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Wednesday, April 19th, 2017
Wesley Allen Bar and Game Room Bar Stool B207H30B
Art Nouveau is a unique style that is rarely rivaled – those beautiful swirling lines, unrestrained aesthetics and timeless look – it is simply one-of-a-kind. This style first came into existence in the 1880s, yet on the advent of the World War I, it started to disappear from architectural features.
Yet Art Nouveau is a lot more than the expression of designers and artists of a new style. It can also be found in the beauty of nature and, ironically, also the expression of anxiety among these art masters. If you see violent lines and curves, then you are looking at the artists’ expressions of fear. There was so much pressure to look for something different at the time so Art Nouveau was both a relief and a form of rebellion.
Lead light, more popularly known as stained glass, became quite common during this movement. Architects from the Australian federation used decorative lead lights on bay windows, front doors, fanlights, fire screens, cabinets and interconnecting doors. The flowing art that is characteristic of Art Nouveau is everywhere.
Art Nouveau Today
Art Nouveau may be found in a lot of historic villas and homes yet modern-day homes also beautifully preserved this style. This design can be infused into the architectural design of your home but just make sure that there are still some fresh and contemporary elements for balance.
Art Nouveau may also be short-lived décor-wise but this is one innovative style that is difficult to ignore. Those curves and swirly lines are just so dynamic, full of tension and an ornamental force to reckon with.
Apart from the still prevalent stained glass, there are other interior design elements that reflect the beauty of Art Nouveau. Take, for instance, the floor tiles that show organic yet intricate patterns. These patterns go all the way up to the walls then through windows. To finish off this look, an Art Nouveau framed mirror can be used.
Wall tiles can also show a wallpaper-like texture. If you’re thinking of adding dimensionality to flat walls, then this is the go-to style. Art Nouveau tiles use combinations of colors and often have reflective surfaces. These very same surfaces can also cast shadows, hence, your home becomes a zone of various shades and tones.
Don’t stop on your walls if you really want to embrace the Art Nouveau style. The patterns can be taken all the way to the ceiling. They can serve as stucco relief or a beautiful trompe l’oeil (three-dimensional pattern).
If you want to go the extra mile, then do so with custom mantel or fireplace. Keep in mind that this style is a breakdown of sculpture, decorative arts, and architecture. Iron railings are also common. Picture the Paris Metro by Hector Guimard. This urban project was created during the Paris Exposition. In his work, he wonderfully fused organic forms and technology paving the way for fabricated iron.
Front entrance awning is also big on Art Nouveau. The Paris Metro entrances show fan-shaped iron and glass awnings but with opaque paneling. The beauty of this artwork does not end here. The paneling is also decorated with florals.
Now wouldn’t your front door be a feature to behold with such an awning?
Apart from florals, peacocks have also been a preferred pattern. This bird symbolizes beauty and opulence which are both fitting reasons to include them as Art Nouveau. Even wallpapers have peacock patterns which can be effectively contrasted with pops of yellow (a very fashionable color for 2017).
Decadent yet extremely beautiful, the textures have also been taken to painted murals. The peacock, when used ineffectively could also become the symbol of vanity and pride so you might want to be a little careful with its use.
Tags: Art Nouveau, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Art Nouveau in Your World
Thursday, February 23rd, 2017
Wesley Allen Bar and Game Room Bar Stool 207
Art Nouveau generated a lot of graphic artists, décor enthusiasts and architects throughout Europe. This style came with a wide variety of choices and it eventually became known as Jugendstil in Germany or the Glasgow Style.
Art Nouveau’s aim was to modernize design. It sought to break free from the eclectic historical designs that have been popular back in the day.
Artists saw inspiration in many geometric and organic forms, thus, evolving from classic designs. This evolving style emphasized the natural forms of furniture pieces that resembled the blossoms and stems of plants.
Art Nouveau also highlighted the linear contours which took over hues. This is usually represented in yellows, muted greens, blues and browns.
The Art Nouveau movement was geared to abolish the common art hierarchy. Sculpture and paintings in the so-called liberal arts became superior to decorative pieces.
Art Nouveau also had its fair share of tests. It went out of fashion before the First World War which paved the way for Art Deco. Art Nouveau experienced a huge revival in the 60s which why it is now seen as the predecessor of modernism.
Key Features
The deep desire to break away from the historical features of the 19th century was a crucial motivation behind Art Nouveau. This also prodded the establishment of modernism.
Industrial production was widespread during that time yet decorative art was then increasingly being dominated by mass-produced stuff which imitated earlier periods.
Art Nouveau artists also sought the revival of excellent workmanship to raise the status of crafts.
Art Nouveau also dominated the academic system from the 17th till the 19th centuries. This underpinned the belief that sculpture and painting were superior to ironwork and furniture design. Artists overturned the said belief as they aspired to create an art totality or the so-called Gesamtkunstwerks.
This movement then narrowed the gap between fine arts and applied arts. Whether or not this gap has been completely closed is a matter of debate these days.
Art Nouveau and the Table Lamp
Table lamps are a few of the most renowned Art Nouveau pieces that have been produced. An example is a lamp with a bronze base that mimics the lower trunk as well as the roots of a tree. It comes with a glass shade that appears like the shade of a Wisteria tree.
Art Nouveau Design Elements
There isn’t a single definitive feature for Art Nouveau. That comes as a huge relief to many homeowners since this gives them a leeway to embrace just the distinguishing elements and then they can be themselves.
Art Nouveau is a philosophy that favors the application of artistic designs to everyday stuff. No single object was too functional to be glamorized.
Art Nouveau is also the separation of fine art and applied/decorative arts. So this is a distinction between sculptures and painting from furniture, ceramics and other practical elements.
In line with the belief that Art Nouveau is art in everyday life, you can employ decorative patterns in all forms of art that you can think of. Use tendril and leaf motifs, even intertwined organic features, curves, also right angles.
Both the stained and varnished versions of hardwood are huge with Art Nouveau. You could also go big with colorful and Oriental rugs.
Say yes to Tiffany lamps as well as stained glass windows. These create authentic Art Nouveau ambience.
As for colors, it is a matter of personal choice. Just as long as you keep it fairly light while being enigmatic. Use browns, sage greens, lilacs and shades of mustard.
For your furniture, incorporate leaves, stylized flowers, roots and buds.
Tags: art in interior design, Art Nouveau, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Getting Deeper Into Art Nouveau
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