Do you love the fluid lines of organic shapes? Do you prefer patterns that incorporate floral designs? Do you like art that seems to have motion? Then you might be a fan of art nouveau. This design movement began in the 1880s and was popular until World War I. It encompassed art, architecture and design, and it encapsulates the fluid shapes that prevail in nature. What’s more, art nouveau includes subject matter inspired by Mother Nature.
If all that sounds good to you, incorporating bits and pieces of art nouveau design in your home could refresh your space – it is based on nature, after all. With that in mind, here are a few simple and creative ways to give your house a nouveau look:
Create an accent wall
Sure, painting all four walls of a room one color will look nice. However, if you want a focal point in your living room, differentiating one wall could really draw the eye. In fact, 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 an art nouveau design and paste it to 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 flowers or a leaf pattern.
Add artwork
Hanging nouveau art is an easy way to feature the movement in your interior design. Look for artists that exemplify art nouveau if you want to put prints or paintings in your home – Alphonse Mucha, for instance, 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
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.
Rethink your lighting
Your lighting fixtures are relatively easy to replace, and the ones you install can breathe new life into your home. Whether you look 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 the staples of art nouveau, such as curved lines, nature motifs and a sense of motion.
Pay attention to the details
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.
If you add up these small features and changes, you’ll be left with an overall look that makes you feel like you’re living in an art nouveau gallery.
Update an area rug
Finding an area rug with a pattern is easy as pie. However, your focus should be finding one with the right pattern. The vine, flower or leaf images you seek in wallpaper can be found in area rugs, so look for something that’s nature-inspired.
Pick up statement pieces
While detail and accent pieces help bring an interior design together, having foundational elements is necessary as well. End tables, coffee tables, chairs and bookcases are all great pieces to purchase with an art nouveau design. As always, look for those curving lines and organic motifs.
Just as any fashion-forward outfit always has a statement piece, such as pumps with a pop of color or a unique, designer paisley tie, your home should have features notable enough to spark a conversation. Incorporating an item such as this into your interior design can be a bold move, but it’s definitely worth it when piecing together a home worthy of admiration and giving your space some character.
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Integrate it within existing design – You want your statement piece to be distinct enough to draw attention, but not so out of place that it throws off the design of the room. For example, while a stainless steel statue on your coffee table may absorb the focus of the space, it would look inappropriate among rustic design in which simplistic and natural materials take center stage.
Instead, look for a unique stand-out item that merges with the mode of the room. If your room is comprised of Southwestern interior design with shades of burnt orange and adobe red, a large cactus plant would work well as your statement piece. Even if you live in a state in which cacti are indigenous, hosting one in your home, especially a large-sized cactus with interesting curves, is an effective method for creating visual interest in a room.
Or, get both practical and style use out of a statement piece by opting for noteworthy furniture. Select a piece that embodies all the best aspects of your space. For instance, enhance the post-modern design of your room by selecting a bright blue accent chair with drastic angles. A chair with these characteristics won’t be out of place, but it certainly carries a lot of personality.
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Start with one piece – If you’re just moving into a new place or you’ve been itching to remodel your home, a statement piece may be a good place to start. Perhaps you’ve stumbled across a coffee table at a flea market that just exudes shabby chic, or a shopping trip led you to a room screen with intricate details. Either way, you can’t pass up an item that speaks to you.
Of course, if the statement piece doesn’t already integrate with the design of your home, that means you’ll have to start fresh. However, that route may be the best option. It’s important to periodically change the look of your home to break up the monotony and revitalize your space.
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Fall back on lighting – The fact that lighting sources literally brighten a room already equip these fixtures with statement-piece potential. Chandeliers, with their dangling accents and glowing ambiance, are particularly effective at capturing attention. You can capitalize on this aspect of chandeliers by integrating one with a notable design into your home. Size matters when it comes to eliciting focus, so opt for a fixture that’s large enough to catch someone’s eye the moment they walk into the room. Once the focus is on the chandelier, provide guests with something spectacular to look at, such as dangling beads and graceful metal curves.
Chandeliers aren’t the only lighting sources that can serve as statement pieces. Be sure to incorporate in a fixture that works well with your interior design. For instance, metal sconces work well with medieval design, and lanterns complement a coastal style.
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Don’t forget about architecture – Elements of your physical home can serve as a statement piece with the right architectural design. For example, furniture doesn’t need to serve as the focal point if your dining room has a cathedral ceiling or you’ve integrated brick walls in your industrial style. If Gothic design is more your taste, you may benefit from a pointed arch doorway to create drama the moment guests walk into your home.
Photo credits
- Ninara from Flickr