notice the details of this routine - of - the - hundred dash and how it evolved from straight-laced architecture .

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Edwardian computer architecture is often omit in the United States , where it ’s much less pervasive than its popular Victorian herald . In fact , if it was n’t for a historical earthquake , we might not be peach about this architectural style in the U.S. today . Characterized by an emphasis on light and infinite , Edwardian - style domicile represent a transitional period influence by multiple architectures and changing lifestyles .

bay windows on edwardian houses in san francisco

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Brief History of Edwardian Architecture

Edwardian refers to King Edward VII , the monarch of the United Kingdom immediately following the priggish era . He dominate from 1901 to 1910 , and the architectural expressive style during that abbreviated period bears his name . You might see the Edwardian timeline extend to 1914 and the start of World War I , but it technically ended with his death in 1910 .

The Edwardian architectural style developed — and flourished — in England . It was influence by important change in lifestyle and technology happening at the bit of the century : people begin last in more suburban areas , electricity and plumbing became more widespread , and space for house staff became less necessary . As a resolution , Edwardian way can be get on attached and terrasse houses , flat buildings , and standalone houses likewise .

“ Edwardian architecture is primarily find throughout the British Empire , ” says architect and historianKate Reggev . “ In North America , the style is most frequently found in Canada , although San Francisco is an exclusion in the United States . ”

Edwardian houses in London

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At the time , Reggev say , residential computer architecture in the U.S. was more typically “ revival styles ” such as Colonial Revival and Tudor Revival . But in 1906 , an earthquake near San Francisco collapse parts of the city and caused annihilating fire , ultimately destroying thou of building . Shortly after the fire , the metropolis undergo a major rebuilding military campaign — and the computer architecture of pick was Edwardian .

Today , the Edwardian style can be discover in high concentration in the area of San Francisco impacted by the 1906 fire , including the financial territorial dominion , Telegraph Hill , North Beach , and Knob Hill .

Getty Images / Barry Winiker

Edwardian houses in Nob Hill in San Francisco

Credit:Getty Images / Barry Winiker

Characteristics of Edwardian Architecture

Edwardian Architecture vs. Victorian Architecture

Aesthetically , Edwardian architecture was largely work byVictorian computer architecture , but the simplistic symmetry ofGeorgian computer architecture , Arts and Crafts ' corner beams , andTudor ’s lumber stylesalso had an impact .

Plus , like otherhousing stylesthat have traverse oceans and continent , Edwardian computer architecture also has its own geographic panache . Around London , for instance , red brick and white dialect are a strong optical indicator , while a dominant triangular expression from a steep gable may indicate an Edwardian abode in Vancouver .

In the U.S. , there may be more similarities than differences between Edwardian vs. prudish computer architecture , but there are clear distinctions between the two eras . “ esthetically , these edifice were typically similar in style , form , and decorative elements , ” says Reggev . “ However , they [ Edwardians ] are often simpler with a more delicate , aerial finger . ”

Though still extremely decorated compared to later styles such asCraftsmanorBauhaus , Edwardians have less elaborate detailing compare to their puritanical counterparts , like theextravagant spindled Queen Anne style . Though prudish and Edwardian may seem almost - identical at first glance , a closer look discover significantly less embellishment on the facade and ceiling , and less vehemence on the multiple floors and levels .

Signature Elements of Edwardian-Style Homes

“ Edwardian home are oftenasymmetricalwith highly decorative features on the exterior , ” says Reggev .

Classical ornamentationlike cornice , dentils , and blockage modillion are plebeian to the frontal , according to Reggev . chromatography column are another classical feature that pop uparound windows or porch .

Flat roofsandbay windowsare usual to the flair accord to Reggev , as well asstained glass windowaccents . Rounded bay windows and give in windows often support out in San Francisco Edwardians .

at heart , Edwardians offer large , burnished rooms . agree to Reggev , eminent ceilings , tall windows , andnatural lightare equipment characteristic of Edwardian Interior .   “ mean more bright than dark and moody like priggish geological era Department of the Interior , ” says Reggev .   Layouts were also less closed off , lend to the airy interior experience .

Brighter colorswere also becoming more pop for surfaces , in part because electricity was beginning to excrete soot from abundant candle , oil , and flatulence lamps as well as other agent that blackened home exteriors and interiors .

Interior interior decoration often showcased strong influences of Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau . For example , flowered intent and motifscame into the family through wallpaper , carpeting , and internal interior decoration such as decorative fireplace mantel or fixtures like theiconic Tiffany lampsthat were pop at this time .