This style is often considered truly French, although it appeared at the end of the 19th century in Belgium, and not only in France. But, for some reason, many confuse it with the contemporary style, although they are very different, and in some cases, they represent the complete opposite of each other. Art Nouveau is considered an ornamental style, sometimes called “return to nature” with the wall artwork “Cyclamen” by German decorator Hermann Obrist being the symbol of the current.
How to recognize Art Nouveau?
If it is curvy and chic with lots of floral patterns and deep colors like gold, silver, shades of the swamp, or from the peacock’s palette, then it is probably what you were looking for. The symbolism of the style for furniture is that it has different ornaments in curved shapes, often imitating floral patterns. You can find such subtle furniture pieces here nyfurnitureoutlets.com.
Japanese painting is also often used. In addition to furniture, products made of stone, iron, and even glass are decorated with floral patterns; they are also used for wallpaper and decorating mirrors. The most important elements of this style, emphasizing the motives of France, are the compositions symbolizing plants, especially water plants like lilies and irises. Most often, black, blue, and green are used. It seems that they are difficult to combine, but in fact, everything looks quite harmonious.
You can decorate windows and doors with floral and other ornaments, in which straight lines are rejected, and smooth, dancing ones prevail, which are imbued with the energy and strength of plants. It is possible to use almond or white flowers, which emphasize coziness and comfort. Multicolored Tiffany glass and ornaments by William Morris are the hallmarks of Art Nouveau.
A few words about the interior details that match the style well. The tablecloths must be oversized to reach the floor. Curtains should be draped so that they cover part of the walls. The symbol of this style can be an ordinary wardrobe but only built into the wall. On it, instead of a regular mirror, it is recommended to install stained glass with flower ornaments. The drawings on the floor can vary, but they should be combined into a single composition. The asymmetrical shape of the doorways is best suited here. In this style, you can decorate not only the bedroom or living room but also the bathroom, kitchen, even hallway.
Stained glass windows
Complex shaped door portals with original wooden decor look very impressive in the design. And if such a portal frames a door with a stained glass window and an authentic layout, the whole structure becomes like an art object. The main thing is that the stained-glass window is made in the colors of the interior. Ochre, brown and olive shades, flowing lines of patterns, floral themes, intricate wooden decor – Art Nouveau stained glass windows look stylish and elegant, and the sunlight passing through them paints the interior in gentle tones.
It was customary to decorate not only ceiling structures with stained glass 150 years ago but also interior doors and lamps. People also decorated entrances and furniture facades with stained-glass windows. And you can see for yourself how painted glass can completely transform the interior. It could be separate items like bottles and glasses or it could be stained-glass windows, the ultimate Art Nouveau decoration. If you decide to paint glass yourself, remember the rules for creating a stained-glass window: a maximum of three colors, an unequal ratio of basic shades (for example, 50-30-20), and compliance with natural proportions. Liberty in the interpretation of plant images is allowed, but the lines should remain smooth and natural. It is popular to use contouring techniques in combination with light color shading.
Inspired by nature
The graceful floral ornaments are accompanying all the aspects of New Art and can complement any space. They can be used to decorate not only the ceiling or walls in living rooms but also shower doors in the bathroom. The gracefully curved lines of the sandblasted pattern applied to the glass adorn the interior of the bathroom and make it light and airy.
Drawings of aquatic plants also can be added, as these plants are considered another hallmark of the Art Nouveau style, even algae. For example, a painting with such colors will already create a certain atmosphere. A bald step in this direction could become aquarium plants – natural species, growing underwater. If you prefer some natural elements in the design think about adding floating leaf plants and floating plants in aquariums.
Sophisticated by design
Elegant lamps with brown shades and wrought iron decor depicting shoots, leaves, and flowers will not only decorate the interior of an apartment or house in the Art Nouveau style but also add a romantic touch to it. Another suitable solution would be chandeliers, sconces, and table lamps with frosted shades and colored glass elements or models made in the Tiffany stained glass technique.
Antique clocks, mannequins, aged photo frames, vintage telescopes, and astrolabes fit perfectly not only in the classic style but also in Art Nouveau. They look spectacular in the interiors of home offices and libraries and are harmoniously combined with such iconic pieces of furniture as Chesterfield leather sofas. Art Nouveau curtains should look exclusive and expensive. For such window decor, plain textiles or weave with a complex plant pattern are used. And the composition with original grabs and asymmetrically curved lambrequins looks very impressive.
Becoming an art connoisseur
As a final touch, complement the interior of the apartment with paintings by Art Nouveau artists and tall vases. The most popular are the reproductions of Alfons Mucha and Gustav Klimt, Michael Parkes, Echo Chernik, Stanisław Wyspiański, or Vrubel. Since many artists of this style were fascinated by oriental painting, Chinese or Japanese paintings will also organically fit into the interior! Today the Art Nouveau style remains in demand, and individual elements in this style (chandelier, furniture, floral ornaments, and patterns) perfectly decorate modern interiors. It is best to order furniture from a professional, not forgetting to clarify that you need rounded curvy forms. So, calmly start changing the style in your house or apartment. After all, if not you, then who can create for you a pleasant atmosphere, coziness and comfort?
