Art Nouveau – a design style from the early 1890s

Art Nouveau Interior Design

In the 19th century, the trend in interior design was more on neoclassicism. The emergence of Art Nouveau is the response to the traditional design style. The goal of Art Nouveau was to do away with the traditional ones and modernize the concepts and ideas in the decorative arts. The design style is inspired by the organic and geometric forms, evolving elegant designs that resemble the stems and blossoms of plants. Homeowners will be captivated with the lines and curves as well as the colors and hues that the Art Nouveau design style focuses on. Many designers and home owners are fascinated with the ideas and concept of Art Nouveau for the good characteristics of the design style.

Characteristics of Art Nouveau

Here are some of the characteristics of Art Nouveau that will amaze you and would like to have the design style into your home:

1. The addition of Tiffany lamps and stained glass windows create an Art Nouveau atmosphere.

2. Designers and homeowners have the freedom to choose the color of the interior as long as they are kept light and intriguing.

3. Flooring is usually made from hardwood which are stained and varnished and the addition of an oriental or colorful rug.

4. The design of the furniture are stylized flowers, leaves, buds and roots.

Historical perspective of the Art Nouveau

The term “Art Nouveau” was originally based from the name of the art gallery in Paris, “La Maison de l’Art nouveau”, which was owned by Siegfried Bing, an art collector. The gallery then showcased art works which were created in the Art Nouveau style. The addition of modern furniture, tapestries and other decorative objects during the 1900 Exposition Universelle made the place popular that the name of the place was used to denote the design style.

Simultaneously, in Belgium, the design style was promoted by Les Vingt and La Libre Esthetique, and in Germany, the style was being popularized by a magazine named Youth: the illustrated weekly magazine of art and lifestyle of Munich. Art Nouveau was known in various countries and in various names. For instance, Stile Liberty in Italy, Jugendstil in Germany, Sezessionstil in Austria and Tiffany style in the United States.

The exact origin of the Art Nouveau are not that clearly determined, however, art historians agree that its origins is associated with the English Arts and Crafts Movement. The design style was influenced by many from the Celtic art to Japonism, Art Nouveau can be applied to many disciplines or fields which include architecture, interior design, fine arts and glassware and illustrations

The movement became popular worldwide, however it was a short lived popularity and was out of favor by the 1920s when the Art Deco movement took place. In 1960s, Art Nouveau made a short comeback.

Art Nouveau design style ideas for your home

The main key element of the Art Nouveau design style is the presence of elongated curves and linear shapes. Most of the designs in this style was influenced by nature such as the stylized flowers, spider webs and feathers. These were all featured in the wallpapers and other furnishings.

Here are some ideas and tips to achieve that Art Nouveau look into your home interior:

1. Walls – the colors of the wall are usually muted and soft and likewise mixed with palettes of gray, mustard, brown, olive and lilac.

2. Flooring – the use of parquet floor or wood finish will achieve that classic appearance not to mention of you whitewash the floor or have it in mid toned wood.

3. Lighting – the Tiffany lamp were the ones popular during this period.

4. Decorative items – the furnishings may feature cured or straight lines which are geared upwards from the ground. Stained glasses can be used with the same design which resembles blossoms of plants.