Bungalow Decorating - A Quick Lesson

Standing alone with it's understated elegance andThere are talented artisans reproducing craftsman
simple appeal, the Craftsman Style Bungalow startedfurniture at many price points. Do your research and
today's ongoing shift towards simple, unclutteredlook for the best quality you can afford. Try not to
interiors. At the turn of the last century,in diligentfall for the cheap imitations, take it slow and furnish
rejection of severe Victorian standards andyour home with one or two fabulous pieces at a
pretentious interior design, the Arts & Craftstime. Your beautiful home will be much more
Movement promoted a return to true craftsmanship.reflective of you when doing it this way. Don't be
The Craftsman Bungalow reflects understatedafraid to mix antiques with good quality
elegance, simple lines, and form following function.reproductions. Simple and sturdy well made pieces will
The current trend awareness of environmental issuesgive your home the look you are after. You can
and "green living" dovetails into this aesthetic haseasily mix in textural upholstered pieces in a simple
resulting in a resurgence of interest in the Arts andshapes to soften the room. Embroidered pillows and
Crafts Style.tabletop linens also "soften the edges" of the
Creative use of space in traditional bungalowstypically masculine forms of mission furniture, adding
typically included built in cabinetry and open practicalcolor and texture to delight the eye.
floor plans. Many of today's newer craftsman styleDon't underestimate the effect lighting will have a on
homes and bungalows are much larger than at thethe feel of your craftsman home. It can never be
turn of the century, but still reflect open styling andsaid too often, mixing good quality carefully chosen
distinct interior and exterior detailing.pieces with your antiques is a great way to get the
Original Craftsman homes with their darker woodmost from your design dollar. Remember to balance
interior details often boasted lots of windows tooverhead lighting with table lamps and pendants to
bring in natural sunlight. Choose sheer, simple fabricscreate flattering light from several heights in the
for window coverings to allow ample light into theroom. Mixing lighting fixtures of various shapes and
home. A simple embroidered detail along the hemlinestyles within the movement adds impact to any
will add the "craftsman touch."room. Try a stained glass table lamp, perhaps
The natural interior colors for your craftsman stylesconces with hand blown glass shades, or simple
home can be easily inspired by nature. Think of usingpendant lights with clear glass over a kitchen island.
the colors of a vineyard, the different hues of fallHand crafted artisan lighting is a great way to add
leaves, the muted tones of stones. Nature is anythingquality to your home and can give the richness of an
but boring! It is soothing to the eye to follow yourantique at a fraction of the cost.
interior colors as they continue outside, as whenRugs can vary from Navajo style to the many
glancing through a window or an open door. Takebeautiful Arts and Crafts patterns produced today.
your outdoor surroundings into consideration, theRemember to add your personal touch with
colors of the foliage and sky. The craftsman styleaccessories made of hand hammered copper, Tile
home ideally feels as if it is "growing" from it'sand pieces of Art Pottery to complete the
foundation. Colors should reflect nature and never beCraftsman Touch.
glaring or harsh.