Architecture
Decorating Styles
Art Nouveau Style Creates Verve With Curves
Its breathtaking fluidity is still sweeping us away a century later. See how art nouveau style is swirling through homes today
Commonly recognized as having its origins in Belgium and France, the art nouveau period — about 1890 to 1914 — saw a rejection of Victorian styles, historical imitations and revivals. It demonstrated a close relationship with the fine arts, incorporating them into architecture and design, and made the most of modern materials such as iron and glass, the new electric lighting and new industrial production techniques. Art nouveau style derived from forms of nature, such as flowers, vines, shells, feathers and insect wings. Sweeping, swirling, fluid and feminine, it is best identified by its S-curve (or whiplash) designs, differentiating it from the more linear and geometric designs of the later art deco period.
Louis Comfort Tiffany was an American artist who founded the Tiffany Glass Company. His designs were spotted by Samuel Bing, who had opened an interior design shop in Paris in 1895 called L'Art Nouveau. The shop, designed by Belgian art nouveau practitioner Henry Van de Velde, gave its name to that style and era.
Rene Lalique's designs also featured highly in the era and were displayed in the shop L'Art Nouveau. Lalique is known best for his work in glass, and the style is introduced beautifully here in the taps. The decorative shell is also reminiscent of the period.
My biggest source of interior design envy is the original art nouveau cast iron fireplaces. This one is a statement in its own right, though I'd opt for pairing it with plain painted pastels. But for drama, it works well in this eclectic room with a wallpaper that echoes those sweeping lines.
For art nouveau style, add replica tiles to fireplace surrounds or in kitchens and bathrooms. Originals like these can be found in salvage yards and from specialists.
A more subtle display of those stunning art nouveau lines, this trompe l'oeil ceiling perfectly picks up the elegance of the era.
Gustav Klimt's 'The Kiss' Tiles
Speaking of interior design envy, I just had to include something from Gustav Klimt, more precisely a founding member of the Vienna Secession but still acknowledged for his part in the art nouveau movement. I can't afford an original of his, but these tiles just could satisfy my desire!
Hula Wallpaper, Green
Of course, there is always a contemporary take on past designs, and this pretty wallpaper certainly fulfills that criteria. It could just as easily be used in a more traditional setting with some original art nouveau pieces to complement it.
This stairway in Louisville, Kentucky, replicates the long, fluid lines of the era perfectly.