Welcome to Part 2 of our 10 decades of Color and Design series.
In the 1910s, the world was changing. Colors in the second decade of the 20th century were taken from nature. Think of warm wood tones, shades of green and deep reds, blue water and sky, and the pinks and purples found in flowers.
Wallpaper was a popular way to add both color and pattern to a room. Wallpaper borders that drew the eye upward made a small room look larger. Adding a similar chair rail height border broke up a too-tall ceiling and allowed for a single shade of color towards the bottom of the walls bringing balance to the room. An area rug in matching colors added warmth to wood floors as wall-to-wall carpeting was not yet in use. Lightweight sheer curtains that let in light were fashionable as electricity was not yet common.
Furniture in the Victorian style with carved leaves and flowers was still popular although it had been toned down and was less fussy. Upholstery in similar shades found in nature was often tufted adding texture to a room.
While manufacturing was booming bringing a more industrial sleek look to homes, the turn of the century also brought about both the curved lines of Art Nouveau style as well as the beginnings of the Arts and Crafts movement.
To recreate the look of the 1910s, start with natural wood furniture, especially oak. Try adding lamps in common metals of the day such as copper and bronze. As for accessories, mass production was in its infancy, so most items were handmade. Keep an eye out for vases, bowls, wooden boxes, and handmade linens such as doilies and table runners dating from that era.
Get The Look of the 1910s:
Notes: This article from Click Americana references a Los Angeles Herald newspaper article from January 2, 1910. The pictures are fabulous and scrolling down to the period wallpapers helps to fulfill the complete look of the era.
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