Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau was a movement in design that was lead primarily by Belgium and France and the architect associated with Art Nouveau were all accomplished furniture designers. Art Nouveau was a reaction to the victorian period of design and was heavily inspired by nature but also used modern materials such as iron and glass. Unlike the arts and crafts period art nouveau embraced the modern times and its new technology and manufacturing processes. One designer that was influence to this time period was Henry Van de Velde. He designed many chairs that were key to this time period. Such as those seen below:

Modern Applications:

This chair reminds me of the Hector Guimare side chair with its curves and leather strap seat.

This interior shows the use of organic nature inspired shapes as well as the use of modern materials in the iron staircase.

Peer reviews:

The first blog I read was Miryam's blog. She did an excellent job of giving a precise description of this period in design. I also really liked the examples she shared!

I also reviewed Tiziri's blog. The example she shared of the detail shot in Le Grand Palais was such a neat shot and a really stunning architectural feature. I felt like ti really exemplified the time period. 

Arts and Crafts {extra credit video}

Here is a video that gives a review of the arts and crafts movement in design. 

Arts and Crafts

The Arts and Crafts period of design took place primarily between 1860-1910. This movement, which began in England, started as a reaction against the Victorian period of design. The founder of this movement was William Morris. One of his famous quotes reads, "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful". Personally, I have always loved this quote and agree wholeheartedly with it, I think that this concept would be a great philosophy for all interior designers and home owners. The arts and crafts era is such a reflection of this quote, with its simple honest designs, completely handmade furniture and finishes, and somewhat simple designs.

One well known piece of furniture that came out of this time period was the Morris chair. It was designed by Philip Webb, who worked for William Morris's company. The chair has become a symbol of the Arts and Crafts era. It is adjustable and can recline, features a utilitarian design, and was made available in plain leather or velvet. Below is an image of the Morris chair.

Another aspect of the Arts and Crafts era that I found interesting was the introduction of a white interior space. This was first done by architect Charles Voysey. He was the first one to paint wood and to use white interiors. He created a white interior in a house called "The Orchard". Below are ae few photos of the home featuring painted wood and light interiors.

Modern Application:

A modern take on the original Morris Chair

This photo reminded me a bit of the photo of the Orchard home by Voysey with the white painted wood and fresh bright interior. 

Modern take on the bungalow style home created in the Arts and Crafts design period. 

Peer Reviews:

 First I read Haley H's blog. She did an excellent job giving an overview of the period as well as providing really good examples of furniture and interiors of the period.

I also read Happy's blog. She gave a brief overview of the period and I liked the photos she chose to share as examples.