American Craftsman and Mission Style

My son and his young family are moving from Pennsylvania to Utah this summer. Yay! They will only be a 3 hour drive away from us instead of a 3 day drive.

 He and his wife would like to decorate their home in what is commonly called Mission style. This look is also referred to as Arts and Crafts, Craftsman or Stickley. So what's the difference? What traits make this style of furniture "Craftsman"? There are many good books on this subject and many articles on the internet but I'm going to summarize and try to make it easy.

Craftsman furnishings have strong clean lines and feel very solid. The pieces are most often made of oak especially quarter sawn oak which highlights the beautiful grain of the wood. The term American Craftsman was used by furniture maker Gustav Stickley after he visited England to study the Arts and Crafts movement there. The Arts and Crafts style replaced the fancy Victorian era furnishings with all of its curves, carvings and embellishments with simple lines and stylized images from nature. The idea was to focus on pieces made by hand by true artisans as opposed to mass produced furniture that was introduced during the industrial revolution.

The term  Mission style refers to the Spanish missions of  southern California and  reflected the simple and practical furnishings of those structures. It also features strong horizontal and vertical lines. I think of it as a subset of the Craftsman style. 

This look has remained very popular today especially in the Midwest and Rocky Mountains. If you've ever seen the movie "A River Runs Through It"  which is set in Montana, the home there is a perfect example of American Craftsman styling.

A very popular and recognizable piece is the Morris chair, named for William Morris an English designer of the mid 1800's. 

Hardware is usually bronze or copper and may have a hammered finish.

American Craftsman furnishings have a timeless appeal as they work well with both antique and contemporary styled homes. The furniture is also very family friendly withstanding knocks and bumps from kids and pets! Visit your local antique store and you'll be sure to find one or two pieces. Plus many furniture stores carry good quality reproductions. Price of course, depends on quality but I have found several very affordable  pieces over the years.

I can't wait to go antiquing with my kids!

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Federal China Cabinet

A large china cabinet with plenty of room to hold many, if not all, of my china and crystal has been on my "want "list for quite some time. Imagine how thrilled I was when I found this piece -wait for it- at one of my favorite thrift stores! Can you imagine? It was marked at $450.00 which I thought was a steal. 

But that's not all. The sign at the shop said everything would be 1/2 off come Saturday.  Well, it's Thursday, do I gamble and see if it's still here? I decided to take the risk and came back at opening time Saturday morning. There was a line out front when my  husband and I got there, but the china cabinet was still waiting for me.  Woo hoo, only $225.00!

 This cabinet is a classic Federal style. It has a strong triangular pediment and lots of detailing with carved garlands and swags. This style takes it's cues from the Adams Brothers and the neoclassical era.

 Brass rosette hardware matches carved wooden rosettes.

I wasted no time in filling it up,mostly with vintage ironstone and my Wedgwood china.

I love how the mirror I found thrift shopping in San Clemente last spring echoes the pediment.

This is the sideboard that I have used for some 25 years in the dining room. It's a wonderful piece that I bought at an estate sale and leans toward Hepplewhite styling. I have loved it, I just needed more space! It now resides in the front entry. 

So here is the Dining Room, looking very patriotic!

Although much of my house has transitioned to Country French over the years, I still find I can't resist the timeless Georgian and Federal styles.

Oh, and can you keep a secret? The base on one side has a crack. I guess this is why it was donated to the thrift store in the first place. It's barely noticeable and I don't mind one bit. After all, we all have some bumps and bruises don't we?

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Painted Table

When  Kathy invited me to a garage sale a couple of weeks ago I found a pair of these charming end tables. As you can see  the finish was in pretty bad shape but the tables were solid and sturdy, definitely worth saving. I have to admit, I'm not completely sold on the idea of the painted furniture craze that is going on. If a piece has a beautiful finish I'd leave it alone. I've stripped and refinished many a poorly painted piece of furniture over the years! However, if the furniture is in really bad shape or was inexpensive go ahead and have some fun. I only paid $17 for this. 

 My local Ace Hardware store was having it's annual free paint day. Did you know they do that? It's awesome! Print out a coupon and you get a free quart of interior paint in the color of your choice. I got up early on Saturday morning so I could be one of the first in line. I chose a soft turquoise called Coventry Gardens.

 One coat of paint and little distressing and it's already looking better.

 I also did a little antiquing with some Minwax stain and then added a French graphic from The Graphics Fairy. I never get tired of browsing her blog for ideas!

Lastly, I sealed it all with a clear matte spray  finish.

Very sweet, don't you think?

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Show and Tell Friday

English Sideboard and Table

I can't resist antique English furniture. It's solid and sturdy yet has elegance and grace.

 This beautiful sideboard has paneled doors, barley twist columns and a fabulous lock made of ivory. I also have the key!

 This Tudor style draw leaf dining table seats 6 comfortably but has 2 leaves that pull out from underneath accommodating 8 or even 10. Doesn't it look pretty all set for Spring?

Both pieces are currently in my antique store. The sideboard is $599 and the table is only $359.Come check them out!

Charming European Painted Chest

This is an absolutely charming painted chest of drawers from Romania! Perfect for your shabby chic, Country French or English Cottage home. Originally $759 now $450. If interested email me at chateau.interiors@gmail