Art Nouveau

 Art Nouveau was a design style that focused their importance on using new materials and paving their own way in the world of art and design. This was another movement that did not want to follow with historicism within their pieces. The pieces during this time tended to be more ornamented and often depicting nature scenes, specifically showing flowers, vines, birds, and insects. While this movement stretched across all areas of design and art, interior and designed objects stole the spotlight with many European architects being skilled furniture designers. This style of art become such a powerful style because countries around the world were able to participate due to the lack of historical images used within. 

During this time certain colors schemes and forms started to take over the art and design world. Purples, greens, reds, and dark woods were seen in most Art Nouveau interiors as well as furniture pieces. Curvilinear lines and shapes blended in with the focus of nature motifs. Animals such as peacocks were especially popular in prints. 

One Step Further: Victor Horta 

Victor Horta was a Belgian architect, designer, and teacher who was by far one of the most influential people in the Art Nouveau movement. "His interior are remarkable for their stylistic unity" (Hinchman page 433). He was most known for designing "Hôtels" which are private homes. Hôtel van Etvelde and Hôtel Tassel were the two designs of his that stuck out to me. 

To the right is an image of the infamous Hôtel Tassel staircase, this features the dark woods, reds, and greens that were so popular at the time. You can also see that the metal banister is filled with curved metal to form free flowing organic shapes. The print on the wall also follows the organic feeling that Art Nouveau was portraying. The ornamentation of the metal pole shows how much care and attention to detail took place during the design process. Below is an image of Hôtel Etvelde, which once again has a banister with free-flowing curves and lines. This theme of organic shapes is seen in the arches surrounding the landing, as well as curved details in the domed ceiling. The greens made an appearance in this space as well with beige/pinks breaking it up to create a more detailed and interesting flooring. Both of these spaces are stunning and started to pave the way for buildings in Brussels, and in the Art Nouveau movement.  

Modern Applications: 

The Art Nouveau style has been taken into modern times and is seen as traditional interior design. The rich dark wood tones and reds and greens are a more sophisticated and traditional style that has a large place in our modern world.  The image below is a great example of how the style has evolved while still staying true to the principles of the style. The greens are present in smaller amounts as an accent color whereas the woods and taking center stage. The curved frames in the glass doors are a nod to the importance of curved lines. The furniture is also taking on a curved, sloped form with the angle of the arm rests and the slight curve in the legs of the furniture. 

Furniture pieces in modern times often feature clean lines with minimal form and uniqueness. This image below shows some of the same organic lines often used in staircases especially those designed by Horta.