Edwardian Style

The Edwardian period, spanning from 1901 to 1910, was named after King Edward VII of England. This period followed the Victorian era and marked a transitional phase between the 19th and 20th centuries. The Edwardian era was characterized by social change, technological advancements, as well as a move towards a more relaxed and modern lifestyle. The Edwardian era witnessed the decline of rigid Victorian values and the emergence of a more cosmopolitan and leisure-focused society.

What Is Considered Edwardian Style?

The Edwardian style represents the aesthetic preferences, design sensibilities, and cultural influences prevalent during the reign of King Edward VII. This historic style period seen a departure from the heavily ornate of the Victorian style, and embraced lighter and more elegant designs. The Edwardian style embodies a sense of refinement, blending traditional elements with a growing appreciation for modernity.

Key Features of Edwardian Style:

Unlike the excessive ornamentation of the Victorian era, the Edwardian style embraced simplicity and elegance. Clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and a more restrained use of decoration were a style feature of this period.

Edwardian interiors favoured lighter and softer colour palettes, such as pastels and neutrals. This choice of colours contributed to a brighter and airier atmosphere in Edwardian homes.

Edwardian architecture and interior design emphasized the use of natural light, therefore large windows, often featuring delicate leaded or stained glass, were common, allowed for spaces to be bathed in sunlight.

The Edwardian style was influenced by Art Nouveau as it incorporated sinuous lines, nature-inspired motifs, and an emphasis on craftsmanship. This aesthetic was particularly prominent in decorative arts, jewellery, and architecture of the time.

This style period further embraced influences from various parts of the world due to the expansion of global trade at the time. Edwardian style contained design elements from Eastern and Colonial cultures, which resulted in a mixture of styles that added an alluring exoticism this historical period is famous for.

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Typical Features of an Edwardian Style House:

Edwardian homes often featured simpler and more symmetrical facades in comparison to the elaborate and ornate designs of the Victorian era. Homes appeared to focus on clean lines and a more understated visual appeal.

Some Edwardian homes incorporated half-timbering, a constructional technique which showcases exposed wooden beams against a backdrop of brick or stucco. Such incorporations added a touch of rustic charm to the exteriors of homes of that period.

Similar to the Victorian era, Edwardian houses had largely sized windows. However, these windows were often grouped in a more balanced manner, and contributed to the overall sense of proportion and harmony of homes.

Edwardian homes frequently featured open verandas or porches which provided outdoor living spaces for relaxation and socialising. Such spaces were often adorned with delicate railings and columns.

Hipped roofs were also common in Edwardian architecture as they created a more streamlined and uniform roofline. Roof dormers and finials were often added as decorative elements to the overall design.

The Edwardian style captivates a unique period of history, where the old world was transitioning into the new, and elegance was met with a desire for simplicity. This style's blends traditional elements with the newly emerging modern influences and reflects a period of social and cultural change that continues to influence the design style of today.