Mission style is a design aesthetic that originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries from the American Arts and Crafts movement. It is characterized by simple, straight lines, flat panels, and a sturdy, functional, and unadorned look that emphasizes the natural grain of the wood, most commonly oak. The style, championed by figures like Gustav Stickley, rejected the excessive ornamentation of the Victorian era and celebrated honest, handcrafted-style construction. Mission design emphasizes straight horizontal and vertical lines, with a blocky, heavy, and solid appearance. Primarily uses natural materials, with solid oak being the most common wood, but also cherry and walnut. Fittings are often made of copper or iron, and coverings might be leather or canvas. The design features very little to no applied ornamentation, with details like joinery sometimes highlighted with a darker stain. The beauty comes from the wood’s natural grain and the functional integrity of the design. Construction elements are often exposed, giving them a look of being handcrafted, though it was often mass-produced with a combination of machine and hand techniques.
