Painting Historic Homes In Denver Colorado

The Edwardian era, often referred to as the "Gilded Age," evokes a sense of nostalgia and is a period marked by tranquility in Britain. Spanning from the end of the Boer War in 1902 to the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, this epoch is characterized by a unique blend of leisure and opulence. Samuel Hynes captures its essence by describing it as a time when "women wore picture hats and did not vote, when the rich lived conspicuously without shame, and the British flag seemed to never set."

However, beneath the surface of this idyllic portrayal, the Edwardian era was marked by profound social inequalities. The affluent lifestyle enjoyed by the privileged class was sustained by the labor of servants, highlighting the stark divisions between the wealthy and the impoverished. Class distinctions were rigorously maintained, and societal norms dictated a clear hierarchy in which everyone knew their assigned place.

In terms of architectural trends, Edwardian houses featured wider frontages, allowing for spacious entry halls that often served dual purposes as living rooms, complete with desks and fireplaces, particularly in larger residences. The prevailing themes in both building structures and interior design during this era were centered on expensive simplicity, embracing natural light, and promoting a sense of openness and airiness.

The historic home colors palette and detailing of the Edwardian aesthetic departed from the darker tones and intricate patterns of the late 19th century, harkening back to the lighter and more straightforward designs of the Georgian era, a century earlier. Cleanliness remained a paramount concern, reflecting a societal preoccupation with hygiene. With the increasing prevalence of gas and electric lighting, walls could be lighter as they were less prone to becoming soiled, enhancing the overall appearance in brighter illumination. This shift also influenced the simplification of decorative patterns, with both wallpaper and curtain designs embracing a more understated elegance. The result was a departure from the cluttered aesthetic of the Victorian era, creating a more refined and streamlined look that defined Edwardian interiors.

For those immersed in the realms of interior design and fashion during the Edwardian era, the emphasis on simplicity, cleanliness, and a return to lighter, more open spaces influenced not only architectural choices but also design preferences in clothing and accessories. Fashion echoed the prevailing sentiments of the time, with garments featuring lighter colors, simpler patterns, and a departure from the elaborate styles of the preceding Victorian era. This synchronization between interior design and fashion created a cohesive aesthetic that encapsulated the spirit of the Edwardian era.

The Victorian era saw a significant shift in interior historic home painting design due to mass production. With newfound accessibility, homeowners could easily upgrade their spaces, leading to a distinct aesthetic characterized by heavy, cluttered looks and an abundance of dark wood furniture. However, this era also ushered in a diverse range of decorating styles.

The democratization of design allowed for a mix of influences, including the Gothic Revival, Rococo Revival, and Eastlake styles. The Gothic Revival embraced medieval influences with pointed arches, while the Rococo Revival celebrated 18th-century French elegance with intricate ornamentation. The Eastlake style, influenced by Charles Eastlake, emphasized simplicity and geometric motifs.

In this dynamic period, homeowners had the freedom to personalize their interiors, resulting in a visually fascinating blend of heavy furniture and intricate design styles. The Victorian era laid the foundation for the ever-evolving world of interior design and fashion.

To achieve a genuine Georgian house style when building or decorating your own Georgian dolls house it is important to understand the influences and style during this period which spanned from 1714 to about 1830. 

During the Georgian period, people really began taking an interest in fashion and interiors. The upper classes would often enjoy a Grand Tour of Europe for ayear or two and during this time were heavily influenced by the fashion & interior design they saw on their travels. This influence also extended to the design and style of the Georgian dolls house. Other major influences included the architecture of Inigo Jones and the Orient.

The style of the time was all about delicate colour schemes and woodwork, dainty furniture, harmony, balance and a sense of light and airiness to the rooms.

The most popular color schemes evolved from the heavier burgundy, sage green and blue greys of the early Georgian period to much lighter greens, sky blues, and dusky pinks. Floors of Georgian houses were typically bare boards covered with Oriental rugs. Or, if the property was a more up market, the floor would have been a pale colored stone or marble.

For a genuine Georgian effect dolls house walls should be paneled up to the dado rail and then painted or papered above. Repetitive patterns in wallpaper such as trefoils and far eastern designs were very popular. Wallpaper also reflected the trend for block printing towards the end of the Georgian era and featured simple, bold geometric patterns such as squares and stripes. historic home colors