Mission Style Home Decorating
Mission style, also considered an extension of the Arts and Crafts movement, originated in the early 20th century in the U.S. The interior design scheme centered around mission-style furniture. The name of the style may refer to the functional role or "mission" of furniture pieces, which is exemplified in well-crafted, wooden and simple furnishings. The rest of the room was decorated to complement the furniture's style. Themes of elegant ease and connection with nature were incorporated. If you are thinking of converting your home to a mission-style scheme, decorate one room at a time to get a glimpse of the panache and determine if it is a compatible fit. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Look for hardwood furniture, particularly made of white or red oak, for your mission-style room or home. Furniture should showcase the grain of the wood and feature straight lines rather than curves and ornate engravings. For example, if you are finding furniture for a living room, look for couches, chairs, shelves, cabinets, coffee tables and side tables made of wood. Furniture may be upholstered with leather, thatch or natural fabrics or have metal latches and hinges, as long as the wood material is not completely hidden. Search antique shops or vintage furniture stores. If budget is not an issue, hire a local artisan who specializes in mission style to construct your furniture.
2. Paint or cover walls with a solid color or simple design. Tan, light brown, beige or pale yellow reflect an earthy color scheme. Use a wallpaper border, if you wish, that reflects a natural theme. For example, William Morris-style floral wallpapers are reflective of the mission style.
3. Remove carpet from your floors to reveal the room's natural hardwoods. Place one rug on the floor with a simple pattern that matches the room's walls.
4. Add simple embellishments to your room such as clear jug or vase, a couple of nature-themed paintings, solid-colored ceramics and metal or stain-glassed lampshades. Place antique books on the shelves and include one or two nature-themed paintings on the wall. Fill wicker baskets with dried flowers and grasses and place them in the room. Do not clutter the room, however -- less is indeed more.
Tags: Home Decorating, Mission Style Home, nature-themed paintings, Style Home, Style Home Decorating