History is a great place to find inspiration for interior design. You can go the whole hog and style a room completely from ceiling to floor with everything in between, or you can pick and choose elements that appeal to you. Below is a selection of popular period styles and things that characterize them.

Gothic

In the Victorian era there was a big gothic revival, but for the original style we’re looking at the 12th Century medieval period. So lots of dark wood, with wood panelling, exposed beams, pointed arches and intricate carving. Rich, deep colours highlighted with gold give a rich effect. Lots of heavy fabrics are typical of the style, from wall hangings and tapestries to traditional-style rugs and simple but full curtains. Use deep, luxurious velvets, brocade and damask with gold tassels to make a really warm, cosy room.

You need dark, heavy furniture to carry this look off, and use plenty of candlesticks with wrought iron candelabra for effective lighting. This dark, heavy, extravagant style will need a large room to make it work without looking too closed in. Stained glass (real or fake) will complete your look.

Georgian

Well-suited to modern living, the Georgian era (1714-1837) is full of simple, elegant luxury. Also known as Neo-classical, the Georgian style was often influenced by classical Greek and Roman art. Dado rails, picture rails, friezes and decorative cornices are typical of the time, with ornate plaster mouldings and ceiling roses. Colours are muted, and lots of paint manufacturers now have ‘heritage’ paint ranges which will help you choose authentic colours.

Wallpaper would be used on the middle section of wall between the dado and picture rails – suitable patterns include stripes, columns or oriental patterns. Fabrics should be fine and elaborate without being too fussy; small, floral or striped patterns suit the era. Wooden flooring can be warmed up with a large oriental or Turkish rug. For period lighting, brass or silver wall sconces are suitable, and if you can get away with it, a large, ornate chandelier will really complete the look.

Victorian

Ornate and luxurious while at the same time warm and cosy, the Victorian style is an easy one to take elements from. Rich but muted colours should be used, in particular deep red and forest green, with an amber gold for highlights. Victorians were fond of paint effects too, so try marbling, stencilling or stippling. Patterned wallpapers and fabrics were the order of the day, with large-scale flowers, birds and butterflies being popular.

Either wooden floors or carpet are acceptable, and a large, oriental or Persian rug will help with the style. Dado and picture rails, decorative cornicing, coving and ceiling roses are all helpful in creating the Victorian look. Plump armchairs, pouffes and ottomans are suitable furniture, or painted wicker for a lighter feel. If you like ornaments, pot pourri and dried flowers then Victoriana is for you – cover every available surface and you’ll fit right in!

Arts and Crafts

A reaction against the clutter of the Victorian style, the arts and crafts movement was all about simple lines, natural materials and hand-made items. William Morris was the leader of the movement, so Morris patterned wallpaper is a great place to start. Wood and leather furniture with a hand-made look complements the style.

Stained glass windows, with their medieval feel, were very popular, with simple curtains or wooden blinds. This simplified style does not allow much in the way of ornaments – simple flower arrangements and wooden clocks are both acceptable though – things that are either useful or beautiful.

Art Deco

Coming into the 20th Century, in particular the 20’s and 30’s, we find a very influential period for interior design – Art Deco. Bold colours, stylized patterns and modern (for the time) materials made for a brave new style. You can often find Art Deco furniture at auctions and antique shops – the strong, streamlined shapes are very distinctive. Walls should be clean and simple, with greens and creams, or for small areas silver, black, golden yellows and chrome.

Parquet flooring, rugs with geometric designs, or black and white chequerboard tiles are all typical. Lighting can be a real feature of the room, with slick chrome and etched glass or the classic female figure holding an enamelled glass globe. Decorate your walls with framed posters of stylised skyscrapers, cruise liners and flapper girls.

Retro

The 1960’s and 70’s were iconic periods for style, and interior design fashions keep going back to them. Pop art was a huge movement that started in the 60’s, so Warhol or Hockney prints are a good start.  Vibrant colours, psychedelic patterns, plastic and inflatable furniture, bean-bags and shag-pile rugs are all typical of the time.

Scandinavian-inspired design became very popular in this period too, so if you love IKEA look out for classic pieces. Retro lighting is often easy to find – the ubiquitous lava lamp, pull-down pendant lamps, or decorative fibre optic lamps will help you complete the look. Check out boot sales, charity shops and eBay for authentic items from the era.

 

At myhome mygarden, we work with a number of interior designers throughout the UK and can provide you with a design service tailored to suit your needs. For more details on this, refer to our Interior Design Services section.

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