Georgian Era
The Georgian period began around 1718 and ended in the 1830’s under the reigns of four Kings of England and all of them were named George. The Georgian Style was influenced by the ancient Rome and Greece. They were known for their elegance and simplicity. Georgian is not just a style, but it was an era which many changes and developments in architecture and interior happened. The expansion of the British Empire across the British colonies was one of the most important aspects during the Georgian period. This expansion developed new trade routes which means that people were travelling, working abroad, and trading goods across the British colonies. Also, people were exposed and learning from different cultures. This led to changes in the economic, social and political changes in Britain as well as advances in design and engineering. New materials and techniques of manufacture influenced interior design such as new skills in creating furniture, the availability of different woods, fabric weaving and printing, and mass production of wallpapers. The advancement in dying techniques resulted in more affordable and beautiful fabrics. People wanted to keep their homes warm in winter, so they made the fireplace their focal point in every room. They also built large windows to allow sunlight.
Victorian Era
The Victorian Era was named after Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837-1901 in Britain. Victorian style is influenced by Gothic and Rococo styles. Many changes happened in this period. The Industrial Revolution had a huge impact on architecture, and interior design in the Victorian period. New materials and technology were brought during that period such as plate glass, bentwood, building with steel, chemical dyes which was used for fabrics and springs for upholstered furniture to make it look more luxurious and comfortable. Because of the industrial revolution wall paper was very easy to produce and it was very important for the Victorian interior design. The cheap mass-production of household goods allowed the middle class to change the decoration of their homes. People began to heavily fill their homes with accessories, furniture and fabrics to show their new wealth. Victorian style was a very heavy decorated style, it was overdressed, cluttered, dark, and overstuffed. Every surface in the house was decorated. Window coverings were very popular during the Victorian design era and looked very similar to women’s clothing which was heavy and layered with fringe.
Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau style started from 1890 and ended 1905 and it was inspired by organic, nature and geometric forms. It was flowery and decorative featuring things like bugs, and fairies.
Art Deco
Art deco movement began in France in 1910 after World War 1 and it spread quickly throughout the world and it became the most glamorous, elegant and international design movement in modern art. It represented speed, style and luxury. It was inspired by the design of many traditional and ancient cultures such as Japanese, Egyptian, American Indian, sub-Saharan and others. The movement embraced all types of arts including architecture, interior design, fashion, paintings, ceramics, and jewelry. During this period technology and machines such as cars, planes, and trains were becoming more common and improved the quality of life. It was the age of travel and transportation that allowed fast, comfort and luxury experience and this helped spread the style throughout the world. It was the golden age of celebrities, jazz music, dancers, singers and big bands. All these forces increased the desire for luxury goods in every form and that had a huge impact on interior design and furniture. The style was characterized by geometric forms, smooth curves and bold colors. The materials used aluminum, stainless steel and chrome.
