Mission
style lighting is a straightforward style of outdoor
lighting characterized by its bold yet simple geometric
shapes, its use of organic, earthy materials like Oak
and Cherry wood; copper, brass, pewter, and iron;
stained glass, slag glass, and mica. The Mission style
of home design and home decorating was originally
associated with the Spanish missionaries living and
working in the North American Southwest.
The hallmark features of Mission design are straight
lines and simplicity of design. Mission style homes
typically have architectural features such as textured
stucco walls, twisted columns, and rounded design of its
windows and doors. Decorative touches might include
patterned tile work around windows and on the walls,
stone carvings, and elaborate grillwork. In contrast to
Victorian decor, the Mission style is basically simple,
not ornate or super detailed. The Mission style is a
uniquely American offshoot of an English and American
design philosophy known as the Arts and Crafts Movement.
The Arts and Crafts movement began in England in the
late nineteenth century when a group of painters and
craftsmen vocally criticized the mass produced, machine
made furnishings and decorative products of the
Industrial Era. Artists and architects rebelled against
the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and mass
produced products. Artist colonies were founded to
explore individual craftsmanship and creativity.
American designers picked up on the style and it became
very popular by the early 1900s. The Arts and Crafts
Movement emphasized creating harmony between the
furnishings of the inside with the surroundings of the
outside. "William Morris, Gustav Stickley, and Frank
Lloyd Wright are among some of the most well-known
designers who produced furniture and architecture in the
Arts and Crafts style, while many others produced
ceramics, glass, textiles, wallpaper, and silverware in
the same vein."(Barbara Mayer)
Mission style outdoor lighting is widely available on
the market today. The many beautiful choices include
wall sconces, chain hung chandelier and pendant
fixtures, post and column mounted fixtures-all perfect
for your deck, porch, or outdoor living room and
kitchen. These light fixtures are of strictly geometric
design, featuring stained or slag glass, or translucent
mica, set into a frame made of wood or metal. Lighting
fixture color schemes are earth tones such as cream,
amber, deep greens and browns, burnt yellows and
oranges, dusty rose, sapphire blue. These outdoor
fixtures will look and feel hand crafted even if they
are not. Tiffany style glass panels in geometric, right
angle designs are also easy to find. Because Mission
lighting is made for inside and outside, you can
coordinate your interior and exterior decorating. Great,
because that holistic design approach is a main tenet of
the Arts and Crafts philosophy!
Creating a Mission style for your deck, patio or outdoor
living room means you can also use design ideas from
styles such as Art Nouveau, the Prairie Style of
architecture, bungalow style houses, Mission oak style
of furniture, Tiffany stained glass, Mexican rustic, and
most definitely the English landscape designers Gertrude
Jekyll and Edwin Lutyens. Mission style is simple and
accepts a eclectic mix of elements, as long as all the
elements together create squares and rectangles, strong
earthy colors, and rustic, handcrafted look.
http://www.outdoorlightsandfurniture.com
Julia is a professional landscape designer and gardener
practicing in and around Boston. Helping people enjoy
life outdoors is a full time passion.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_Houriet
