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  eeking peacefulness and pleasure from the environment in which we live was a basic philosophy of the Arts & Crafts movement. Home decoration was influenced by Mother Nature. Unpainted woodwork revealed its true beauty, while honest, simple designs reflected flora and fauna. Even colors paralleled nature. The various greens, deep reds and golds of fall foliage; assorted tans and browns of bark and wood; and tranquil turquoises, deep blues, and yellow-greens found in oceans, lakes and rivers. By returning to nature for inspirations, simplifying one's life, and getting away from the Victorian belief that "more was not enough," it was believed one could actually be healthier, less stressed, and more at peace. One way to incorporate the soothing effects of nature in the home was with the use of stenciling.At the turn of the century, magazines such as House Beautiful, The Ladies Home Journal, and The Craftsman, encouraged homeowners to use the decorative arts in their dwellings. Stenciling allowed a single motif to be carried harmoniously throughout a room. It could be used as a frieze along a wall, stenciled on curtains, portiers, table linens and pillows--which could be further embellished with embroidery if desired. All in all, it created a simple unity, allowing not only self expression in the design chosen, but also in the personalized color scheme selected. And any motivated individual could succeed at it. |
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 © Amy A. Miller 1999-2002 ~ Trimbelle River Studio & Design |
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