If the exotic landscapes of Paul Gauguin, the expressive portraits of Michail Wrubel and the romantic pictures of women by Alfons Mucha fascinate you, then you are definitely a real Art Nouveau fan. Even if you haven't heard of these artists yet, but still like ornament-rich furniture and decorations with an antique look, then it's high time to get to know this interesting stylistic period better. Art Nouveau is very romantic, colorful and multifaceted. We will show you all the features of Art Nouveau in interior design and furnishings and give you some tips on how you can integrate exciting accents into your own four walls.
What is Art Nouveau?
Art Nouveau is the German term for the internationally significant style that spread across large parts of Europe at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries (from around 1895 to 1914). The art era is expressed in ornamentation and is inspired by nature in all its forms. The artistic avant-garde wanted to finally break away from strict historicism and create art that was new, contemporary and anti-traditional. The architecture in almost all Western and also numerous Eastern European countries was influenced by Art Nouveau. Even everyday objects and technical constructions should be decorated and embellished. This is how vases, furniture and jewelry were madeornamental shapes and curved lineshad.
Difference betweenArt Nouveau,Art Nouveau and Art Deco
The style has very different names in different countries. Art Nouveau is the name for Art Nouveau in France. In Spain and Catalonia it is called “Modernism”, in Austria “Vienna Secession Style”, in Italy it is known as “Stile Floreale” or “Liberty Style”. Some of the terms used can also be classified as styles. No matter what name is used, it is an artistic style that aims to give life more beauty and aesthetics. With the First World War, the heyday of Art Nouveau was over. The Art Decó style, which has its roots in Art Nouveau, was developed in the 20s and 30s.
The style in interior design – characteristics
The style in the interior design was determined by natural,curved lines, ornaments borrowed from nature and the abandonment of symmetries. It seems as if every detail was created by nature itself and not by man. All elements should flow seamlessly into one anotherconnected into an artistic wholebecome.
The furniture and other everyday items are characterized by a high quality of craftsmanship. The use of valuable materials such as solid wood, wrought iron and glass is characteristic. The glass art used in the design of the door and window glazing is also considered particularly decorative. The glass art of Louis Comfort Tiffany is also stylistically closely linked to Art Nouveau. You probably knowits beautiful lights.
Floral motifs are typical. Aquatic plants such as irises, lilies, orchids and water lilies are preferred. The bud was also given a special meaning as a symbol of new life. In combination with other motifs from nature such as dragonflies, butterflies, peacocks and swallows, a particularly harmonious overall picture is created.
When it comes to colors, you have free choice. Art Nouveau is very colorful and all imaginable colors are used. The focus is clearly on shapes. Although there is no particular preference for color, warm gold and dark wood tones are often used. Blue and green go perfectly with this.
How can you do that today?Art Nouveauintegrate into your own four walls?
Self-confident people who want to express their love of art can choose furniture and furnishings with an Art Nouveau look. The following examples show how the typical features of the style can be interpreted in a modern way.
Elements of theInterior design:Ceilings and stairs
The interplay of stained glass and light creates fascinating effects in every room. This is how you can really show off a stained glass ceiling lamp using indirect light. Another nice idea would be stucco moldings with floral decorations. The decorative profiles are easy to process and glue.
A central element of the interior design is the staircase. Spiral staircases with sweeping lines and decorative banisters are very popular. In conjunction with high-quality materials and surfaces, aesthetic sculptures are created that shape rooms and set accents.
Wall design
Patterned wallpapersoffer a wide range of design options and can be easily integrated into modern furnishings. So that the pattern does not appear too dominant, it is best combined with light, neutral colors. The color duo cream and silver looks very elegant!
The Art Nouveau style finds its strongest expression in painting. For this reason, paintings by well-known Art Nouveau artists would be a great highlight in any room. The reproductions of Alphonse Mucha and Gustav Klimt could be a real eye-catcher in your own home as art prints on canvas or as posters with picture frames. As a photo wallpaper in XXL format, the pictures become a real experience.
Wall Mural Gustav Klimt thekissin the bedroom
In the opulent works of Gustav Klimt, figures and ornaments merge into compositions of unique sensuality. His most famous painting is “The Kiss”.
Alphonse Mucha Poster“Diefour Seasons"
The Czech artist Alphonse Mucha is one of the most famous representatives of international Art Nouveau. In his paintings he stylizes beautiful women into an ornament with a timeless aesthetic.
Lamps
The Art Nouveau lamps, whose shades largely consist of colored pieces of glass soldered together, are particularly valued to this day. This technique was invented by the US painter and glass artist Louis Comfort Tiffany, which is why these special lights also bear his name. A Tiffany-style table lamp harmonizes beautifully with a floral rug and a wall mirror with lavishly decorated frames.
Art NouveauTiles
By using tiles in the bathroom or kitchen you can bring art into everyday life. Decorative curved lines and floral ornaments create a true work of art on walls and floors.
ArtfulBed headboard
Even if you can't afford real furniture from the Art Nouveau period, there are numerous ways to interpret the romantic ornamentation in a modern way. The delicate decorations on this headboard, for example, look like an artfully painted Art Nouveau ornament.
Muster
With these templates you can give any object a romantic Art Nouveau look. The simple motifs are perfect for stenciling walls, furniture and all smaller objects. To do this, you have to cut out the inner surfaces of the motif with a cutter. The complicated ornaments can be described as:Pattern for stained glasstransmitted. You can trace the contours with a glossy paint marker and then fill in the areas of the motifs with color. You can make a painted glass window yourself or artistically decorate other glass panes. There are no limits to your imagination!
Tip: When painting glass, use a maximum of three colors in an unequal ratio, e.g. 50-30-20. Freedom in interpreting plant images is allowed, but the lines should look natural. The use of black contours in combination with light colors is very popular.
