Art Nouveau: style features, color palette, furniture, lighting
The designer style Art Nouveau emerged in the last decade of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Different countries referred to this movement in their own way: in England, it was called “modern style,” while the French referred to it as “art nouveau” – new art, as we pronounce it in French.
INTERIOR IN THE ART NOUVEAU STYLE
The distinctive feature of the style is the prevalence of rounded curved lines, reminiscent of a curl or plant stem. The stylistic design is oriented towards natural materials, expressive floral motifs, and light natural tones. Art Nouveau emerged as a reinterpretation of classical and Gothic styles; it is one of the most intricate styles. Departing from angularity and linearity, this movement solves the task of harmoniously combining artistic and pragmatic functions of the interior through flexibility and refinement.
STYLE FEATURES
The main characteristics of the Art Nouveau style are:
- Graceful, flexible, and asymmetrical lines.
- The Art Nouveau style encompasses the entire interior comprehensively, from the architecture of the building to the tendrils on the chandeliers.
- Natural materials combined with artificial elements.
- Stylized focus on plants.
- Light shades that visually enlarge the space.
- Harmony of forms and elements.
- This bright, original, and unconventional style has gained many admirers.
COLOR SCHEME, UPHOLSTERY, TEXTURE
In the Art Nouveau style, the color palette is characterized by the choice of complex shades, such as soft, muted lilac tones, gray-blue, and pale cornflower combinations, calm and unobtrusive shades of peach, cream, and sandy tones. The romantic color palette emphasizes the smoothness of the lines and sets the atmosphere of the room: it is subdued, as if a fading rose covered in ashes. Bright, vibrant accents are added, which do not conflict with the main background color.
For finishes in the Art Nouveau style, noble wood, mosaic, glass, and stone are used. The wrought iron pieces correspond to the style – they are airy, whimsical, and light. Ceilings can be adorned with plaster reliefs. Walls can be either monochromatic or adorned with silky wallpapers featuring astonishing patterns, butterflies, and trailing plants. Curtain fabrics are chosen to be expensive, matching the color of the walls, and can be either plain or have delicate botanical patterns.
LIGHTING
Lighting sources and their strategic placement play an important role in the design of an Art Nouveau apartment.
Stylish lighting fixtures stand out with their complex and intricate forms, elegant lines, decorative elements, and distinctive features of the style. They combine metallic elements with delicate porcelain, glass with air bubbles inside, and wood. Chandeliers and candelabras with metallic finishes, floor lamps, and wall sconces with elaborate flourishes and unconventional curves beautifully complement the overall interior in terms of color and tone.
FURNITURE
The furniture selected for the Art Nouveau style is functional and stylized, with rounded edges. The uniqueness, whimsical form, and dominance of natural themes can be considered as the distinguishing features of the furniture. For example, chair backs may resemble the wings of an exotic butterfly, and a table with a heavy tabletop may be supported by curved legs. Furniture is crafted from natural wood, and upholstered pieces feature plush forms that harmoniously blend with the other textiles in the interior.
The main goal of the Art Nouveau style is to achieve originality and beauty, comfort, and inner freedom.
The design concept of the Art Nouveau interior challenges established norms and will never be dull or banal.