Progressivism in Colonial–style Living and Dining Rooms

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of the Reform or Progressive Movement on Colonial–style living rooms and dining rooms as depicted in popular decorating iterature during the first two decades of the twentieth century. It shows that the style was–influenced by such Progressive beliefs as the power of domestic environments to affect individuals and society, the crusade against germs and disease, and faith in experts to determine solutions to modern problems. The effects of Progressive aesthetic principles, such as simplicity, honesty, naturalness, and unity, also are discussed. The discussion shows that reform tenets were important in the Colonial style because they were regarded as inherent in the historic precedents from which the style was derived. Finally, this paper demonstrates that the combination of reform precepts and Colonial precedents appealed to the middle class and is one reason for the style's popularity with that group.