Queen Anne style

Queen Anne style is quite classical; the style is an admixture of few genuine Queen Anne principles, with some Dutch, a hue of Old European styles.

Also known as “shingle style”, this style is marked by its picturesque details, very intricate gables, multi-paned windows and some Japanese elements.

It is very informal, irregular and asymmetric. Though popular in Americas during early 1880’s, the real response among the designers was inconsistent, some hated it for its artificiality while other loved for its exuberance. How ever, it was more popular among increasing middle classes who just wanted to show their success. In reality, they wanted a new look for their houses, both in architecture and interior decoration. Very muted colors were preferred while vibrant colors were out. Fine, delicate furniture was chosen and the style guide was mixed and matched with other styles.

Architectural features and interior décor was very distinctive in nature and showed off:

Trends of being classical but with out any proportions
Highly hipped roofs
Metal painted cupolas over turrets
Gables which were straight
Hung walls with profusion of tiles
Red brick adornment
Tri-sided bays
White woodwork
Sash windows with minor panes in the upper half
Fan lights
Wrought iron works
Decorative terracotta embellishments with designs such as sunflowers

The decor used inside however was much more eclectic; it was usual to decorate each room in a different style.
Queen Anne homes contain furniture which is very lighter and graceful. Furniture is not only comfortable but also functional. Lines are very simple, with a bit of leaning on its linear forms. Cabinets are wonderful works of art with graceful curving lines and are called cabriole. Another interesting feature of any Queen Anne home would be the drop-leaf table, either round, oval or rectangular, which replaced the usual trestle table for dining purposes.

The decorative elements will include many interesting features, starting right from a clean verandah with turned porch posts and fan like brackets. Steeply erected roofs with turrets are also seen some times. The interiors are rich and exciting and some of the decorative ideas are too innovative:

The use of color is important, both on exterior as well as interior. Exterior sports multiple colors known as “historic colors”. The interiors show off a color palette consisting of pale primary colors, shades of pink, rose, violets, browns and earthly greens.

Accented usage of decorative plaster moldings or cornices. Intricately designed patterned friezes, ceiling medallions and mirror frames were works of craftsmanship and were highly embellished.

Presence of wonderful balusters to support a detailed stair railing is classic and makes way for a grand entrance.

Floors are usually parquet, with inlaid wood patterns or stenciled borders calls for attention.
Rich and feather touch carpets every where to give the feeling of fullness.
Decorative paint finishes on critical areas such as railings, doors and windows; darker colors used occasionally.

A well laid marble fireplace is the centre of attention in contrast to distressed lacquer-red walls.
Animal prints, do some times occupy the decorative theme of this style guide.

Fabrics can be richly textured and boldly colored with elaborate floral designs. Heavy fabrics like velvet can also be used.

Wall paper decoration was the in-thing, a style statement.

Furniture will include large couches and sofas which are often quiet plump, with soft upholstery.

Presence of large Armoires with a hint of older styles.

Dining room can show a heavy dining table with pedestal, exuding a feeling of wealth and status of the owner.

Collection of accessories and display of various figurines, china and dolls are common.
Lighting fixtures are varied; iron chandlers and wonderful shades for many tables and standing lamps are the classical examples of elegance.

Windows are usually stashed, with leaded and color glass designs.
Ceilings could be painted, papered, tongue-and-groove boarded, or of tin in the secondary areas of the house.

Glazed tiles will be used near the fireplace

Erection of built-in cupboards, with over mantels and robust combination of display shelves, seats and decorative panels.

Exotic Moorish type arches with hanging lamps

Extensive usages of oriental rugs.

Queen Anne homes usually personify a feeling of grandeur; with its stately living rooms, glorious chandeliers, empire like stair case, all adding warmth and a touch of aristocracy.