Mission Style Decorating and Colors

Mission style decorating and colors can be an excellent way to capture the calm and beauty of this popular interior design style. While many homeowners are familiar with Mission furniture, they may be unsure on how to further incorporate this style into a room. Luckily, there are a few distinct elements common to Mission style decorating.

Mission style is a general term that can have many interpretations. In the American Southwest, it often refers to a revival of Spanish Mission style architecture. However, for most other areas of the country, Mission style refers to the angular forms and warm muted colors of the Arts and Crafts movement as interpreted by Frank Lloyd Wright and his Prairie style. For the purposes of this article, the term Mission style refers to the more common style influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement.

Mission style rooms often play up contrast with warm colored walls and dark furniture. Dark browns, burnt orange, deep yellows and reds are all popular colors. Accent walls are also popular for this style, but before combining several strong colors you should know the basics of color design in order to be sure of a pleasing combination.

Frank Lloyd Wright had an appreciation for stained glass. Consequently stained glass is associated with the Mission style. If you are purchasing stained glass to complement your Mission style decoration and color choices, choose angular pieces that are more abstract. Many stained glass pieces that would work well with a Mission style decor also make use of warm colors. Also, do not limit your decorating choices to stained glass windows; lamps, hangings, and small pieces of furniture can add stained glass to a room without exorbitant cost.

Mission style furniture is easily recognized by its clean, simple lines. Curved or overly ornate styles are the antithesis of Mission furniture, although some stained glass or light carving may be incorporated into the design. Most pieces are make of dark wood, although lighter woods can be chosen if necessary.

Drapes, pillows, and throws are another great way to add elements of the Mission style to your home. While solid colors will always work with Mission style decorating, consider a bold print in small doses. Specialty stores often sell Mission inspired fabrics; some are reprints of original designs that hung in some of the first Mission style homes.

Examining Prairie style architecture is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with basic Mission style interior design components. The most famous architect of the Prairie style, Frank Lloyd Wright, built several houses with what would now be considered a Mission style interior. Due to the architectural importance of these dwellings, many photographs are available of the interiors, which can be useful when looking for design ideas.

One common element of Prairie style interiors is the use of built in furniture and storage within the home. While this is almost impossible to effectively recreate in a contemporary home, using furniture that doubles as storage or that is placed against a wall can evoke this type of interior.

Due to its warm, inviting color palette and simple furniture, Mission style is often preferred for living room designs. However, an area such as a bedroom or kitchen can also benefit from being decorated with the basic principles of the Mission style. As with many other interior design styles, you should be careful to avoid recreating a period look, which can often make the room appear stodgy. Instead, try to follow the broad trends of the Mission style, while adapting the items you introduce into the space to fit your own aesthetic. Of course, if you own a Prairie Style or other early modern dwelling, a more literal interpretation of the Mission style may be appropriate.

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