Turn of the Century lighting: ANNO
Turn of the Century lighting: ANNO
What is the “Turn of the Century” style?
What is the “Turn of the Century” style?
We often hear about turn-of-the-century apartments and old-world interiors. What does “turn of the century” really mean, and what does the style of this era actually look like?
The turn of the century refers to the period around the transition from the 1800s to the 1900s—roughly from 1890 to 1910. In interior design and architecture, "turn-of-the-Century style" is a collective term for the aesthetics typical of this time, especially in urban housing throughout the Nordic region, particularly in Sweden. At Markslöjd, we call this style ANNO.
How to recognize the turn-of-the-Century style
How to recognize the turn-of-the-Century style
Architecture
- High ceilings
- Decorative stucco and molding
- Tiled stoves
- Framed doors, baseboards, and paneled double doors
- seen in both elegant apartments and more modest homes.
Architecture
- High ceilings
- Decorative stucco and molding
- Tiled stoves
- Framed doors, baseboards, and paneled double doors — seen in both elegant apartments and more modest homes
Furniture & Details
Dark-stained wood or painted in white or grey.
Period furniture with refined ornamentation and craftsmanship, often understated yet elegant
Lighting & Lamps
Soft lighting, often through opal or frosted glass.
Curved arms, small decorative touches, and symmetrical shapes were common — as well as simpler models that still carried a handmade feel
Colors & Materials
• Soft, light tones: off-white, greys, beige, pale greens, and soft blues
• Natural materials: wood, marble, linen, cast iron, and brass
• Muted colors rather than sharp contrasts
• Herringbone parquet or wide plank wooden floors
Colors & Materials
- Soft, light tones: off-white, greys, beige, pale greens, and soft blues
- Natural materials: wood, marble, linen, cast iron, and brass
- Muted colors rather than sharp contrasts
- Herringbone parquet or wide plank wooden floors
Classic lamps in turn-of-the-century style
- Classic designs often inspired by old gas lamps
- Ceiling lights with glass shades or crystals
- Details in brass or chrome
The turn-of-the-Century aesthetic is a timeless blend of elegance and craftsmanship — a popular and sought-after style even today. It brings a sense of tradition into the home, with quality materials and subtle luxury that never feels overdone. This style works beautifully in both older and modern homes that want to add depth, character, and a hint of history.
Tip!
Want to embrace the turn-of-the-Century look in your home? Don’t forget the bathroom! Carrying the same style into your bathroom creates a sense of flow and harmony throughout the space — giving your entire home a more thoughtful, cohesive, and authentic feel.
Turn-of-the-Century bathroom lightingTurn-of-the-Century bathroom lighting
