The Contemporary Periods 1900-1970

     From 1900 to 1970, the history of furniture design underwent dramatic transformations, reflecting broader cultural shifts and technological advancements. Early in the century, the Arts and Crafts Movement emphasized handmade, quality craftsmanship, while the Art Nouveau style introduced flowing, organic forms. The rise of modernism in the 1920s and 1930s, exemplified by Bauhaus and the International Style, championed functional, minimal designs with a focus on industrial materials. Post-World War II, mid-century modernism flourished with its clean lines, innovative use of materials like molded plastic, and a strong emphasis on comfort and practicality. By the 1960s and 1970s, furniture design embraced experimentation with bold colors, unconventional shapes, and an eclectic mix of styles, responding to changing societal values and the growing influence of pop culture.

The Marshmallow Sofa

The Marshmallow Sofa, designed by George Nelson in 1956, embodies the playful and innovative spirit of mid-century modern design, with its bold use of circular, soft, and organic shapes, vibrant colors, and a focus on functionality, emphasizing comfort, simplicity, and a sense of casual luxury.

The Womb Chair

The Womb Chair, designed by Eero Saarinen in 1948, reflects the organic and sculptural qualities of mid-century modern design, with its curvaceous, enveloping form, soft, muted colors, and an emphasis on comfort and functionality, embodying the period’s focus on innovative, ergonomic designs that prioritized both aesthetics and relaxation.

The Tulip Chair

The Tulip Chair, designed by Eero Saarinen in 1955, embodies the sleek, minimalist aesthetic of mid-century modernism, with its futuristic, fluid silhouette, a focus on clean lines, smooth curves, and the innovative use of molded fiberglass, reflecting the period's fascination with technology, streamlined forms, and the desire for functional yet sculptural design.

The Credenza

The credenza reflects the design ethos of the mid-20th century, characterized by clean lines, minimalist forms, and the use of warm, natural wood finishes like teak and walnut, while also embracing functional simplicity, a blend of organic and geometric shapes, and a focus on craftsmanship, reflecting the era's emphasis on both aesthetics and practicality.

The Tallboy Dresser

The Tallboy dresser, popular during the mid-century modern period, draws on minimalist design principles with its clean lines, simple geometric shapes, and a focus on functional storage, often featuring natural wood finishes like walnut or teak, while embracing the era's philosophy of combining form with practicality and subtle elegance.

Last but not least, my favorite piece.....

The Egg Chair

The Egg Chair, designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958, reflects the mid-century modern movement’s emphasis on organic forms, innovative use of materials, and sculptural, ergonomic design, with its bold, curving silhouette, vibrant yet understated colors, and focus on comfort, privacy, and modernist aesthetics, blending functionality with a futuristic sense of style.

I personally love this chair because of its eclectic futuristic aesthetic.  It makes me think of the 1960s space race.  This chair also looks like something straight out of the Jetsons cartoon.

A Journey Through American Architecture: Colonial, Federal, and Victorian Styles

     American architecture is a rich tapestry of influences, each era leaving its own unique mark on the design and aesthetics of the country’s homes. Three of the most iconic architectural styles are American Colonial, American Federal, and American Victorian. These styles, while distinct, share a common thread of elegance, craftsmanship, and a reflection of the values of their time. In this post, we’ll explore the key features of each style, including their exteriors, interiors, furniture, and specialty rooms.

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1. American Colonial Architecture: Timeless Elegance

Colonial architecture is a style that began with European settlers in the 1600s and evolved through the 1700s. Known for its symmetry, simplicity, and durability, Colonial homes are among the most enduring and beloved styles in American history.

Exterior Architecture: Symmetry and Tradition

Colonial exteriors are characterized by symmetry, with rectangular windows and evenly spaced doors. These homes often feature brick or wood facades, with dormer windows and simple rooflines.

1. Georgian Colonial
   Georgian Colonial homes are symmetrical, with a central doorway flanked by windows on each side. They often include dormer windows in the roof and elegant brickwork.

2. Dutch Colonial
   The Dutch Colonial style features a distinctive gambrel roof and wide eaves, with brick or stone facades that provide a sense of sturdiness and charm.

Interior Architecture/Design Elements/Motifs: Simple Elegance

Inside Colonial homes, the emphasis is on practical yet refined design. Exposed wooden beams, large open fireplaces, and detailed woodwork define these interiors.

1. Wood Beams and Fireplaces
   Colonial interiors feature large, open fireplaces, often accompanied by exposed wooden beams on the ceiling.

   
   
   

2. Traditional Moldings and Neutral Colors
   Moldings are simple yet elegant, with wainscoting and crown molding often enhancing the look. The color palette is muted, focusing on earthy tones.

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Furniture: Functional and Sturdy

Furniture in Colonial homes is simple, sturdy, and functional, with many pieces crafted from local wood and built to last.

1. Wingback Chairs
   Wingback chairs with high backs were common, offering warmth and comfort during colder months.

   
   
   

2. Dining Tables and Cabinets
   Colonial furniture often features dark wood, with dining tables designed for large families and sturdy storage cabinets.

   
   
   

Specialty Room: The Colonial Kitchen

Colonial kitchens were large and functional, often separated from the main house. They featured large hearths, iron stoves, and simple wooden cabinets.

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2. American Federal Architecture: Grace and Simplicity

The Federal style emerged in the early 19th century, following the American Revolution. It blends classical Greek and Roman influences with a focus on symmetry, proportion, and elegant detailing.

Exterior Architecture: Classic and Refined

Federal homes feature symmetrical facades, rectangular windows, and delicate detailing. A central front door, often adorned with a fanlight, is the focal point of these homes.

1. Georgian Influence
   The Federal style retains the Georgian focus on symmetry but with even more refinement. Large windows are often paired and framed by decorative moldings.

2. Palladian Windows
   The use of Palladian windows is another defining feature, combining a large central window with two smaller arched windows on each side.

Interior Architecture/Design Elements/Motifs: Neoclassical Elegance

Inside, Federal homes feature high ceilings, simple moldings, and delicate woodwork. The design is clean and refined, with attention to detail.

1. Woodwork and Plaster
   Elegant wood paneling, intricate moldings, and delicate plasterwork decorate the interiors, including ceilings adorned with medallions.

   
   
   

2. Color Palette
   Interiors are typically painted in muted tones, allowing the architectural features to take center stage.

Furniture: Simple and Refined

Federal furniture reflects the neoclassical ideals of the period, with straight lines, minimal ornamentation, and the use of fine wood such as mahogany.

1. Chairs and Tables
   Straight-backed chairs, delicate side tables, and simple but elegant design mark Federal furniture.

Specialty Room: The Federal Parlor

The parlor, designed for entertaining guests, often features fine furniture and large windows that allow natural light to fill the space.

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3. American Victorian Architecture: Ornate and Diverse

Victorian architecture, which emerged during the mid-to-late 19th century, is known for its exuberance, variety, and detailed ornamentation. This period gave rise to multiple substyles, each offering unique features and flourishes.

Exterior Architecture: Bold and Decorative

Victorian homes are characterized by asymmetry, steeply pitched roofs, and intricate detailing. From Queen Anne to Gothic Revival, each substyle brought its own charm.

1. Queen Anne Style
   Queen Anne homes feature wraparound porches, turrets, and vibrant colors, often with contrasting textures like brick and shingles.

   
   
   

2. Gothic Revival
   Gothic Victorian homes include pointed arches, steep roofs, and intricate wood trim, creating a romantic, medieval look.

   
   
   

Interior Architecture/Design Elements/Motifs: Rich and Ornate

Inside, Victorian homes were opulent, with rich fabrics, bold wallpaper, and intricate woodwork. Dark wood, stained glass, and lavish accessories were common.

1. Wallpapers and Fabrics
   Victorian interiors feature bold floral wallpapers, velvet, brocade, and lace fabrics, creating a sense of luxury.

   
   
   

2. Woodwork and Detailing
   Victorian homes feature elaborate woodwork, including ornate staircases, paneling, and moldings.

Furniture: Ornate and Luxurious

Victorian furniture is often heavy, elaborately carved, and made from rich wood like mahogany or walnut.

1. Canopied Beds and Chairs
   Victorian bedrooms often feature grand canopied beds and intricate chairs with velvet upholstery.

Specialty Room: The Victorian Bedroom

Victorian bedrooms are known for their comfort and luxury, with heavy draperies, plush bedding, and dark wood furniture.

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