The Art Nouveau style in interior wood. Design features

Modern is often confused with the modern style as opposed to the classic. And there is some truth in this: the word itself is translated from many languages as ‘modern’. But the style was as such at the time of its emergence, now it is a special direction with its own canons and rules, which have little in common with the principles of contemporaries. In this article, we tell you what the Art Nouveau style is in the interior and what its features are, and share inspiring photos from real projects.

A little history

During its existence this direction has gone through several stages of development.
As an independent style Art Nouveau was formed by the end of the XIX century and existed a short time – until the First World War. The idea was simple: to arrange who came in art chaos, using the latest technology, while not damaging the aesthetic component of design. In fact, this was a total contradiction: the desire for progress was combined with the use of classical techniques and the designers, tired of eclecticism, were inspired by existing examples – the Empire, the Baroque, the Gothic, the Rococo, Japanese and Moorish art.

Gradually, a unified style split up into two directions: decorative and constructive. All the masters agreed on the need for a synthesis of natural beauty and engineering, artistic design and high-tech architecture. Only views differed as to which of these should prevail. The former were drawn by the French and Italians, the latter by the English and Scots. Thus, each country has its own variation of Art Nouveau: Tiffany in the United States, Liberty in Italy, Art Nouveau in France, Jugendstil in Germany, Art Nouveau in Spain, etc.
Despite the abundance of interpretations, the Art Nouveau style in flat interiors is characterised by flowing lines, floral patterns, softened forms and the use of natural materials – all these features have been preserved in it to this day.

Features

The basic canons of the modern trend have been preserved since the end of the 19th century.

• Natural materials with an obvious predominance of wood. Should not just be smooth solid wood, but textured wood of complex, flowing form. Used for everything from floor and wall finishes to furniture and decorative elements.
• Smoothness of lines. All forms should be curved, rounded, flowing, flowing into each other – similar to the flora.
• Flora is not only as an inspiration, but also the main motif for any surfaces with a print – floral designs, often in an oriental style, are widely used. Popular themes include stylised images of lilies, stems and petals of other flowers, dragonflies and butterflies.
• Large, tall windows, often with stained glass windows and wide doorways – arched where possible. The layout may be elaborate or atypical, with parts of the space flowing into each other. If the Art Nouveau style is used in the interior of a country house, the staircases are also made wide, with large steps and intricate railings.
• Decor in small quantities. Textiles are used minimally and only for functional purposes. No clutter or ‘dust bags’. Fabrics must be natural and noble.
• The colour scheme is restrained, in natural tones – landscapes are primarily the inspiration for the palette. Shades of brown, grey, beige, white and black prevail. In order not to make the calm scheme boring, it is enlivened with elegant prints on wallpaper and textiles, deep accent tones, a variety of shapes and lines.
• Lighting should be elaborate and plentiful: in addition to the main sources you can use decorative sconces, floor lamps, pendant lights. Lighting scenarios should allow for romantic, subdued illumination.
• In contrast to the classic, there are no strict architectural canons. On the contrary – everything is subject to the idea of the artist. Asymmetry, blurred or erased borders, softened corners are allowed.

The Art Nouveau style in interior wood. Design features

Refinement and mystery, flowing lines and asymmetry, muted shades and naturalness, classical motifs and European design – all this combines the Art Nouveau style. It is often called the modern classic, but contrary to its name, its history dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By the way, the name “Art Nouveau” is a purely Russian story, in France this style is called Art Nouveau, in Italy – Liberty, in Scotland – Glasgow, in Germany – Jugendstil, in Switzerland – Spruce style, and in the USA – Tiffany. Each of these names evokes the spirit of the place where it is implemented, just as national characteristics and elements can be found in the design. However, the style remains recognisable.

As in any style a special role is played by the finish – it serves as a canvas for the future holistic picture. A feature of the Art Nouveau style is its commitment to natural materials, so in the design is widely used wood, stone and metal. We will talk about the role of wood in the Art Nouveau style.

Features of the Art Nouveau style in interior design

Right off the bat, the Art Nouveau style is quite sophisticated. It’s expensive, spectacular and pretentious. With a dose of creativity, eccentricity, romance and exclusivity. Not surprisingly, this is best done in a house or flat with a free plan, as Art Nouveau requires space, scope and scale. However, the later direction of the style, the so-called mid-century modern, will also look great in smaller rooms. The elements of the style can be combined with other popular avenues, and interesting and unusual projects can therefore be realised by combining and co-operating.

What is important in Art Nouveau is the principle of harmony and unity of all objects surrounding a person. Hence the importance of functionality, innovative techniques and practical materials.

Let’s get into specifics. Interiors in the Art Nouveau style are:

streamlined silhouettes, curves and rounded forms, conciseness of sharp angles;
natural materials: solid wood, metal, stone, glass;
natural colours (both calm pastel shades and saturated bold shades are possible);
plant motifs, geometry, moderate use of textiles;
plenty of natural light, large windows, mirrored surfaces, air, a combination of different types of light;
ornate staircases, stucco or mosaic, stained glass, arched doors and windows, appropriate decorative elements;
clean lines and natural forms, no rigid symmetry.

The role of wood in the Art Nouveau style

Of all the natural materials, wood (especially in Russia) is the most common. Why? Because of its ease of use, accessibility, conciseness and naturalness. Preference in Art Nouveau is given to darker hardwoods, such as oak, beech and thermo wood. Another interesting feature – it is better not to paint the wood, but to use varnish or tinting with natural oils to emphasize the texture of the wood and its natural pattern.

How is the wood used within this style?

Walls. Yes, most common is their painting, wallpapering (mainly with a vegetal pattern), but also encountered and options with partial wood veneering or with the use of wooden panels (especially interesting looking options with ornamental patterns).

Floors. And here wood is in particular demand. Yes, for floors it is suitable mosaic, stone, and poured covering, but still the favorite is wood. Parquet (or engineered board) with a shaped pattern, or in the style of a French or English fir tree looks especially impressive.

Importantly, wood supports one of the founding principles of Art Nouveau – a commitment to natural colours and natural palettes. Wood helps to give a restrained and balanced design.

The Art Nouveau style in the interiors of houses and flats

And now we come to the most interesting – to the nuances and interesting solutions in the implementation of Art Nouveau style in the interiors of various rooms: large and spacious, as well as small, with a high demand for functionality and rationalization. It is the mixed style with elements of classical modern, generously diluted with other stylistics, is actively used in contemporary design, realizing unique and unusual designs. In our photo shoots you will find both classic modern and mixed solutions.

Ideas for different rooms

Let’s take a look at how the Art Nouveau style can look in the interior of a flat today with photos of options for different rooms.

Interior of the living room in the Art Nouveau style

This room plays the role of a ceremonial room, so it is appropriate to use all the luxury of the style. Decorating the living room, follow 3 basic rules.

1. Furnishings should be noble, made of natural materials, with curved legs and backs, can be non-standard shapes. Sofa and armchair upholstery – necessarily from expensive quality fabric: velvet, jacquard, velour.
2. The upholstery should be neutral in colour but may have a distinctive texture. For the floor suit parquet or planking, for the walls – plain paint, wallpaper with non-contrasting plant or abstract prints, wooden panels. The ceiling can be plain, light or accentuated with stucco or geometrically complex decorative elements.
3. Stained glass windows can be used for decorations ranging from window decorations to lampshades or furniture fronts. Wrought metal elements are used to decorate walls and the fireplace, they will go well with crystal and glass details on the chandelier.

Living room in a modern style

Minimal angles, smooth lines and asymmetric elements in the space. For an accent, it is best to choose one wall: there you can implement an unusual panel, stucco, fireplace. For floors, the best solution is wood (both warm and comfortable).

Kitchen

The original style requires space, so it’s well suited to the kitchen in a private house or large flat. If the room is small, you can limit yourself to using basic elements.

1. The design should incorporate natural materials or their imitations: wood, stone or marble. As an addition, there should be glass and metal. If the kitchen is combined with the living room, they can be separated by an unusually shaped decorative partition.
2. The walls can be a neutral backdrop, or a really artistic element of the interior. Directly in the cooking area, use moisture-resistant, durable coatings that are easy to clean and do not have to cope with extremes in temperature. For the dining area you can choose wallpaper with ornaments or wooden wall panels.
3. The colour scheme is calm and neutral in nature tones. The palette is chosen depending on the size and level of light in the room. Small rooms may be dominated by light shades that visually enlarge the space, while spacious and bright rooms may have noble dark colours: deep brown, burgundy, navy blue, black.

The Art Nouveau kitchen

The Art Nouveau style can also look harmonious in a kitchen with so many modern appliances. The distinctive features of the style will be the presence of a massive cupboard (with stained glass or carved elements), an oval table, chairs on unusual legs, a curved smoothly shaped bar counter. And, of course, natural materials.

Bedroom

The main purpose of the Art Nouveau bedroom interior is to set the mood for relaxation and to give a feeling of comfort. As in other rooms, this effect is achieved here through the main elements of the trend.

1. The use of natural wood – in finishing, furniture and decor. The warm wooden parquet feels good to walk on barefoot and the shapely headboard will go well with other natural materials.
2. Quality fabrics for curtains and all the main textiles: bed linen, bedspread, bed rug.
   A neutral colour scheme – the colours found in nature during sunset and sunrise can be used as a base. If the windows face south, the palette should be dominated by cool shades, if northward – by warm shades.
3. There should not be a lot of furniture, the main accent is on an elegant and expensive bed. It can be complemented by a wardrobe, dressing table and a soft armchair, if the space allows.

Modern style bedroom

Pastel colours are preferred in bedrooms. Here the headboard (carved wooden or wrought iron) can be a distinctive feature. Facades of furniture are also important. Natural and environmentally friendly wood finishes will add to the style.

The Art Nouveau nursery

Although the Art Nouveau style is fairly austere and solid, it’s also popular in children’s rooms. This is thanks to the smooth, rounded shapes and the abundance of naturalness. Wood, like in the bedroom, is great for eco-friendliness, so it’s preferred for the flooring.

Bathroom

You can be a bit more imaginative in the bathroom. Create a seabed effect with the finishes, using the smooth rounded shapes of seashells and the ornate shapes of seaweed. Another option is to go for traditional plant motifs and decorate the wall in the storage area with a large print, for example. Another option is to go the other way and take the sparkle of the glass and metal combination and complement it with shimmering tiles, mirrored surfaces, stained glass and mosaics.

The bathroom in a modern style

In bathrooms, it is not uncommon to combine different materials, whether tiles, mosaics or painted walls. Wood is seldom used, but it also looks good. Small details (down to lamps, mirrors, accessories) become accentuating elements of the style

In larger bathrooms, a freestanding bathtub with curved legs or an unusual bowl with a wood or metal appearance will look good. The colour scheme can be either light or dark. The latter is dominated by deep tones of brown, grey and black, diluted with shades of precious metals.

In conclusion, designers advise sticking to a certain line in the interior: either full modern with meticulous attention to detail, or a more relaxed mid-century modern, which takes only the main elements from the former. This is easily supplemented by Scandinavian, boho or minimalist styles. And, as with any style, balance and careful planning are important, which professionals can always help you with.