Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau was a style of architecture and design that was popular between 1890 and 1910. Belgium and France started the movement and Germany, Spain, and the Scandinavian countries followed. They rejected Victorian styles, used more iron and glass, used painting and sculptures, and also used industrial production (unlike the Arts and Crafts movement).

Victor Horta was known for his design in Art Nouveau. He also stenciled walls and ceilings. This picture is of the Horta house that was built between 1898 and 1901. This was the former home and studio of Horta in Brussels.

Horta also is known for his construction of Hôtel Tassel in Brussels in 1892-1893. Hôtel Tassel was one of the first examples of Art Nouveau. The above picture is the stairwell where you can see many curved lines and unique iron railings. The designs on the wall give the area a nature feel.

You can still see the Art Nouveau style today in Paris. Hector Guimard designed the Metro Subway signs that are seen outside in the city. As well as with Victor Horta's design, you can see many curved lines. Its all made out of iron or metal, and the lights look like flower buds which help with the nature feel.

You can also see Art Nouveau in this modern bathroom between the style of the sink, the floor, and the walls. You will probably only see this particular design in higher end homes, mainly because of how much detailing there is. 

I found it cool how in class we were shown Art Nouveau in not only Interior Design but in fashion as well. Here is a video of a fashion show at London Fashion Week in 2012/2013. All Art Nouveau inspired. 

London Fashion Week

Peer Discussions:

I was really interested in the pictures Rose found for her blog of modern applications. One of her pictures looked like it belonged in a story book.

I also looked at Justine's blog and liked how she showed Art Nouveau in each of the countries it was popular in. 

Arts and Crafts

The Arts and Crafts Movement was a period where designers could show their individualism in craftsmanship and design. The period emerged during the late Victorian period as a revolt against industrial life. Arts and Crafts designers wanted to improve standards of decorative design.

You can see from this picture that there was a lot of heavy woodwork that went into making an interior complete. William Morris led this movement and not only was he a designer, he also produced textiles and wallpaper.

"Pink and Rose" designed in 1890 as a single color design. In 1893 adapted as a polychrome pattern.

William printed his wallpapers by hand using a pear-wood block.

The Morris Chair was developed around 1866. A designer from William Morris's firm, Morris and Company designed this. His name was Philip Webb. This chair has a reclining back and high arm rests. The original Morris Chair had dark woodwork, turned spindles and decorated upholstery.

The Arts and Crafts Movement can be seen today in design, still having the heavy woodwork feel to it. The U.S. does use machines though to create the furniture, so you won't see as much detailing. The upholstery and wall coverings are also bare, not showing too much design.

The Morris Chair is also still seen today in homes. Like with the rooms, you won't see as much detailing in the woodwork or the upholstery. 

Not only does the Arts and Crafts Movement take up the interior of a house but it can also show on the outside. Here is a link to a modern Arts and Crafts home video. It will show pictures of the outside and inside. 

Arts and Crafts Home

Peer Discussions: 

I looked through Alex's blog and I love the picture she found for her modern Arts and Crafts picture. I like how it shows a lighter woodwork being used instead of the very dark wood we see in most designs. 

I also read through Flor's blog and absolutely loved how she compared William Morris's wallpaper to Lilly Pulitzer designs. Even though we don't see the flower wallpaper today, we still do see the designs in other places such as purses, bags, clothing, etc.