The Edwardian era covers the short reign of King Edward VII. It spans from 1901 to 1910 and is sometimes extended in both directions to capture long-term trends from the 1890s to the First World War. The untimely death of Queen Victoria in January 1901 marked the end of the Victorian era. This era was replete with beautiful architecture and various changes all across the British middle class. The changes in the everyday life of the people are quite apparent in the homes of this Era. The middle class grew and became more comfortable due the improvement in power and electricity. They also were able to save more money and build large homes for themselves with a smaller number of rooms but each one was more spacious and comfortable to live in. More people could stay in each as well due to the increase in size if required.
Edwardian architecture is an architectural style that gained popularity during the reign of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom. Architecture up to the year 1914 may also be included in this style as it had similar aspects to it.
Edwardian architecture is generally less fancy and ornate than late Victorian architecture, known as Edwardian Baroque architecture.
There were constructed during the period of 1910 and onwards. This style of architecture was popular for a number of years and took place during the reign of King Edward VII. He was the immediate successor of Queen Victoria.
Electricity became an easily available commodity during the Edwardian times. This also contributed to the rise in number of household servants. As the electricity was more regular and dependable people started living a better quality of life and investing in their housing structure more. The increase in servants was a by-product of this. More servants were happier to work in these homes as well because it was more comfortable for them as well.
Most houses of the Edwardian Era were 2 storey houses. These were partly detached from each other. Most houses had fewer rooms but they were large and spacious and made up for the fewer numbers.
Colours
Lighter colours were used to paint the houses; the use of gas and later electric lights caused designers to be less concerned about the need to disguise soot buildup on the walls as compared to Victorian era architecture.
Pattern
Decorative patterns were simpler and less complex; both wallpaper and curtain designs were plainer in most cases.
Clutter
There was less clutter than in the Victorian era. Ornaments were more grouped instead of being everywhere.