Mission: Decorate

Experiencing a resurgence of popularity in the late 20th century and into the 21st, Mission-style furniture continues to gain admirers. Emerging from the Arts and Crafts movement in the 1860’s, Mission-style furniture was a protest against the mass-produced ornate décor of the Victorian Era. In 1901, American Gustav Stickley published “The Craftsman” magazine, named after the beautifully simplistic style of furniture he produced. Today, furniture retailers sell new products that feature classic Mission styling; among them, Home Decorators Collection (www.HomeDecorators.com) offers a wealth of choices for affordable prices.

The quintessential example of Mission-style is the Craftsman Lounge Chair (www.HomeDecorators.com/Seating/Lounge_Chairs), which is the predecessor of today’s Barcalounger. With three reclining positions and wide curved arms, this chair will become a favorite retreat for reading or enjoying a hot cup of tea on a cool evening. Genuine brown leather or ivory textured fabric upholstery sets off the rich finishes of light oak, dark oak, or Macintosh oak. The cushions contain ample padding for comfort and support. A handsome ottoman and the convenient Craftsman magazine table with a pullout shelf for beverages and snacks make great companions to this beautiful chair.

With chamfered boards creating frames and columns, the Craftsman Lowboy (www.HomeDecorators.com/Furniture/Cabinets/) cabinet serves as both a striking accent of superior workmanship reflecting the clean lines and simple elegance of the Arts and Crafts movement and a functional addition to the home. Sideboards instantly add coveted storage space to kitchens or dining rooms. Tuck away glasses, plates, vases, serving platters and table linens behind sturdy wooden doors for a streamlined look. In addition, it serves as an ideal buffet, offering extra serving space for entertaining all year round.

This timeless classic is available in several options to fit differing demands of space and taste; two, three, or four door models are available with wood or glass doors. Each sturdy piece in this increasingly popular Craftsman Collection (www.HomeDecorators.com/Furniture/Cabinets/Craftsman/) is carefully handcrafted of oak veneer. Of course, lowboy cabinets work just well outside the kitchen and dining room. Get creative with the uses for this practical, eye-pleasing piece. Consider using these storage cabinets in the bedroom, hallway or family room for keeping sweaters, extra linens, books or board games out of site but within easy reach.

Home Decorators Collection has many other items fashioned in the Mission style, including desks, bathroom furniture, computer armoires and television cabinets in addition to other great collections of decorating styles. Home Decorators Collection is one of the nation’s largest direct sellers of merchandise for the home. In addition to catalog and website, it has retail stores in St. Louis, Kansas City, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. For further information, visit www.HomeDecorators.com or call 1-800-245-2217 for a free catalog.