Shoptalk by Sturbridge Yankee Workshop

With its distinctive slats and fine craftsmanship, Mission style is a popular and versatile decor option for your home. This style originated during the later part of the 19th century and carried over into the first part of the 20th century; once named the Arts and Crafts design movement. A simpler style than the previous, highly ornamented Victorian furniture, Mission Style to this day continues to decorate American homes. Gustav Stickley and Charles Limbert were among to the first true influential designers and furniture makers at the time.

Though the actual term Mission was coined by a retailer and furniture maker, Joseph P. McHugh of New York. He wanted to offer a line of furniture that presented a style similar to a chair seen at the Swedenborgium Church in San Francisoco, CA in 1894. The Mission style could also then be associated with the famous Spanish Missions located throughout California; though the architectural style is and was quite different. Today, Mission decor is understood mostly through the use of Mission furniture, but there are other ways to incorporate this distinctive style in your home.

A Mission to Decorate

At Sturbridge Yankee Workshop we offer quite an assortment of Mission style furniture. Our Mission Console & Mirror Set seen here to the left, is a classic Mission piece. Crafted of imported hardwood, the mirror features handy hooks to hang hats, scarves and coats. The matching console has a drawer for stashing gloves, mail or other small items. There is plenty of room on the console top for a table lamp and decorative accessories; while the bottom shelf provides storage space for books and baskets. Perfectly placed in an entryway or foyer, it gives a warm greeting and an instant identification of Mission decor in your home. Another furniture piece at Sturbridge that works well with this theme and can really go anywhere you need, is our set of Mission Nesting Tables. Also crafted of imported hardwood, this piece shows off a classic design that blends with your existing decor. Keep them nested together, use them individually in one area, or scatter throughout your home. They are suitable for end tables, plant stands, or a unique telephone table.

The popularity of Mission style rests in its versatile design and clean, simple lines. Yet it’s not all about the furniture. Mission decor is highlighted through the use of stained glass accents; as seen above through the use of a stained glass lamp. This accent shouldn’t be over used, but when done correctly highlights the beauty of any furniture piece. Those wishing to achieve the Mission decor style in their home should also consider the use of warm color combinations. Rooms painted with yellows, burnt oranges or soft browns can make the darker stains typically used on the Mission furniture pieces, come to life. Inviting color palettes can also be achieved with “pops” of fabric accents as well. Again not to be over done, a couple bold toss pillows like any of our Apothecary Pillows would be just the thing to make your Mission Style stand out.

In terms of Mission style seating, try our comfy Mission Glider and matching Mission Ottoman in your living room. While still showcasing the characteristic vertical lines, here we have a comfortable gliding chair that gives us the subtle color accent needed to achieve a modern Mission look.

~For more Mission decorating ideas from Sturbridge Yankee Workshop, click Here.