Edwardian Style
A Lighter Century: Grace, Air, and the End of Victorian Heaviness
When Edward VII ascended the throne in 1901, the English-speaking world was ready for the dawning of a new century -- and a new age in interior design. It was time to jettison the dark, heavy clutter of the Victorian era for something lighter, freer, and altogether more exuberant.
The Edwardian home reflected a cultural shift toward optimism and openness. Interiors began to feel less burdened by ornament and excess, and more inspired by comfort, sociability, and natural light. Rooms were still elegant, but no longer oppressive. The mood was fresh, modern, and quietly celebratory, as though society itself had taken a long breath after the intensity of the nineteenth century.
Early twentieth-century architecture was eclectic, so much so that in England, some militated for a unified national building style. The Edwardians resurrected elements of Georgian, Medieval, and Tudor style, constructing everything from quaint cottages to columned neoclassical townhouses.
This was an era of revival and reinterpretation. Rather than committing to one strict historical model, Edwardian designers borrowed freely from the past, blending traditions with a new sensibility of simplicity and air. A single home might combine Georgian symmetry with Tudor charm, or classical columns with Arts and Crafts warmth. The result was an architectural landscape rich in variety, yet united by an emerging preference for refinement over density.
Light, air and simplicity of detail were the unifying principles of this mix-and-match revivalism. Colors were fresher than during the Victorian era: pastel blues, lilacs, leaf green, muted yellows, pearl gray. Floral fabrics and wallpaper were complemented by the liberal use of fresh flowers in informal arrangements. Along with Sheraton, Chippendale, Queen Anne and even Baroque reproduction furniture, wicker and bamboo began to be widely used, adding further delicacy to the style.
Edwardian interiors often embraced softer palettes that allowed rooms to feel larger and brighter. Sunlight became an essential decorative element. Curtains were lighter, spaces were less crowded, and decorative accents were chosen with greater restraint. Pattern remained important, but it was gentler -- vines, blossoms, and botanical motifs replacing the heavy visual weight of Victorian upholstery and dark wood paneling.
Elements of Edwardian Style
Airy Color Palettes
Pastel blues, pearl gray, soft lilac, and muted greens replaced the dark Victorian tones. Edwardian rooms feel open and sunlit, with color used to refresh rather than overwhelm.
Floral Fabrics & Wallpaper
Botanical patterns were everywhere -- graceful vines, garden blossoms, and delicate repeats that brought nature indoors. Fresh flowers in simple arrangements completed the look.
Eclectic Revival Architecture
Georgian symmetry, Tudor charm, and medieval references blended freely. The Edwardian era revived history, but with a lighter hand and a more relaxed spirit.
Wicker, Bamboo & Informal Comfort
New materials introduced delicacy and ease. Wicker chairs and bamboo tables softened formal rooms and suggested leisure, verandas, and garden-inspired living.
Refined Classical Furniture
Sheraton, Hepplewhite, Queen Anne and Chippendale forms remained popular, but were often paired with lighter upholstery and simpler decorative surroundings.
Art Nouveau Accents
Curving lines, natural motifs, and decorative objects inspired by flowers, insects, and vines brought fresh modern artistry into the Edwardian home.
Edwardian Style Inspirations
Edwardian bright parlor with floral pattern and light palette
Edwardian sitting room with wicker accents and fresh flowers
Edwardian bedroom in pastel blues and pearl gray tones
Edwardian dining room with refined classical furniture
Edwardian entry with revival architecture details and bright paint
Edwardian Art Nouveau lamp and botanical decorative accents
Light & Air:
Edwardian rooms feel larger than life because they invite daylight to become part of the décor. Pale walls, lighter drapery, and thoughtful spacing replace the heavy density of the late Victorian home.
Nature, Pattern, and Ease:
Floral wallpapers, garden motifs, and fresh arrangements bring the outdoors in. Wicker and bamboo soften formal rooms with a relaxed touch that feels effortless and lived-in.
Featured Tutorial
Painted Stripes
Smart, bold and uplifting, striped walls can quickly transform a modest room into an exciting environment. From elegant and formal to casual and comfortable, the painted stripe offers a variety of design solutions and can be quickly adapted to your interior style. Because of the linear quality of this application rooms tend to feel larger. It works well in entrance foyers, living rooms, dining rooms and bath areas.
Early American Style
Colonial Amercians drew inspriation from their European heritage. Curent design styles would filter across the ocean and become reinventedin early America. Proportion and scale took reign over ornementation, A neutral color palette of grey blue, greens and rose pinks is readily apparent.
Stucco Rustico - Aged Plaster
Stucco Rustico is a Traditional interior and exterior textured plaster that epitomizes the rustic old world charm commonly associated with Tuscan environments. I love this treatment for its ease of application and the natural, organic glazed appearance that results when using mineral based plasters and glazes. Whether a rough application or a smooth finish, this treatment holds true to the test of time and, in fact, feels as if time itself stopped to wash the walls personally.
The Rustic Color Palette
The Rustic Style color palette falls within a distinct range of color tones and is essential in creating a successful Rustic interior. By using the appropriate color tones you can create a variety of design styles ranging from Period and Historic, regional or thematic. Color helps define our experiences within an interior and exterior environment. It affects us on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level and can be calming and passive, expressive and vital.
Painted Floral Details
Floral patterns used as accents in fabrics and furniture are common place details in the English Country home. These graceful and organic patterns complement the cozy interior of this style and work particularly well with lace window treatments, an heirloom tea service set and the natural and rustic charm of wooden ceiling beams and slightly irregularly textured walls.