Interior Decorating-

Interior design and decorating in America had many changes over its generations. The main styles America experienced started at Gothic then traveled to Elizabethan and finally Rococo. Rococco style is a French style that made every room so decorated that it was seen as a work of art. Small, delicate sculptures were used to accentuate the room. Tapestries that displayed rich culture were also used in the rooms. Elegant furniture The main influence on American interior design was from Europe. This created a problem for Americans because they were trying to separate themselves from England. Most Americans wanted to set up their own distinct "American Style". Wood panelling was now only used on walls for molding above the height of chairs and the most elaborate wood in the house would be found on the mantel, doors, and window frames. This wood was enriched with intricate carvings. Rich colors were used for curtains to cover windows and also on the fabric of the sofas and chairs. Walls were kept lighter to balance out these colors and were usually painted light gray or white. Later on, walls were covered with brick-printed wall paper or, in simpler homes, stencilled designs were made.

Citation:
"Interior Design." Britannica.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2010.
Late-18th-to-early-20th-centuries-in-the-US>.

Alice Morse Earle

Alice Morse Earle was an American historian and author during the 19Th century. She was born in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1851. Her writing was very important in understand the social aspect of life during this time period. She mainly focused on Colonial America, mainly in New England. Morse Earle began writing due to the wishes of her father. Her focus on social life and cultural aspects made her a pioneer for writers of social history. Morse Earle followed the beliefs of Darwinism and the idea of “survival of the fittest”. She documented many examples of domesticity in the colonies and during this time period and many of her perspectives can be seen in her writing. Some things Morse Earle believed in include temperance, the abstinence of alcohol. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution but did not partake in any movements that were too radical or involved the fight for women’s suffrage. Her focus on family life and domesticity did not earn Alice Morse Earle the respect she deserved, and even today her work is isn't taken very seriously by other historians. Near the end of her life, Morse Earle grew ill after falling in the ocean due to a boat crash. Alice Morse Earle died in 1911. Her most famous works include; Colonial Dames and Good Wives, Child Life in Colonial Days, and Customs and Fashions in Old New England.

Citation:
Lewis, Jone Johnson. "Alice Morse Earle." about.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Feb.
2010. alicemorseearle.htm>.