Stick-Eastlake architecture is a style of Victorian architecture that emerged in the early 1870s. It was named after its two main influences, brothers George and Charles Eastlake, and their book 'Hints on Household Taste in Furniture, Upholstery, and Other Details,' published in 1868.
The Stick-Eastlake style was heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, which sought to preserve traditional craftsmanship in an increasingly industrialized world. The movement emphasized handcrafted details and a return to nature, rejecting the machine-made and ornate designs of the preceding Gothic Revival and Second Empire styles.
The style was also influenced by the Japanese aesthetic, which became popular during the late 19th century due to increased trade and cultural exchange between the East and West. Japanese woodwork and decorative motifs were incorporated into Stick-Eastlake architecture, characterized by delicate tracery and organic patterns.
One of the defining features of Stick-Eastlake architecture is the use of "stickwork" or applied wood decoration on the exteriors. Long wooden strips, known as "sticks," were applied vertically, horizontally, or diagonally to create geometric patterns. These sticks were often left exposed and painted in contrasting colors to highlight the craftsmanship.
The style also emphasized asymmetry, with irregular floor plans, projecting bays, and gables of varying sizes and shapes. Other typical elements included decorative spindle work, brackets, and carved wooden ornamentation. The interiors featured open floor plans, with exposed beams, ornate woodwork, and stained glass windows.
The Stick-Eastlake style gained popularity in the United States, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest, where it was adopted by the upper middle class. It became a symbol of progressive and fashionable taste, appealing to those seeking a departure from the opulent and highly ornamented designs of the time.
By the 1890s, Stick-Eastlake architecture began to decline in popularity, as new architectural styles, such as the Colonial Revival and Queen Anne styles, gained favor. However, its influence can still be seen in the Arts and Crafts movement, which emerged in the late 19th century and shared similar ideals of craftsmanship, simplicity, and natural materials.
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