Eastlake

Eastlake refers to a style of Victorian era furniture and interior design that originated in the mid-19th century. It is named after Charles Eastlake, a British architect and furniture designer. Eastlake's philosophy emphasized craftsmanship and the use of natural materials, rejecting the excessive ornamentation and mass production of earlier Victorian styles.

Key characteristics of Eastlake style include strong, straight lines, carved detailing, and the use of indigenous woods like oak and walnut. Furniture often features geometric patterns, incised carvings, and sometimes turned elements. Upholstery typically employed natural fibers like wool and linen, often in muted or earth tones. The aesthetic aimed for a sense of solidity and unpretentiousness, a contrast to the more ornate Rococo Revival or Gothic Revival styles prevalent at the time.

While Charles Eastlake himself published influential design manuals, the term "Eastlake style" eventually came to encompass a broader range of furniture produced in America and Britain that adopted some of these principles. It gained popularity in the United States during the late Victorian period, influencing not only furniture but also architectural details and interior decoration. The style's emphasis on sturdy construction and less ostentatious decoration resonated with a segment of the public seeking a more restrained aesthetic.