Georgian Design
Interior design has evolved drastically throughout the years and different periods of time. From the luxurious Georgian style to the vibrant 70s, 80s and 90s and now to the modern era, home design has constantly been changing to fit the needs and wants of its users. The Georgian period began in 1714 and ended in 1837, during this time interior design was mostly focused on luxury. Luxurious items such as chandeliers, ornate furniture and hand-painted wallpaper were all popular during this time. Georgian interiors were also typically filled with dark wooden furniture and chrome fixtures. These designs were often elaborately decorated with intricate patterns and details such as gilt finishes, tassels, and intricate fabrics.
Elegance and finesse were hallmarks of Georgian home design. It was popular among the higher classes to spend two or three years doing a "Grand Tour" throughout Europe, focusing on Italy. This had the effect of bringing many foreign ideas into British interior design. The architecture resembled the Palladian styles popular in modern towns like Venice and the neo-classical trend.
Victorian Design
The Victorian era lasted from 1837 through 1901. Interior design trends at this time began to veer away from the heavy, opulent Georgian style. The Victorian era put more of an emphasis on comfort and refinement. Colourful wallpapers and fabrics, intricately patterned rugs and carpets, antique furniture, and cosy lighting were common interior design components. The Victorian era's aesthetic was also significantly more cosy than its Georgian forebear's frigid and clinical appearance.
Victorian houses carried on the concept of the empire by showcasing their new wealth with priceless imports. In their opulent residences, decorated with luxurious textiles and elaborate window treatments, the upper classes displayed an eclectic blend of cultures and styles. Homes were filled with darker, more ornate furniture and drapes, and people started to use interior design to display their affluence.
This era is best described as a broad mix of styles. The design reflected the expansion of world trade and the internationalisation of British culture. Due to mass production and affordable pricing, homeowners were able to outfit their interior spaces with furniture and materials. But the "Arts and Crafts Movement", which was championed by creatives like William Morris, was a reaction against mass production.
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In contrast to the Victorian era's weight, clutter, and dark, rich colour, the Edwardian era of the 1900s was significantly lighter and happier. Early 20th-century design was light, airy, informal, and feminine thanks to the Arts and Crafts Movement and the art nouveau style's introduction to British houses.
Throughout the 1920s, Hollywood's film industry's glamour and glamour had an impact on design. The interiors were opulent and elegant with angular and geometric features. The appeal of exotic accents like animal skins, ivory, mother-of-pearl, and tortoiseshell was also influenced by travel, particularly safaris.
In the 1930s and 40s, there were various different styles of homes. First, there was Art Deco and modernism, or 'Moderne' styles. These were characterised by simple, ornament-free designs with pure lines. With its curving, sun-trap windows and portholes, buildings resembled ocean ships. Numerous pseudo-historical architectural styles were also present, ranging from neo-Georgian to mock-Tudor homes with half-timbering.
The 1950s were the age of the consumer. There were several styles to choose from during the postwar boom, including an American diner style with bubble-gum colours, neon, and kitsch, and a designer style with geometric pattern furniture and textiles.
1960s interior design styles included Victorian and Edwardian, as well as 1920s and art nouveau. Patterns and styles influenced by pop art and opt-art were commonly used.
The 70's, 80's And 90's
The 70s, 80s and 90s saw a big shift in interior design. The 70s saw a rise in bold colours and geometric shapes, an era which was influenced by Pop Art. The 80s saw the introduction of sleek minimalism – a design that focused heavily on functionality. The 90s on the other hand saw a more naturalistic approach, with bright, earthy tones and eco-friendly materials becoming popular.
The early part of the decade was dominated by pop art, brilliant colours, and newly accessible plastic furniture, a 'hangover' from the 1960s. However, the crisis and severe unemployment resulted in a less flashy design phase. A 'back-to-nature' trend with a homespun mentality evolved, resulting in Victorian-style flowers and hand-me-downs, a lot of wood, rattan, and rustic kitchenalia, and handicrafts like macramé.
In the 1980s, mass-produced flat-pack furniture became widely available throughout the United Kingdom, making it much less expensive for people to repair and redesign their houses. Patterns for furniture and draperies grew more subtle, with delicate flowers and traditional English motifs; carpets also became more lavish and widespread in households.
Following the maximalism and extravagance of the '80s, typical early '90s design was focused on form simplicity. Blonde wood and Scandinavian-inspired design were particularly popular, creating a bright, fresh, and spacious mood in interior spaces.
Modern
Modern interior design is a common term used today, but it can refer to many different styles. It typically refers to eclectic, clean and contemporary homes that feature neutral colours, statement lighting and natural materials. Technology has also had a great impact on modern interior design, with smart home technology becoming increasingly popular in modern homes. Modern designs are often seen as being stylish and minimalistic.
The usage of considerably richer, deeper, and intriguing hues increased in the 2000s. People desired cutting-edge design that was also comfortable. Interior design trends have become more unique and less prescriptive.
Interior design styles have changed drastically over the years, from the luxurious Georgian period to the minimalist modern era. With each period, interior designs have shifted to fit the modern needs and wants of its users. Whether you prefer the old-style Georgian décor or the modern minimalistic look, there is an interior design style for everyone.
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