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Tudor Design Period (1485 – 1603)

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With a growing economy from expanding trade, individuals were becoming wealthier and starting to build luxury houses with lavish interiors. Home owners would demonstrate their wealth with fine oak panelled walls, decorative plasterwork and elaborate fireplaces. The European Renaissance started to influence the gothic British style. Walls and windows would be covered in styles and patterns based on classical illustrations.

With a growing economy from expanding trade, individuals were becoming wealthier and starting to build luxury houses with lavish interiors. Home owners would demonstrate their wealth with fine oak panelled walls, decorative plasterwork and elaborate fireplaces. The European Renaissance started to influence the gothic British style. Walls and windows would be covered in styles and patterns based on classical illustrations.

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Tudor

The Tudors wanted to show their wealth with luxury interiors built using fine materials. Click the elements to find out more about the homes these people occupied.

Item Description
Ceilings Typical Tudor ceilings would have exposed wooden joists and central beams. Some decorative bosses may also have been present around the room.
Furniture Classic examples of Tudor furniture include trestle tables, benches, heavy chests and carved wooden four-poster beds. Carpenters would use locally obtained wood such as oak.
Walls Walls used rich, dark oak panelling or plasterwork and were often adorned with tapestries, embroideries, large murals, carpets or paintings.
Windows Windows tended to be multi-paned, with precise lattice work and casements. Glass was still a luxury product and not very strong so panes would tend to be small.
Floors Floors tended to be wooden or covered with encaustic tiled. Plaited rush matting would often be placed over the top. Less grand homes would have a simple dirt floor.
Lights All Tudor lighting came from firelight and candles. Tudors would use laterns and have large candelabra in the corner of rooms containing several rows of candles.

Georgian Design Period (1714 – 1830)

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Georgian interiors were known for their elegance and lightness of touch. Completing a ‘Grand Tour’ around Europe, particularly Italy, for two or three years, was fashionable amongst the upper classes. This meant that lots of foreign influences found their way into British interiors. The design reflected this neo-classical movement, with Palladian styles, seen today in cities such as Venice.

Georgian interiors were known for their elegance and lightness of touch. Completing a ‘Grand Tour’ around Europe, particularly Italy, for two or three years, was fashionable amongst the upper classes. This meant that lots of foreign influences found their way into British interiors. The design reflected this neo-classical movement, with Palladian styles, seen today in cities such as Venice.

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Georgians

With a growing European influence, the interiors started to resemble classical styles. Explore the elements of an elegant Georgian interior by clicking the blocks.

Item Description
Ceilings Ceilings were very high in Georgian homes. The were often decorated with intricate plasterwork and mouldings and may have been embellished with ribbons, swags, classical figures and urns.
Furniture Furnishings in this period were delicate, simple and elegant. Wing chairs and chairs with hoop or shield backs were very typical. Exquisite materials such as mahogany were popular.
Walls The lower wall was often panelled, the upper wall was then painted or papered. Wallpaper was often imported from the Far East and would have simple repeating patterns.
Windows Sash windows and shutters were fashionable. Georgians didn't have the technology to make large glass panes, so sash windows would be split into grids of smaller panes.
Floors Bare wooden floorboards covered with oriental rugs were typical. Wealthier Georgians living in grander homes would have stone or marble floors in pale colours with keystone patterns.
Lights Paraffin lighting was a major innovation of the period. Grand chandeliers would be used as the room's interior centrepiece whilst brass and silver lights would be mounted on walls.

Victorian Design Period (1837 – 1901)

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This era was typified by an eclectic mix of styles. The design reflected the expansion of world trade and growing global influences being found in Britain. Mass production and affordable products allowed homeowners to fill their rooms with textiles and furniture. However, a reaction to mass-production led to the ‘Arts and Crafts Movement’, championed by designers such as William Morris.

This era was typified by an eclectic mix of styles. The design reflected the expansion of world trade and growing global influences being found in Britain. Mass production and affordable products allowed homeowners to fill their rooms with textiles and furniture. However, a reaction to mass-production led to the ‘Arts and Crafts Movement’, championed by designers such as William Morris.

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Victorians

The Visionary Victorians drew influence from all over the British Empire. They favoured grand rooms in rich dark colours. Find out more by clicking on the elements.

Item Description
Ceilings Large ceiling roses were common. Decorative mouldings could be in various styles from Gothic gargoyles and rococo scrolls and feathers, to classical urns and swags.
Furniture Rooms were crowded with furniture. The furnishings were heavily carved and upholstered as well as being plump and over stuffed. Common items included button-back armchairs, sofas, ottomans and pouffes.
Walls Walls would be decorated with mass produced wallpapers with large bold prints of flowers, birds, animals and foliage. Victorian skirting boards were deep and usually made of dark wood.
Windows Cheaper and stronger glass became available which reduced the need for glazing bars and allowed big window panes to be installed. Stained and etched glass was also a common decorative feature.
Floors Areas with heavy footfall such as kitchens and halls would be floored with encaustic floor tiles. In living areas, floors would have patterned carpets and a border of polished floorboards.
Lights Gas lighting became available in the home. Brass, cast iron, pewter and tin light fittings would be attached to the wall and oil lamps would be placed around the room.

Edwardian Design Period (1901 – 1910)

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Following the heaviness, clutter and dark rich colours of Victorian interiors, the Edwardian era was much lighter and more cheerful. The early 20th century style was fresh, light, informal and feminine with the arrival of art nouveau style in British homes as well as the arts and crafts movement. Interiors were based more on farmhouses and old manors from previous eras rather than grand castles and churches.

Following the heaviness, clutter and dark rich colours of Victorian interiors, the Edwardian era was much lighter and more cheerful. The early 20th century style was fresh, light, informal and feminine with the arrival of art nouveau style in British homes as well as the arts and crafts movement. Interiors were based more on farmhouses and old manors from previous eras rather than grand castles and churches.

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Edwardians

The Edwardians wanted less grand interiors, preferring light and fresh spaces. Click to discover more about the different styles in an Edwardian home.

Item Description
Ceilings Ceilings were high to make rooms feel large and spacious. They often had simple plain coloured paint with a modest ceiling rose and central light fitting.
Furniture A range of styles from baroque to rococo were popular. Wing shapes were common and upholstery would often be in chintz and damasks in pale colours. Floral and art nouveau embroidery was typical.
Walls Wallpapers were fresh and cheerful, often decorated with light hearted motifs. Most people papered up to the wall rail and then painted the wall above with a plain colour.
Windows Edwardians typically favoured sash windows decorated with hanging pieces of lace and surrounded by plain or floral curtains to co-ordinate with the walls.
Floors Floors would be covered in highly polished wood block, with oriental rugs. Alternatively, bricks in a herringbone pattern or red quarry tiles would be used.
Lights Electric lighting was just beginning to be introduced. Central lights had pendant fittings in smoked glass. Tiffany lamps were also typical as well as fabric lampshades in soft colours.

1920s Design Period (1920 – 1929)

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The excitement of the Hollywood silver screen filtered through to design. Rooms were glamourous and sophisticated with geometric and angular shapes. People would dream of fantasy rooms for hosting lavish cocktail parties and royal patrons. Moreover, travel, especially African safaris, was especially popular, so exotic touches such as animal skins, ivory, mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell were all the rage.

The excitement of the Hollywood silver screen filtered through to design. Rooms were glamourous and sophisticated with geometric and angular shapes. People would dream of fantasy rooms for hosting lavish cocktail parties and royal patrons. Moreover, travel, especially African safaris, was especially popular, so exotic touches such as animal skins, ivory, mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell were all the rage.

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1920s

The roaring twenties saw interiors transform into stylish and modern spaces. Click to discover about the glitz and glamour of homes during this decade.

Item Description
Ceilings Ceilings were simple and white washed as not to distract from the glitz and glamour of the rooms. Although, in more extravent properties, entire ceilings may have been silver-leafed.
Furniture Furniture came in a hugely varied mix of styles. It was typically designed in strong streamlined shapes and in single pieces rather than suites.
Walls Walls would be plain and free from decorative plasterwork, often with a glossy sheen. Sometimes a striking painting would be hung up for impact.
Windows Windows were typically simple with metal window frames and decorative patterns made from lead. They normally opened outwards.
Floors People frequently chose plain polished parquet floors. Black and white chequerboard vinyl tiles were also typical. Floors were often overlaid with a large rug in geometric patterns.
Lights Lights featuring female figures holding the ball of the lamp were typical. Glass would have been etched, sandblasted or enamelled rather than coloured. Light switches were in Bakelite, a plastic resin.

1930s/40s Design Period (1930 – 1949)

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There were several different looks for the home. Firstly, there was Art Deco and modernism or 'Moderne’ styles. These were typified by clean streamlined shapes and lack of ornamentation. Buildings looked like ocean liners with curved sun-trap windows edged with blue railings and portholes. There were also lots of pseudo-historical styles, from mock-Tudor houses with half-timbering to neo-Georgian styles.

There were several different looks for the home. Firstly, there was Art Deco and modernism or 'Moderne’ styles. These were typified by clean streamlined shapes and lack of ornamentation. Buildings looked like ocean liners with curved sun-trap windows edged with blue railings and portholes. There were also lots of pseudo-historical styles, from mock-Tudor houses with half-timbering to neo-Georgian styles.

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1930s/40s

The 1930s marks a period of innovation in interior design as Art Deco and Moderne styles take prevalence. Click on the elements of a 1930s home to find out more.

Item Description
Ceilings 1930s ceilings were often plain coloured and simple. However, art deco style ceilings may have been decorated with geometric shapes and repeating patterns, often in black and white.
Furniture The three-piece suite with matching coverings is a 1930s invention and brown leather was a very popular material. Glass-fronted cabinets were also common. Beds would be entirely covered by silky satin eiderdowns.
Walls Walls were papered or painted up to the wall rail with a lighter colour painted above. Art Deco walls may have been decorated with repeating patterns.
Windows French windows and doors were popular, often with some stained-glass panels. Although, ‘Moderne’ houses didn’t have the stained-glass panels. Another typical design was porthole ship style windows.
Floors Lino was the most popular flooring material. Another common style would be to have floor boards covered with a rug decorated with geometric patterns and shapes.
Lights Lighting was mass-produced from industrial materials such as chrome, glass and frosted glass. For a modernist look, simple globe forms or tubes were arranged in groups like sculptures.

1950s Design Period (1950 – 1959)

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The 1950s was the age of the consumer. The post-war boom led to a culture of materialism and a desire for the latest home furnishings. There were several styles to choose from: an American diner style with bubble-gum colours, neon and kitsch, or a designer style with furniture and textiles decorated with geometric patterns. These have subsequently become design classics.

The 1950s was the age of the consumer. The post-war boom led to a culture of materialism and a desire for the latest home furnishings. There were several styles to choose from: an American diner style with bubble-gum colours, neon and kitsch, or a designer style with furniture and textiles decorated with geometric patterns. These have subsequently become design classics.

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1950s

After the post-war recession, everyone was after the latest mod cons and electric appliances. Click to find out more about 1950s interiors.

Item Description
Ceilings Simple single colour painted ceilings were typical. It was rare to have embellishments and decorations.
Furniture Houses were smaller so furniture had to stack and be portable. Furniture was often two colour tones and rooms would be organised so that the television was the focal point.
Walls Dado rails were no longer fashionable and skirting boards were plain and short. Walls would be papered and have cornice divisions. The style was simple and embellishments were not fashionable.
Windows Sash windows were out of fashion and galvanised metal windows were more common. Modern materials such as aluminium were a popular material choice.
Floors Chequerboard vinyl floor in black and white, red and white, or yellow and white was popular. Many also chose to have wall to wall carpeting.
Lights Straight lines and bold colours were fashionable. Hand-drawn effect patterns on lampshades became popular, inspired by a growing fascination for continental living and Mediterranean style.

1960s Design Period (1960 – 1969)

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The previous decade's love of American design was replaced by a more British-focused style. Interiors had creative twists on Victorian and Edwardian styles, the ‘20s and art nouveau. Groovy pop art and opt-art inspired patterns and styles were often used. The space age had a big influence with capsule and pod-shaped furniture. Hippie pilgrimages also brought oriental ornaments and rugs to homes.

The previous decade's love of American design was replaced by a more British-focused style. Interiors had creative twists on Victorian and Edwardian styles, the ‘20s and art nouveau. Groovy pop art and opt-art inspired patterns and styles were often used. The space age had a big influence with capsule and pod-shaped furniture. Hippie pilgrimages also brought oriental ornaments and rugs to homes.

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1960s

The psychedelic sixties saw the emergence of hippie culture and space age influences. Explore the different elements of a fashionable sixties interior.

Item Description
Ceilings Ceilings tended to be painted one colour to compliment the colours and style of the rest of the room.
Furniture S' and egg shaped furniture was popular. Pieces would often look futuristic and space age inspired. Wicker and bamboo pieces painted in bright colours were fashionable as well as bean bags and scatter cushions.
Walls Pine panelling was a popular choice. Psychedelic wallpaper in reds, purples, oranges, all with swirls and paisley patterns would be seen in many houses. Pop art posters would be seen on the walls.
Windows Wooden casement windows and centre pivot windows became very popular. Towards the end of the 1960s some chose horizontally sliding aluminium sash windows.
Floors People would have big shag pile rugs on the floor in most rooms. Groovy patterns were also popular on carpets and flooring.
Lights Lampshades would be covered in beaded fabric for a hippy-harem look. Moroccan-inspired lamps were also popular. The classic mesmerising lava lamps were a 1960s invitation, equally, neon-fibre optic colour changing lamps were fashionable.

1970s Design Period (1970 – 1979)

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The early part of the decade was a ‘hangover’ from the ‘60s, dominated by pop art, vibrant colours and newly available plastic furniture. However, recession and high unemployment led to a less flamboyant period of design. A ‘back-to-nature’ movement arose with a homespun ethos creating Victorian-style florals and hand-me-downs, lots of wood, rattan and rustic kitchenalia, and handicrafts such as macramé.

The early part of the decade was a ‘hangover’ from the ‘60s, dominated by pop art, vibrant colours and newly available plastic furniture. However, recession and high unemployment led to a less flamboyant period of design. A ‘back-to-nature’ movement arose with a homespun ethos creating Victorian-style florals and hand-me-downs, lots of wood, rattan and rustic kitchenalia, and handicrafts such as macramé.

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1970s

Tartan orange patterns and avocado baths, the 70s is a gold mine of interior design styles. Click on the different elements to find out more.

Item Description
Ceilings Exposed ceiling beams were in fashion often with hanging plants. Artex was also a popular plastering material for a simple look.
Furniture Houseplants would be perched on furniture everywhere in the home. Wicker furniture was popular. Avocado green and harvest gold appliances would be seen throughout the home.
Walls Walls would often be brown with oversized graphic florals. Bright, patterned wallpaper was often used along with wooden panelling and exposed brickwork. Woodchip wallpaper became a cheap and fashionable option.
Windows In order to have as much natural lighting as possible, big windows and skylights were popular in homes during this period.
Floors Rugs with oversized graphic florals were fashionable as were earth-toned terracotta tiles and hardwood flooring. Sunken relaxing areas were also common.
Lights Fibre optic lights were common. Spherical paper lampshades also came into fashion around this period.

1980s Design Period (1980 – 1989)

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During this period, an Art Deco revival occurred in the realm of design. Clean-lined shapes with modern curves were prominent, but angles and ’30s-inspired arches also infiltrated the home in a style known as ’80s Deco. Art Moderne-style artwork, ceramic curves on modern vases, and rounded furniture were all popular. This decade also saw a twee floral overload.

During this period, an Art Deco revival occurred in the realm of design. Clean-lined shapes with modern curves were prominent, but angles and ’30s-inspired arches also infiltrated the home in a style known as ’80s Deco. Art Moderne-style artwork, ceramic curves on modern vases, and rounded furniture were all popular. This decade also saw a twee floral overload.

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1980s

Wallpaper borders and Laura Ashley floral designs, the 1980s saw an eclectic mix of styles. Click to find out more about this decade.

Item Description
Ceilings Wallpapered ceilings or Artex ceilings were the two most common choices.
Furniture Rattan furniture, over stuffed sofas, reclining armchairs and glass-top tables were common. ‘In your face’ technology cabinets with record players would be seen in the corner of the room.
Walls Walls would be adorned with abstract pastel artwork, busy pattern wallpapers and wallpaper borders. Full wall mirrors were also popular. Bathrooms would be pink tiled.
Windows uPVC plastic windows became very popular as a much cheaper option and the trend of installing double glazed windows boomed. This period also saw the emergence of glass bricks..
Floors Floors would be carpeted wall to wall, often with coloured carpets, even in bathrooms. Lino or vinyl floors were also common, large circular rugs may have been placed on top.
Lights Art Deco table lamps were often seen. Neon lighting also featured prominently in homes.

1990s Design Period (1990 – 1999)

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After the maximalism and opulence of the ‘80s, typical early ‘90s design was focussed on simplicity of form. Funky clashes and bright colours were seen as dated whereas white and beige were considered as contemporary and trendy. Blonde wood and Scandinavian inspired design was very popular, giving interior spaces a bright, fresh and roomy atmosphere.

After the maximalism and opulence of the ‘80s, typical early ‘90s design was focussed on simplicity of form. Funky clashes and bright colours were seen as dated whereas white and beige were considered as contemporary and trendy. Blonde wood and Scandinavian inspired design was very popular, giving interior spaces a bright, fresh and roomy atmosphere.

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1990s

Large televisions, games consoles and computers flooded into the home. Explore the elements of a 90s living space.

Item Description
Ceilings Plain colours were chosen for ceilings to add to the minimalistic style. Most people would choose a cream colour or a slightly off white.
Furniture Futons, pine wood cabinets, wicker furniture and inflatable plastic furniture could all be seen in the home. A large TV and entertainment stack as well as PC desk would be essential.
Walls Whitewashed brick walls were the most common choice. Creams, beige, and pastel colours were also popular. Some people choose to install large mirror walls.
Windows Large window treatments were a common feature. Dried or fake plants would be placed on window sills.
Floors Blond wood floors were the most common design. People also choose light coloured wall to wall carpets.
Lights Hollywood lighting with bulbs around a mirror was a 90s classic style. Early eco friendly bulbs also started to become available.

00s Design Period (2000 – 2009)

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The noughties saw the use of much richer, deeper and interesting colours. People wanted cutting edge design that was still homely. Interiors styles had grown more individual and less prescriptive, it was all about putting an individual stamp on a property. Fashion and interior design started to cross over, with Zara becoming the first fashion brand to launch interior products.

The noughties saw the use of much richer, deeper and interesting colours. People wanted cutting edge design that was still homely. Interiors styles had grown more individual and less prescriptive, it was all about putting an individual stamp on a property. Fashion and interior design started to cross over, with Zara becoming the first fashion brand to launch interior products.

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2000s

Over the course of this decade, interiors became intrinsically linked with fashion and making your own statement. Click to find out about the aspects of a 2000s room.

Item Description
Ceilings Ceilings were painted in plain light colours and were not embellished or decorated elaborately.
Furniture Upcycling vintage treasures was a popular trend as was having deliberatly shabby chic distressed items. The popularity of Ikea boomed. Large flat screen TVs were the focal point of every living room.
Walls This decade saw the rise of the feature wall, three plain walls and one decorated with everything from heavy damasks to florals and designer prints.
Windows Windows would often have faux mullions. French windows and bifold doors to access the garden are popular. Having house plants on window sills was fashionable.
Floors Wooden floors were a popular choice. For homes with tiled floors, people choose natural stone to imitate a spa or travelled look.
Lights In the noughties we started putting green lifestyles into practice. Energy saving lights become the common choice.

2010s Design Period (2010 – )

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There has been a very eclectic style so far in this decade. We are seeing global influences in design but also a retro revival harkening back to the '60s and '70s. Social media, especially Pinterest, is giving people greater access to widespread design inspiration. Self-expression has come to define the approach to interior design in this period.

There has been a very eclectic style so far in this decade. We are seeing global influences in design but also a retro revival harkening back to the '60s and '70s. Social media, especially Pinterest, is giving people greater access to widespread design inspiration. Self-expression has come to define the approach to interior design in this period.

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2010s

This decade is typified by a diverse mix of styles with obvious influence of the digital world and social media. Explore the elements of this decade’s interiors.

Item Description
Ceilings Ceilings tend to be minimalistic either painted the same colour as the walls or a lighter shade.
Furniture Upcycling, craft and personalising items continues to be popular. However, classic handmade British furniture is also fashionable. Industrial influence is also popular so we see furniture with thin metal structures. House plants have also made a comeback.
Walls Most people go for a natural décor style. Walls are often decorated with floral and botanical wallpaper or hexagon and herringbone tiles.
Windows Floral curtains and other pattern designs are back in fashion. Venetian blinds especially those in soft wood shades are also a popular 2010s choice.
Floors In recent years shag rugs have made a come back. Wooden floors and terracotta tiles are also a popular choice.
Lights LED lighting is the top lighting trend for the decade. “Urban industrial” is also an important style, people may choose Edison-style filament light-bulbs in exposed wire shades.