LIBERTY STYLE: INTRODUCTION
We often hear people talk about Art Nouveau style for home furnishing and they use the term recalling an artistic movement born at the beginning of the 20th century, in a somewhat improper way. The Art Nouveau style mainly influencedarchitecture, figurative arts and painting and was also reflected in the furniture.
Today it has a new impetus and use for the interior decoration of homes. Here’s how to recreate your liberty style home from the perfect decor.
ORIGINS
When we talk about Art Nouveau furniture, we are talking first of all about a style that recalls the artistic current of Art Nouveau, widespread in Europe between the end of the 1800s and the beginning of the 1900s. The figurative arts of this period are distinguished by the reference to the sinuous forms of nature. Dynamic, undulating lines characterise the buildings constructed according to the dictates of Art Nouveau.Art Nouveau architecture as well as paintings, sculptures and decorative works.
Over time, a true Art Nouveau style of furnishing developed from this artistic movement , a weave of squiggles and floral details chosen to dress up interiors with romanticism. Art Nouveau houses are the perfect home for those who love classic furniture and fine materials. As for every interior design trend, also in the case of Art Nouveau furniture the watchword is balance: the line between excellence and bad taste is definitely blurred.
To avoid running into mistakes that could transform your home from chic to shock, it is good to learn how to recognize the Art Nouveau style in its distinctive elements and possible declinations.
FURNITURE
Ceiling and stairs are the architectural elements that characterize an Art Nouveau house. For the former you can choose decorative arboreal boiserie, in combination with the railings, emphasized by intertwining branches and leaves in wrought iron. Boiserie is a decorative technique that consists of covering walls with wooden panels, variously inlaid, engraved and carved.
Art Nouveau furniture gives the eye a feeling of softness thanks to the rounded lines. An art nouveau décor opts for unassuming furniture patterns and chairs with upholstered cushions. Sofas and armchairs with rounded corners, rich upholstery and brocade coverings make a fine display in Art Nouveau living rooms.
As far as materials are concerned, however, wood, marble, glass and wrought iron cannot be missing in an Art Nouveau house. Mirrors with frames decorated with floral themes, art nouveau paintings, gold lacquered clocks and table lamps, chandeliers and ceiling lamps with glass mosaics: these are the furnishing elements that characterize the vintage style of the beginning of the last century.
The carpets are fundamental, they must be particularly abundant and luxurious, with patterns and motifs always inspired by nature. Even the window curtains will follow the same line chosen for the rest of theLiberty style furnishings . As far as colours are concerned, all the declinations of white and gold dominate, chromatic nuances which recall the world of luxury.
LIVING ROOM
Let’s start from the living room, where the attention is all focused on the sofa, with its rounded and soft shapes, golden finishing and quilted upholstery. For upholstery you can choose between floral print sofa covers, or on white and then embellish it with gold cushions. Bookcases and sideboards are welcome, in wood of course. Not to be missed, then, the Liberty style coffee table, simple and curvilinear in shape with inlays and gold details.
BATHROOM
The bathroom makes all the difference in this type of furniture. The floor will have to be covered with polished and hexagonal tiles, with floral decorations, both on the floor and along the walls. If space allows, it is better to prefer two washbasins side by side, with steel, brass, copper or gold taps, with bathroom furniture included.
The bathtub is a fundamental element: in the perfect Liberty style furnishing it is freestanding, that is, completely independent, to be positioned in the centre of the room, with inlaid and worked feet. If you’re short on space, opt for a shower with machined glass and faucets to match the sink. For the sanitary ware, prefer colored porcelain that rests on the floor.
KITCHEN
Here you need to be careful: there will not be many elements to be included in the furniture, but you must choose them carefully. Cupboards and pantries in cherry, mahogany or beech wood cannot be missing. Inside you will need to store porcelain decorated with floral motifs or elements of nature. Art Nouveau style majolica and grit floors perfectly complement the kitchen decor.
BEDROOM
In this room of the house the refined and romantic style finds its maximum expression. Wallpaper or art nouveau decoration on the walls. Bed in wrought iron or with wooden headboard and inlays. Pay attention to the combination with the rest of the furniture, such as bedside tables, mirror frame, chest of drawers and wardrobe. A beautiful crystal chandelier will add light and luxury to the room, embellished also by the right choice of household linen to dress the bed with to give it a chic look.
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Finally, if you need personalized advice to decorate your home in Art Nouveau style, send an email to valeriadesign@casaomnia.it!