INTRODUCTION
The 1940s brought about many changes in the world- and also the bathroom decor scene. One big style that took off extravagantly was intricately patterned floors. This style was reflected all around the house, in many different materials. Some examples include brick, tile, wood, carpet, etc. Many believe that the current events in the 1940s affected home decoration more than any other era. When soldiers returned home from World War II in the mid to late '40s, traditional decor styles were in vogue. Families wanted to return to the basics as they mourned lost ones and celebrated heroes.
The 1940s brought about many changes in the world- and also the bathroom decor scene. One big style that took off extravagantly was intricately patterned floors. This style was reflected all around the house, in many different materials. Some examples include brick, tile, wood, carpet, etc. Many believe that the current events in the 1940s affected home decoration more than any other era. When soldiers returned home from World War II in the mid to late '40s, traditional decor styles were in vogue. Families wanted to return to the basics as they mourned lost ones and celebrated heroes.
ORIGIN
PURPOSE
VALUE
LIMITATIONS
SOURCES
- This style of floor patterning originated from the same trend around the rest of the typical 1940s home, only slightly behind the curve.
- In the past, interesting patterns and intriguing floor decor had slowly come into fashion. The design (like seen in the picture above) were adapted to match the bright, highly patterned walls and accessories.
- As mentioned in the Introduction, many soldiers were at war or returning from it during the 1940s.
PURPOSE
- This patterning of bathroom floors was new for the time, much different from the (boring) 1910s white tile trend.
- It was also indicative of the mainstream decorating fervor of the era, high in color and patterns.
- It was created to reflect the other elements of the bathroom.
- Floors were usually made of a waterproof or semi-waterproof material, like tile or linoleum.
- They could be many different colors and patterns, to match appliances and walls.
VALUE
- This patterning of walls and floors in the bathroom is indicative of the time period because the style is reflected all around the typical American home.
- It expresses the traditional values resurfacing as soldiers returned home combined with the modern feel of the past two decades.
- While there were several other styles of influence on bathroom design in this era, I chose patterned floors as the most central, commonly seen option.
LIMITATIONS
- However, this style cannot tell us the feelings and influences of immigrants, to poor or too traditional to conform to American ideals of decor.
- Also not represented are the very extravagant homes, which may have existed for many years, sticking to the original decoration theme; or have several different eras present.
SOURCES