Do you love the fluid lines of organic shapes? Do you prefer patterns that incorporate floral or vine-like designs? Do you like artwork that seems to have a sense of motion? Then you might be a fan of Art Nouveau. This eye-catching design movement began in the 1880s and was popular during the Belle Epoque period through World War I. It inspired art, architecture and interior design, integrating sinuous curves, natural forms and organic motifs.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of asymmetry and celebrating Mother Nature but don’t necessarily want to convert your home into an Antoni Gaudi landmark, here are a few simple and creative ways to add Art Nouveau design to refresh your home.
Integrate Art Nouveau architectural elements
Those wanting to make a bold statement and who are willing to commit to the aesthetic might consider remodeling certain elements of your physical home. The right architectural design can imbue a space with the magic and visual poetry of Art Nouveau without overwhelming it. Wrought iron spiral staircases, balusters and railings with whimsical forms and whiplash lines add movement and vitality to a stagnant setting. Feeling a bit more adventurous? Add sinewy woodgrain wall trim, curved ceiling molding and baseboards to create an enchanting faerie-like forest setting. Doors and window frames are also great options for integrating free-form designs and nature-inspired shapes.
Create an organic accent wall
Sure, painting all four walls of a room in one color will look nice. However, if you want a focal point in your living room, differentiating one wall could draw the eye. You don’t even have to use paint. To add an Art Nouveau feature to your home, pick a wall in the room – whichever one you want people to look at, such as the one surrounding a fireplace. Purchase wallpaper that has a natural design and paste it onto that wall.
Some homeowners are wary of wallpaper, but we don’t think you should be. When used correctly, wallpaper can add pattern and texture to a space, and it doesn’t have to be a dated design. The paper can even have a subtle pattern. Choose a design that’s inspired by plants, whether it has vines, flowers or a leaf pattern. Art Nouveau color palettes typically feature soft shades of green and brown but don’t be afraid of other muted colors for floral motifs.
Add Art Nouveau artwork
Hanging art is an easy way to feature the movement in your interior design. Look for artists that exemplify Art Nouveau like Alphonse Mucha, who is widely regarded as the figure of Art Nouveau painting and illustrating. His work features organic shapes, natural elements and a heavily outlined style – signature Art Nouveau patterns. Alternatively, you might focus on the frame itself to add texture and flowing lines to a flat wall.
Additionally, sculptures can give your space an Art Nouveau look. Pick pieces that have only curved lines or that remind you of plants or animals. Branches, leaves, flowers and butterflies are all common motifs of the art movement.
Consider ornate lighting fixtures or Tiffany lamps
Your lighting fixtures are relatively easy to replace, and the ones you install can breathe new life into your home. Whether you are looking for table lamps with that Art Nouveau feel or chandeliers that will update your home, you can find a fixture that fits your theme.
As with sculptures and wallpaper patterns, your lighting fixtures should incorporate curved lines, nature motifs and a sense of motion. One of the pioneers of the Art Nouveau movement was Louis C. Tiffany, whose signature glasswork is easily recognized even today. His trademark multi-colored opalescent glass was used in windows and vases but is generally associated with Tiffany Lamps and their decorative shades.
Chandeliers are another way to showcase the natural splendor of Art Nouveau style. These intricately detailed hanging fixtures were often made of brass with light green tinted opaline glass diffusers. Their dangling accents and glowing ambiance are particularly effective at capturing attention.
Include subtle accents to reinforce the natural vibe
Your home can have little accents that create a bigger Art Nouveau picture. Find tiles with floral designs to place on your bathroom floor, put a vase with twisting vine patterns on your coffee table or switch out your candle holders for pieces with a more winding shape.
An Art Nouveau rug is another quick addition that should be easy to find. Look for one with a pattern that will subtly complement more noticeable pieces. Similar to wallpaper, understated vines, flowers, leaves or other nature-inspired images are perfect for area rugs and runners.
Pick up Art Nouveau statement pieces
While detail and accent pieces help bring an interior design together, foundational elements are necessary as well. Small tables, desks, loveseats and chairs are great pieces to purchase with an Art Nouveau design. Larger bookcases or built-in components may be stunning but are also more challenging to locate and install.
Authentic antique Art Nouveau furnishings from designers like Louis Majorelle or Victor Prouvé are gorgeous options for those who can afford them. However, you can find high-quality reproductions or new pieces inspired by those masters.
As always, look for those curving lines and organic motifs. Start with one piece and then add slowly as you discover what draws your eye in the room and where it needs some life. Natural woodgrain pieces are ideal for a softer setting, while metallic items can provide a stark contrast or elegance.
Reinforce the natural aesthetic outdoors
It may be so obvious that it’s overlooked but incorporating Art Nouveau elements outside your home is a wonderful idea. A curlicued wrought iron fence with whimsical serifs, blossoms and vines can turn an ordinary backyard into an enchanted garden. Secluded birdbaths and discretely placed statues of fauns and faeries add magic and dreamy qualities to woodsy settings. If you do a little hunting online, you may be able to find a refurbished Art Deco park bench for an intimate spot nestled behind tress and shrubs.
Develop a memorable Art Nouveau style
Whether you choose to go big or small with your Art Nouveau refresh, the changes will bring a sense of vitality, movement and wonder to your space. It’s a surefire way to stand out from the ordinary and celebrate the unique appeal of the natural world amid man-made straight lines and right angles. Take your time and don’t rush a complete overhaul of your home. A few coordinated pieces are fine but nature is an assortment of complementary things and not an exact matched set. Essentially, let your Art Nouveau decor evolve organically as it should.
Photo credits
- Ninara from Flickr
- dalbera from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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