Movements in Home Décor and Fashion

 

Introduction

Movements in Home Décor and Fashion became particularly interesting during the mid-19^th century Victorian era. With the onset of the industrial age, advanced transportation, and growing ease of communication, fashion and décor trade markets (such as those found in Paris, London, and New York) experience a growing influence on world trends. For the first time in history, new ideas – which reflected changes in social ideologies – were able to be tested and marketed in a matter of months. Trends that used to take hold for generations, now changed generationally, and soon became identifiable by the decade, and then to the ever-changing fickle “season.” 

In this 5-part series, we will be exploring five major movements in home décor: The Victorian Era, The Edwardian Period, The Arts and Craft Period, The Depression Era, and the Modern Era. Generally speaking, with each new era we see a movement away from elaborate detailed romantic pieces to ones that are more organic, and streamline. These changes reflect broader social changes which move from values of stability, tradition, and durability to a more mobile, free, and “less-stuffy” outlook on life and living.

Part One: Victorian Era

The Victorian Era is marked by the reign of Queen Victoria of England beginning in 1837 until her passing in 1901. Her reign is celebrated as a time of peace and growth for England which has a great impact on the world of art, music, architecture, home décor, and fashion. Following the rational and sensible Georgian period, the Victorian era is seen as one of romance, elaborate elegance, and refinement. Victorian society valued tradition, durability, social status, and entertainment. Families amassed estates with large collections to pass down from one generation to the next as a sign of stability and wealth. The traits of Victoria era décor are fanciness, rich colors, durable materials, and elaborate details – each explored below:

FANCINESS

When one thinks of the Victoria Era the word “Fancy” comes to mind. Everything was fancy beyond reason. Fashions were both elaborate and reserved. Men and women alike were clothed from top to bottom in layer after layer including lacy cotton undergarment, embroidered top clothing, wool hats, gloves, silk stockings, laced-up boots, and buttoned overcoats. Variations continued throughout the period for example - In the United States the Victorian influence is seen in the Civil War fashion, in the late Victorian period we see the addition of ladies bustles, and in France we see a bit more freedom and romance in ladies’ hair styles. Victorian fashion motifs were commonly seen on home décor and art items, such as this French Fashion Print offered by Vintage Carolina:

Likewise, home décor was fancy, fancy. Tables were set with elaborate china and specialized serving dishes, including such novelties as butter pats, individual salt bowls, celery dishes, and knife rests. This pair of crystal and silver knife rests is a prime example of Victorian extravagance. They may look like rare jewels, but they are design for the mundane task of keeping holding the blade of a used knife off the fine linens.

RICH COLORS

The color pallet was rich and inspired by the romance of nature. Colors varied from deep reds, muted blues, fresh greens, and rosy pinks. Multi-colored items with pretty details were signs of good tastes and fashion: These Limoges Orphan Teacups offered by Nostalgic Rose show the natural theme and colors elevated by fine detailing and gold trim:

This level of elegance was not reserved to the dining room. Here we see the attention to detail, warm colors, and a floral motif in this wonderful Vanity Box offered by Wee Lambie Vintage

DURABLE MATERIALS:

Materials popular in the Victorian era were equally regal and included carved oak for furniture, heavy velvet for curtains, refined pottery for vases, handmade lace for bedding, and a variety of embossed metals for household items.

This set of ornate brass door knobs from Karen’s Chic and Shabby

and the Gilt Frame offered by Lakeside Cottage show off the craftsmanship of the day:

Victorian elements continued to influence fashion and décor. In the 1980’s, for example, we find Victorian inspired lacy accents to blouses and skirts. Even today we find lace-up Victorian inspired boots on department store shelves. The Victorian period is unforgettable and has had an durable impacted on fashion, décor, art, and music.

Mary is the owner of the Etsy shop FineRomance