Architectural styles and interior design styles have changed throughout history from primitive to modern. Home restorers usually like to stick with
a period style when restoring an older home. As we continue to upgrade our website, we will be grouping products by period and design style to
better help you find what you need for your period restorations.


PRIMITIVE/COLONIAL (1700’s to early 1800’s)

Beginning with the arrival of the first American settlers, the Colonial period included not only early primitive, but incorporated various styles
from the regions the settlers came from. Architecturally the period ranges from rustic to more sophisticated. Primitive decorating has a rough
simple look with muted colors. Furniture is square with peg legs and grained wood. It often incorporates folk art such as stars and antique window
frames. Primitive style used raw materials such as iron, brass, and wood with most of the hardware being hand forged by blacksmiths.
In the later 1700’s, early primitive structures evolved into brick or stone homes, or wood homes with clapboard siding. Most homes also had
brick fireplaces. The primitive/colonial theme is the inspiration for today’s country and shabby chic styles.


GOTHIC REVIVAL
(1830-1900)

Also called Victorian Gothic or Neo-Gothic, Gothic Revival began in England in the 1740’s and quickly spread to America as a revival of classic
medieval Gothic architecture. Gothic Revival style embodies characteristics of medieval architecture with high cathedral-like arches, steeply pitched
roofs, and gingerbread window trim. Hardware echoed the themes of European castles and parapets with dark finishes giving an aura of nostalgic
European history.
Other characteristic include stained glass windows, decorative patterns, finials, and use of scalloping.


EASTLAKE (1837-1901)

Eastlake style is named after English architect and writer Charles Eastlake and is part of the Queen Anne style of Victorian architecture. As a
reform movement, Eastlake changed the way people began to think about style by getting away from the large carved furniture pieces to a simpler
style. Eastlake furniture features low relief carvings, incised lines, geometric ornaments, and more flat surfaces. Eastlake got away from stains
choosing to accentuate the grain with oils and other natural finishes.
While coinciding with the Victorian period, Eastlake style is less ornate with modest lines and lightly incised lines as opposed to more deeply carved woods. Eastlake style also incorporates the use of nature themes, including simple plant and animal details.
While coinciding with the Victorian period, Eastlake style is less ornate with modest lines and lightly incised lines as opposed to more deeply carved woods. Eastlake style also incorporates the use of nature themes, including simple plant and animal details.
VICTORIAN (1837-1901)

Victorian style of architecture is a design style developed during the reign of Queen Victoria of England and one of the most recognizable and most
popular styles in both architecture and design. Victorian homes are usually large and imposing with two or three stories and have asymmetrical
shapes with wings and bays.
With the Industrial Revolution in full swing, for the first time mass production made products affordable for anyone. Homes became more ornate with decorative gingerbread trim, scalloped shingles, and wood or metal trim. Roof lines are steep with many gables. Many high-end Victorian homes also feature round or octagonal towers.
With the Industrial Revolution in full swing, for the first time mass production made products affordable for anyone. Homes became more ornate with decorative gingerbread trim, scalloped shingles, and wood or metal trim. Roof lines are steep with many gables. Many high-end Victorian homes also feature round or octagonal towers.


Drawing its influence from Gothic style, Victorian furniture is heavy with dark finishes and elaborate carvings and ornamentation. Victorian style
often includes interpretations of historical styles mixed with Middle Eastern and Asian influences. Designers often add French, Italian, Tudor,
Queen Anne, and Eastlake details so no two Victorian homes are exactly alike. Victorian hardware styles include the use of brass and bronze with
most being ornate and detailed.
ART NOUVEAU (1880's-1910)

As an important transition between eclectic Historic Revival and Modernism, Art Nouveau, or New Art, is an artistic style and design philosophy
popular from the 1880’s to just before World War I. The style is inspired by nature including flowers, plants, vines, and insects and was a means of
harmonizing architecture with the natural environment.


This New Art style was an attempt to get away from the historical styles of the 19th century and its mass production and to revive skilled
craftsmanship combined with modern design. Unlike the ornate Victorian style, Art Nouveau stresses curved lines, natural arches, and organic themes. Many proponents of the style found 19th century design excessively ornamental and believed function should dictate form. Many view Art Nouveau as a
revival of classic Gothic style.
This short-lived style was replaced by the Art Deco style just after World War I. Art Nouveau style experienced a revival in the 1960’s as an important predecessor of modernism.
This short-lived style was replaced by the Art Deco style just after World War I. Art Nouveau style experienced a revival in the 1960’s as an important predecessor of modernism.
ART DECO (1920's-1950's)

First appearing in France after World War I, Art Deco is an eclectic style combining traditional motifs with mechanized materials. The style, which
is experiencing a revival today, is characterized by bold geometric shapes with long sinuous lines, sharp edges, and bold colors. Unlike the nature
inspired themes of the Art Nouveau style, Art Deco embraces technology and industrialization. During the height of its popularity, Art Deco
represented glamour, luxury, and high style.


Materials in Art Deco include stucco, concrete, smooth-faced stone, Mosaic tile, and terracotta, along with steel, aluminum, neon, and glass. Metals include highly polished brass, chrome and nickel. Expensive materials including marble, ebony, and rare woods are sometimes used. Colors are bold
with lots of contrast and include deep yellows, reds, greens, blues, and pinks mixed with silver, black and chrome. Furniture is large scale and
made of exotic woods. Sideboards, armoires, and over-sized chairs are typical of the period. Fabrics are solid or geometric patterns – no florals or
plaids. Animal prints are also popular in Art Deco.
Famous American buildings in this style include the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, and Rockefeller Center, and Radio City Music Hall in New York; the Cincinnati Union Terminal; numerous buildings in Miami’s South Beach; and many buildings across the country.
Famous American buildings in this style include the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, and Rockefeller Center, and Radio City Music Hall in New York; the Cincinnati Union Terminal; numerous buildings in Miami’s South Beach; and many buildings across the country.