Art Nouveau in the interior: style characteristics and examples
“Wave Style” is characterized by incredible softness of lines, which helps to achieve a state of internal harmony and has a calming effect on a person. It successfully interweaves the elegance inherited from the Baroque, industrial motifs and multi-genre. The art nouveau style in the interior is striking in its grace and noble aristocracy, which is found in the classic variation of the direction. It is not without brevity, although it is designed for spacious apartments. Let's talk about this amazing, unique direction, which even after a century does not lose its relevance and continues to be embodied in modern interiors.
The term "art nouveau" itself means "a novelty in art." He really burst into the history of design with a fresh wind, ruthlessly sweeping away the hateful ideas of previous stylistic concepts on his way. The end of the 19th century is considered to be the time of birth of the direction. During this period, technological progress only gained momentum. Borders between countries rapidly erased, which entailed a mixture of styles. Although the world was developing rapidly, in art the process of change was much slower. Saturated with the luxury of rich apartments, the designers tried to draw new ideas that corresponded to the "spirit of the time." The young generation of architects, artists, designers consciously sought to synthesize a new style: with a grand scale, unlike previous directions, unique in its kind. The formation of art nouveau began simultaneously in several parts of Europe. In different countries, he even received other names. Art Nouveau, metro, or Guimard style direction was dubbed by the French. Guimard - an architect who designed the entrances to the subway, famous for its uniqueness and "dissimilarity" to similar objects in other countries. In Belgium he was called the style of Horta (modernist architect), in Italy - liberty. Artists and designers drew inspiration from nature: soft lines, neutral colors, original decor that resembled natural elements (butterflies, buds, dragonflies). Classical art nouveau did not recognize orderliness in the interior. In more modern versions, the direction has undergone changes and, under the pressure of the ideas of rationalism, it gradually began to delete the natural component from the basic concept. Subsequently, the style became the founder of Art Deco and marked the beginning of the era of functionalism in art in general, and in design in particular. In its heyday, art nouveau was used everywhere in the design of restaurants, shops, cafes and indoor clubs,where creative bohemia gathered.
Main features, features and characteristics
Although the style is multi-genre and unites a whole group of sub-directions, art nouveau is characterized by common features:
Smooth, curved lines. No "correct" geometry. A favorite pattern in art nouveau is the waves.
In interiors, an ornament with floral motifs is necessarily found. Moreover, exotic gives inspiration: peacock feathers, rare tropical flowers, which are strewn with long vines, curved branches of trees, bends of light wings of butterflies or dragonflies. Also in the interiors are often found roses, irises, grapes, clematis, hops, lilies.
Asymmetry. This trend is not suitable for perfectionists who like pair repetition of furniture and decor.
In the color scheme, natural shades prevail.
Instead of ordinary doors, rooms are connected by arched openings.
The presence of wide, curved stairs.
Stained glass, fragments of which form a bizarre mosaic.
Another characteristic feature of the direction is the completeness of the interiors. The abundance of details never crosses borders and does not overload space. Art Nouveau interiors are as organic and picturesque as natural landscapes.
Colors used
The basis of the color scheme is white and shades of brown: sepia, bistre, ocher, walnut, terracotta, chocolate, brick, chestnut, umber, vanilla, copper, sepia, carnidal, somone, gummigut, beige, cream and coffee with milk. The main thing is that tones are natural, natural and do not cause a person's intuitive rejection and rejection. As accents, they choose olive, mustard, wine, turquoise, purple.
Finishing materials
For the decoration of rooms using different texture materials that create an organic combination. Piece flooring is used as flooring. In modern art nouveau, the use of a laminate is permissible.To finish the floor in the kitchen and in the bathroom, stone or tile is used, which smoothly flows into the wood lining of the neighboring rooms. Surfaces are often adorned with patterns and smooth stains that resemble the original texture of a tree or a mix of cream in a cup of coffee. Walls are papered or covered with decorative plaster. In rare cases, they are dyed or draped with fabrics that, with soft, falling folds, add an additional portion of “waviness” to the interior. The ceiling is plastered in classic white. However, its texture is rarely laconic due to additions in the form of a floral ornament from stucco molding or stained glass inserts. It was in this direction (the first of the classic ones) that the idea of using ceilings of complex configuration took root. Now in modern styles such an interior solution is not new, but in the heyday of art nouveau it was a curiosity. Chimney shelves, decorative niches, accent elements are finished with natural or artificial stone.
About furniture
In interiors decorated in the style of art nouveau, usually used massive wooden furniture. However, it does not seem so bulky and heavy as in a classic apartment. A similar effect is achieved due to the ornate interweaving of the lines of arched openings, cornices, stair railings, headboards and cabinet facades, which forms a fancy lace. The configuration of furniture items is also very specific: non-standard forms are only welcome. Surprisingly, in this nuance, art nouveau is similar to futurism, which is also characterized by the use of "streamlined" details.
Lighting
The rooms are usually decorated with wide panoramic windows, so there is no shortage of natural light. In each room, it is enough to place a massive ceiling chandelier with multi-tiered rows of bulbs. The more intricate its shape, the better. Chandeliers adorn numerous crystal elements and elegant wrought iron details.In classic art nouveau use devices that simulate candlesticks. In the bedroom, local lighting is represented by one large sconce above the headboard. In the living room they additionally put a pair of lamps. In the kitchen, the working area can be highlighted with spotlights that correctly mask over the apron. Chandeliers are usually combined with a relief element on the ceiling: stained glass, glossy, metal or wooden insert, decorative “ledge”. The main secret of art nouveau is frosted glass on shades, which scatters the light and creates a mysterious and slightly mystical atmosphere.
Decor and Textile
In the interiors there are always forged elements and stained glass windows that adorn not only the windows, but also act as independent art objects (paintings). The use of mirrors in massive frames, which are more reminiscent of a pattern of tightly woven tree roots or vines, is encouraged. Massive floor vases with floral ornaments, large sculptures depicting people or animals, paintings on the walls are also used. The main subjects of the latter are picturesque landscapes, pacifying ponds, fabulous panoramas, still lifes with flowers and fruits. From textiles, preference is given to natural fabrics: velor, brocade, silk, velvet. The windows are closed with dense curtains. Upholstery of furniture is usually replete with plant patterns that are slightly powdered with gilding. The floors are carpeted.
The abundance of floral motifs does not at all preclude the use of indoor plants. Flower pots, by contrast, are considered a necessary element in every room. They become a living continuation of the concept of "naturalness", the addition of man-made details.
Decoration of the apartment / house
Art Nouveau style rooms flow smoothly into each other. Doorways are recommended to be abandoned in favor of open arches. An exception will be only those rooms where it is necessary to maintain a certain intimacy (bathroom, bedroom).The scope of art nouveau is difficult to squeeze into the framework of small apartments, so the direction is recommended for decoration of spacious country houses. High ceilings, elegant staircases, panoramic windows, large rooms - this is fertile ground for the flowering of style in all its glory. In country houses, instead of cramped hallways, spacious halls are equipped. Combined apartment bathrooms are replaced with luxury apartments, where there is enough space for a classic bathroom on twisted legs, elegant chandeliers, massive mirrors and openwork partitions. If there is such an opportunity, then under the domed roof of the house they will organize a greenhouse, which will become a place for solitude and relaxation.
Living room
The living room in the art nouveau style is amazing in scope. Behind the massive sofa, upholstered in velvet of deep turquoise or coffee color, they place a fresco on the entire wall. Its top is crowned with a stained or carved wooden insert. Near the sofa there is a coffee table of an unusual, streamlined shape. Its countertop is made of a combination of frosted and ordinary clear glass. A pair of pillows is modestly huddled on the sofa.
Wide panoramic windows are closed with blackout curtains in a steel-colored floor, which are in harmony with the weightless white tulle. On the plastered ceiling, a stained-glass mosaic insert framed in wood stands out as a bright spot. The center of the decorative element is a massive chandelier. The floor is decorated with a soft walnut parquet board. Instead of a fillet, a stylized vine of wood or metal passes around the entire perimeter of the room.
Kitchen
The kitchen in the style of art nouveau is decorated in light shades of brown, which successfully combine with the milky whiteness of the set's facades. Their surfaces are additionally decorated with elegant carvings. Kitchen apron is decorated with ceramic tiles with floral patterns. In modern interiors, the use of plain material painted in a “tasty” accent color is allowed: wine, olive, mustard, tangerine.
A multi-stage chandelier of complex configuration is reflected in the glossy sheen of the floor with marble stains. The ceiling is decorated with stucco. In the kitchens combined with dining rooms, eating areas are decorated with a furniture set from a round or oval dining table and a group of chairs, the carved backs of which resemble openwork wings of butterflies. The walls are covered with vinyl wallpaper with a gray-bronze pattern, similar to the cunning interweaving of stems and buds of wild roses.
Bedroom
A massive wooden bed is decorated with a canopy, which, like a vine or hops intertwined with tall columns. The luxurious bed is covered with a brocade bedspread. The headboards are decorated with carvings. On either side of the bed they put small, simple bedside tables made of wood on thin legs. A triptych with picturesque landscapes or a painted bas-relief that depicts a peacock with a "loose" tail is hung over the head of the head.
A massive dressing table with a large mirror is located in a separate area. The ceiling is decorated with frosted glass inserts, the wavy edges of which are emphasized by spotlights. The floor is covered with a soft carpet. The walls are papered with a light, unobtrusive pattern that helps to relax before bedtime. The windows are covered with curtains in soft shades: pink, lilac, mustard, olive. A chandelier “packed” in a matte shade hangs from the ceiling.
Conclusion
To create an interior in the spirit of art nouveau, inspiration should be drawn from the surrounding nature. Pay attention to the bizarre, but incredibly graceful curves of plants and trees, watch the flight of butterflies, dragonflies, admire the grace of swans or the catchy beauty of peacocks. Art Nouveau is chosen by creative people. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine that in such interiors conservatives or minimalists will feel "at home." Perhaps the secret of the direction is that it opens the gate to the world of fantasies: bizarre, but beautiful.Although the flowering of the trend did not last so long by design standards (only 30–40 years), it left an indelible mark on art and became a constant style, which is returned to again and again even after decades.
“Wave Style” is characterized by incredible softness of lines, which helps to achieve a state of internal harmony and has a calming effect on a person. It successfully interweaves the elegance inherited from the Baroque, industrial motifs and multi-genre. The art nouveau style in the interior is striking in its grace and noble aristocracy, which is found in the classic variation of the direction. It is not without brevity, although it is designed for spacious apartments. Let's talk about this amazing, unique direction, which even after a century does not lose its relevance and continues to be embodied in modern interiors.
Content
History of the appearance of style
The term "art nouveau" itself means "a novelty in art." He really burst into the history of design with a fresh wind, ruthlessly sweeping away the hateful ideas of previous stylistic concepts on his way. The end of the 19th century is considered to be the time of birth of the direction. During this period, technological progress only gained momentum. Borders between countries rapidly erased, which entailed a mixture of styles. Although the world was developing rapidly, in art the process of change was much slower. Saturated with the luxury of rich apartments, the designers tried to draw new ideas that corresponded to the "spirit of the time." The young generation of architects, artists, designers consciously sought to synthesize a new style: with a grand scale, unlike previous directions, unique in its kind. The formation of art nouveau began simultaneously in several parts of Europe. In different countries, he even received other names. Art Nouveau, metro, or Guimard style direction was dubbed by the French. Guimard - an architect who designed the entrances to the subway, famous for its uniqueness and "dissimilarity" to similar objects in other countries. In Belgium he was called the style of Horta (modernist architect), in Italy - liberty. Artists and designers drew inspiration from nature: soft lines, neutral colors, original decor that resembled natural elements (butterflies, buds, dragonflies). Classical art nouveau did not recognize orderliness in the interior. In more modern versions, the direction has undergone changes and, under the pressure of the ideas of rationalism, it gradually began to delete the natural component from the basic concept. Subsequently, the style became the founder of Art Deco and marked the beginning of the era of functionalism in art in general, and in design in particular. In its heyday, art nouveau was used everywhere in the design of restaurants, shops, cafes and indoor clubs,where creative bohemia gathered.
Main features, features and characteristics
Although the style is multi-genre and unites a whole group of sub-directions, art nouveau is characterized by common features:
Another characteristic feature of the direction is the completeness of the interiors. The abundance of details never crosses borders and does not overload space. Art Nouveau interiors are as organic and picturesque as natural landscapes.
Colors used
The basis of the color scheme is white and shades of brown: sepia, bistre, ocher, walnut, terracotta, chocolate, brick, chestnut, umber, vanilla, copper, sepia, carnidal, somone, gummigut, beige, cream and coffee with milk. The main thing is that tones are natural, natural and do not cause a person's intuitive rejection and rejection. As accents, they choose olive, mustard, wine, turquoise, purple.
Finishing materials
For the decoration of rooms using different texture materials that create an organic combination. Piece flooring is used as flooring. In modern art nouveau, the use of a laminate is permissible.To finish the floor in the kitchen and in the bathroom, stone or tile is used, which smoothly flows into the wood lining of the neighboring rooms. Surfaces are often adorned with patterns and smooth stains that resemble the original texture of a tree or a mix of cream in a cup of coffee. Walls are papered or covered with decorative plaster. In rare cases, they are dyed or draped with fabrics that, with soft, falling folds, add an additional portion of “waviness” to the interior. The ceiling is plastered in classic white. However, its texture is rarely laconic due to additions in the form of a floral ornament from stucco molding or stained glass inserts. It was in this direction (the first of the classic ones) that the idea of using ceilings of complex configuration took root. Now in modern styles such an interior solution is not new, but in the heyday of art nouveau it was a curiosity. Chimney shelves, decorative niches, accent elements are finished with natural or artificial stone.
About furniture
In interiors decorated in the style of art nouveau, usually used massive wooden furniture. However, it does not seem so bulky and heavy as in a classic apartment. A similar effect is achieved due to the ornate interweaving of the lines of arched openings, cornices, stair railings, headboards and cabinet facades, which forms a fancy lace. The configuration of furniture items is also very specific: non-standard forms are only welcome. Surprisingly, in this nuance, art nouveau is similar to futurism, which is also characterized by the use of "streamlined" details.
Lighting
The rooms are usually decorated with wide panoramic windows, so there is no shortage of natural light. In each room, it is enough to place a massive ceiling chandelier with multi-tiered rows of bulbs. The more intricate its shape, the better. Chandeliers adorn numerous crystal elements and elegant wrought iron details.In classic art nouveau use devices that simulate candlesticks. In the bedroom, local lighting is represented by one large sconce above the headboard. In the living room they additionally put a pair of lamps. In the kitchen, the working area can be highlighted with spotlights that correctly mask over the apron. Chandeliers are usually combined with a relief element on the ceiling: stained glass, glossy, metal or wooden insert, decorative “ledge”. The main secret of art nouveau is frosted glass on shades, which scatters the light and creates a mysterious and slightly mystical atmosphere.
Decor and Textile
In the interiors there are always forged elements and stained glass windows that adorn not only the windows, but also act as independent art objects (paintings). The use of mirrors in massive frames, which are more reminiscent of a pattern of tightly woven tree roots or vines, is encouraged. Massive floor vases with floral ornaments, large sculptures depicting people or animals, paintings on the walls are also used. The main subjects of the latter are picturesque landscapes, pacifying ponds, fabulous panoramas, still lifes with flowers and fruits. From textiles, preference is given to natural fabrics: velor, brocade, silk, velvet. The windows are closed with dense curtains. Upholstery of furniture is usually replete with plant patterns that are slightly powdered with gilding. The floors are carpeted.
Decoration of the apartment / house
Art Nouveau style rooms flow smoothly into each other. Doorways are recommended to be abandoned in favor of open arches. An exception will be only those rooms where it is necessary to maintain a certain intimacy (bathroom, bedroom).The scope of art nouveau is difficult to squeeze into the framework of small apartments, so the direction is recommended for decoration of spacious country houses. High ceilings, elegant staircases, panoramic windows, large rooms - this is fertile ground for the flowering of style in all its glory. In country houses, instead of cramped hallways, spacious halls are equipped. Combined apartment bathrooms are replaced with luxury apartments, where there is enough space for a classic bathroom on twisted legs, elegant chandeliers, massive mirrors and openwork partitions. If there is such an opportunity, then under the domed roof of the house they will organize a greenhouse, which will become a place for solitude and relaxation.
Living room
The living room in the art nouveau style is amazing in scope. Behind the massive sofa, upholstered in velvet of deep turquoise or coffee color, they place a fresco on the entire wall. Its top is crowned with a stained or carved wooden insert. Near the sofa there is a coffee table of an unusual, streamlined shape. Its countertop is made of a combination of frosted and ordinary clear glass. A pair of pillows is modestly huddled on the sofa.
Wide panoramic windows are closed with blackout curtains in a steel-colored floor, which are in harmony with the weightless white tulle. On the plastered ceiling, a stained-glass mosaic insert framed in wood stands out as a bright spot. The center of the decorative element is a massive chandelier. The floor is decorated with a soft walnut parquet board. Instead of a fillet, a stylized vine of wood or metal passes around the entire perimeter of the room.
Kitchen
The kitchen in the style of art nouveau is decorated in light shades of brown, which successfully combine with the milky whiteness of the set's facades. Their surfaces are additionally decorated with elegant carvings. Kitchen apron is decorated with ceramic tiles with floral patterns. In modern interiors, the use of plain material painted in a “tasty” accent color is allowed: wine, olive, mustard, tangerine.
A multi-stage chandelier of complex configuration is reflected in the glossy sheen of the floor with marble stains. The ceiling is decorated with stucco. In the kitchens combined with dining rooms, eating areas are decorated with a furniture set from a round or oval dining table and a group of chairs, the carved backs of which resemble openwork wings of butterflies. The walls are covered with vinyl wallpaper with a gray-bronze pattern, similar to the cunning interweaving of stems and buds of wild roses.
Bedroom
A massive wooden bed is decorated with a canopy, which, like a vine or hops intertwined with tall columns. The luxurious bed is covered with a brocade bedspread. The headboards are decorated with carvings. On either side of the bed they put small, simple bedside tables made of wood on thin legs. A triptych with picturesque landscapes or a painted bas-relief that depicts a peacock with a "loose" tail is hung over the head of the head.
A massive dressing table with a large mirror is located in a separate area. The ceiling is decorated with frosted glass inserts, the wavy edges of which are emphasized by spotlights. The floor is covered with a soft carpet. The walls are papered with a light, unobtrusive pattern that helps to relax before bedtime. The windows are covered with curtains in soft shades: pink, lilac, mustard, olive. A chandelier “packed” in a matte shade hangs from the ceiling.
Conclusion
To create an interior in the spirit of art nouveau, inspiration should be drawn from the surrounding nature. Pay attention to the bizarre, but incredibly graceful curves of plants and trees, watch the flight of butterflies, dragonflies, admire the grace of swans or the catchy beauty of peacocks. Art Nouveau is chosen by creative people. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine that in such interiors conservatives or minimalists will feel "at home." Perhaps the secret of the direction is that it opens the gate to the world of fantasies: bizarre, but beautiful.Although the flowering of the trend did not last so long by design standards (only 30–40 years), it left an indelible mark on art and became a constant style, which is returned to again and again even after decades.