, functionality, quality and craftsmanship emphasized over trends.
Incorporating Arts and Crafts Style in Your Home
The Arts and Crafts aesthetic brings coziness, texture and handmade charm to both rustic and contemporary homes. Follow these tips for selecting furniture, accents, color schemes and more when designing an Arts and Crafts interior.
Furniture
Stick to solid wood pieces with visible joints and minimal ornamentation. Mission and Craftsman style furniture both exemplify Arts and Crafts aesthetics. Key features include:
- Solid oak, cherry, mahogany or maple wood frames. Avoid veneers.
- Exposed joinery using dowels, tongue and groove, or mortise and tenon joinery.
- Gently curved or square shapes. Avoid ornate carvings and details.
- Built-in storage like shelving, cabinetry and window seats.
- Comfortable cushions in natural fabrics like cotton, linen or wool.
- Hardware accents in brushed bronze, wrought iron or aged brass.
Mission style focuses on simple straight lines while Craftsman incorporates more curved shapes. But both work beautifully for Arts and Crafts furniture.
Textiles
When selecting fabric, rugs, pillows and other textiles, stick to natural fibers like cotton, wool and linen. Handcrafted accents featuring Arts and Crafts motifs are ideal. Key textile characteristics include:
- Hand woven wool rugs with nature inspired patterns. Persian styles work very well.
- William Morris patterns and designs featuring floral motifs, birds and nature scenes.
- Machine made fabric with traditional block print patterns and motifs.
- Natural cotton, linen or wool for upholstery and drapes. Avoid synthetics.
- Handmade crocheted, embroidered or knitted blankets, pillows and throws.
- Flat weave cotton or wool rugs with geometric patterns.
Art and Accessories
Decorative accents featuring earthy materials, handcrafted details and touches of nature are very fitting for an Arts and Crafts interior.
- Pottery, wood carvings, stained glass, metalwork featuring Art Nouveau or Celtic inspired motifs.
- Vintage style botanical art prints, herbariums and insect drawings framed in simple wood frames.
- Woven baskets for storage.
- Glass lampshades with subtle earth toned patterns. Avoid bright colors.
- Simple wrought iron light fixtures.
- Fresh floral arrangements. Dried botanicals in vases.
- Hand thrown pottery and ceramic tableware.
- Hammered metal accessories like candle holders or trays.
Color Scheme
Earthy hues drawn from nature create the quintessential Arts and Crafts color palette. Weave in touches of deeper colors for contrast.
Main Colors:
- Mossy greens
- Mustard yellow
- Burnt orange
- Deep red
- Golden brown
- Navy blue
Accent Colors:
- Rust red
- Olive green
- Charcoal
- Cream
- Terracotta
Keep wall colors neutral to highlight wood tones and textured accents. Painted white trim around windows and doors adds nice contrast.
Architectural Details
Arts and Crafts style homes focus on handcraftsmanship, natural materials and harmony between the interior and exterior.
- Wood siding or masonry exteriors. Brick or stone chimneys.
- Deep overhangs with exposed rafters and brackets under gabled roofs.
- Multi-pane windows often featuring stained or leaded glass. Diamond patterns common.
- Beamed ceilings and exposed wooden beams or trusses.
- Natural stone fireplaces showcasing craftsmanship.
- Built-in cabinetry, window seats, bookshelves.
- Simplicity and minimal exterior ornamentation.
Arts and Crafts Room-by-Room Guide
The cozy and creative Arts and Crafts aesthetic can be worked into any room. Follow these tips to get the look in your living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and more.
Living Room
As the main gathering place, the living room should maximize comfort and handcrafted charm.
- Sofas and lounge chairs with exposed wood frames and natural fabric. Add handmade pillows.
- Persian style wool rugs over hardwood floors. Layer jute rug on top.
- Stone or brick fireplace surrounded by built-in cabinetry or shelves.
- Window seats, wooden blinds and curtains in natural fabrics.
- Warm lighting from wrought iron fixtures or fabric lampshades.
- Handcrafted oak coffee table. Side tables of woven rattan or wood.
- Built-in shelving and bookshelves to display collectibles.
Dining Room
Create an inviting space for meals with family and friends using these dining room tips:
- Harvest style solid wood table with turned wood legs. Add woven seat dining chairs.
- Handcrafted sideboard buffet to store tableware. Built-in cabinetry also works well.
- Wainscoting, chair rail molding or picture rail trim for traditional charm.
- Botanical art prints, stained glass panels or hammered metal lighting fixtures.
- Large Persian rug underneath anchored by a traditional area rug.
- Draw attention upward with a simple iron chandelier or pendant light.
Kitchen
The kitchen is an opportunity to highlight quality craftsmanship and natural materials.
- Knotty alder or cherry cabinetry with visible joinery details. Glass front uppers.
- Butcher block countertops or natural stone like marble or granite. Avoid synthetics.
- Exposed wooden beams, skylights and ceramic tile backsplashes.
- Wrought iron or distressed wood lighting fixtures. Curtains or Roman shades over windows.
- Uncluttered design. Open shelving for dishes displays handcraftsmanship.
- Cast iron, enamel or hammered metal cookware. Hand thrown pottery accents.
Bedroom
Create a relaxing retreat using these bedroom ideas:
- Wood framed beds with panel detailing. Add linen or cotton bedding.
- Handmade quilts, wool blankets or fabric rugs add comforting texture.
- Wood nightstands with storage drawers. Woven rattan under bed storage.
- Soft and subdued earth tone color scheme for walls and textiles.
- Curtains or roman shades in natural linen or cotton. Add soft lambs wool throw blankets at end of bed.
- Woven accents like rattan chairs, jute rugs, or wood framed mirrors.
Bathroom
Even small bathrooms can incorporate hallmarks of Arts and Crafts style:
- Vintage style hexagon tile floors or hardwood floors.
- Clawfoot tub or built-in tiled stall shower and tub surround.
- Subway tile or ceramic tile wainscoting using handcrafted style tile.
- Exposed wood beam ceilings. Wood framed mirror over vanity.
- Stone vessel sinks or wall mounted sinks minimize clutter.
- Neutral earth tone walls. Add pops of color with towels and ceramic accents.
Entryway
Make a handcrafted first impression using these entryway ideas:
- Wood bench or hooks for storing outerwear. Include built-in cubbies.
- Jute or sisal rug runner in entry hallway.
- Wrought iron lighting pendants flanking an artsy mirror or piece of wall art.
- Handcrafted table with cut flowers or plants. Roman shades over windows.
- Mini library ladder on accent wall with ceramic vases on each rung.
10 Key Tips for Nailing Arts and Crafts Style
- Select solid wood furniture with visible joints like dovetails. Avoid ornate carvings.
- Use textiles and rugs made from natural fibers like cotton, wool and linen.
- Incorporate handcrafted accents like pottery, wood carvings, metalwork.
- Choose an earthy color palette with hues from nature like mossy green and burnt orange.
- Opt for ceramic tile or hardwood floors over wall-to-wall carpeting. Add jute rugs.
- Display collections of artisanal pottery, books, or botanicals on open shelves.
- Add warmth with wrought iron, hammered metal, or aged bronze accents and lighting.
- Embrace simplicity. Avoid clutter and unnecessary ornamentation.
- Bring in touches of nature with plants, dried flowers and natural materials.
- Focus on quality craftsmanship for furniture, tilework, metalwork and woodwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key characteristics of Arts and Crafts style?
Arts and Crafts style emphasizes simplicity, quality craftsmanship, and natural materials like solid wood, ceramic tile, and textiles like cotton and wool. Clean lines, visible wood joinery, built-in cabinetry and shelves, and handcrafted accents are hallmarks of the look.
What colors work well in an Arts and Crafts home?
Stick to an earthy color palette of mossy greens, burnt oranges, golden browns, navy blue, cream, and charcoal. Accent with touches of olive green, rust red, mustard yellow, and terracotta.
What types of furniture work best for Arts and Crafts?
Opt for solid wood furniture with visible joinery, square or gently curved shapes, and minimal ornamentation. Mission style and Craftsman style both work beautifully. Avoid ornate, carved details.
Should I use wall-to-wall carpeting or hardwoods?
Hardwood floors are preferable to show off beautiful wood grains. Add warm wool area rugs. Tile floors also work well, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting.
How can I add handmade charm on a budget?
Handmade crocheted pillows, embroidered blankets, and woven baskets make charming accents without breaking the bank. Frame vintage botanical prints or hang handcrafted macrame wall hangings.
What type of lighting works best for an Arts and Crafts home?
Wrought iron fixtures, pendant lights, and fabric lampshades with earth tone patterns all complement the style’s cozy aesthetic. Avoid large overhead fixtures. Focus on task lighting.
Conclusion
With its emphasis on craftsmanship and natural materials, Arts and Crafts style imparts coziness and timeless appeal to any space. Incorporating solid wood furniture, natural textiles, and handcrafted accents allows you to create a warm, inviting home rich in uniqueness and artisanal charm.
Focus on simplicity in both furnishings and architectural details. Earthy colors, hardwood floors, and touches from nature complete the look. Arts and Crafts interiors showcase the beauty of traditional handcraftsmanship.
By following these tips and suggestions, you can easily infuse the cozy Arts and Crafts aesthetic into your own home. Let quality craftsmanship and organic textures shine to create a comfortable, creative and stylish interior that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
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