INT 232 History of Interiors, Art, Furnishing II

 

INT 232
Ruth Hernandez

Art Nouveau

This week, we study Art Nouveau. This style of design was originated during the late 19th century, about 1890-1910.

Art Nouveau originated as a response against those heavy historical revival styles of Victorian times and also against the effects of industrialization. Designers wanted something modern, artistic, and unifying instead of imitating the styles that had come before.

Art Nouveau incorporates natural forms and is characterized by sinuous lines, which were inspired by the natural world. It incorporated designs that feature flowers, vines, insects, and the female form. It also combined architecture, interior design, furniture, decorative arts, and even graphic design in one style. In addition, Art Nouveau combined the structural elements and the decorations, rather than making distinctions between the two. 

The characteristics of Art Nouveau style is its frequent extended asymmetrical curves often referred to as “whiplash curves.” These are found in stair railings, walls, furniture legs, light fixtures, etc.

For inspiration, interior designers sought plant forms, flowers, water, and insects. The motifs of lilies, irises, vines, dragonflies, and peacock feathers were popular.

The furniture also had curved legs, wooden carvings, and other inlaid work. The furniture was elegant but also artistic, with some of them resembling sculpture. The furniture included custom-made items that matched the interior architecture.

Similarly, lighting fixtures were decorative in nature. The lighting fixtures like the lamp or the chandelier used stained glass and designs such as flowers. The aim was that even the objects used were of artistic value.

Current Applications: 

Closing Reflection: 

The study of Art Nouveau makes me understand the ways in which design can effectively emphasize creativeness and emotionality, especially in terms of movement and naturalistic inspiration. Although Art Nouveau is a very decorative style, it does not seem flashy or overdone.

One Step Further: Victor Horta 

One of the most prominent figures of Art Nouveau architecture was Horta, he designed rooms whose decoration embodied the spirit of the art form fully. In the townhouses designed by Horta, the staircase railings, mosaics, and wall ornamentation are done in the same flowing lines inspired by nature.

Also, he creatively used iron and glass in a way that structure and decoration went hand in hand. His interior designs look dynamic and elegant because everything he added contributed to the whole. His designs were interesting to me because they show how decoration can be incorporated into the architecture.

Sources

Hinchman, M. (2024). History of Interior Architecture Furniture, Design, and Global Culture (2nd ed.). Fairchild.

Hinchman, M. (2014). The Fairchild Dictionary of Interior Design (3rd ed.). Bloomsbury.