Late American Colonial 1720-1790 As life in the colonies becomes more stable and prosperous, the decoration of interiors follows suit. Though ceilings remain low, spaces are more expansive, with paneled walls and floors of polished wood planks. Toward mid-century, classical detailing, simplified to suit Colonial taste and craftsmen’s skills, appears on-moldings, pilasters, and paneled doors. Wallpapers, first imported hand-painted designs, and later locally produced ones, have become very popular, as they had in Europe. The Chinese motifs seen in England are favored in America as well, par-ticularly with Chippendale-style furnishings. Windows are double-hung, with larger panes, and accordingly more elaborate window treatments; floor-length draperies of imported textiles in more formal rooms; chintz(an Indian influence), calico or ruffled curtains in others. Textiles are important, with sturdy wools and horsehairs made in the colonies, but the demand for richer fabrics, also making this the single largest category of imports. Later in the period, Venetian blinds appear, offering a better means of light control. Carpets, once only locally made hooked rugs, are now more varied, and include florals and geometrics. Imported floor covering, primarily Oriental, are only in the best rooms. Colors have become brighter and more varied in medium blue or shades of green¸ accents of white and bright red are popular interior hues. Furniture has become a reflection of Englands influence with an American flair from our own talented craftsman, the Phildelphia Chippendale to name one example. American furniture was generally slighter and smaller in scale.As American craftsman come into their own , form has become more important than ornament.
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