Art Deco Style Interior Design

ByMichelle RadcliffArt Deco style interior design has its roots in the 1920s and 1930s. This sleek style influenced architecture as well as furnishings, sculpture, fashion, jewelry, and visual arts. Art Deco then lead directly into the glamorous designs of 1940s Hollywood.Art Deco HistoryArt Deco is a streamlined, geometric style which often includes furniture pieces with curved fronts, mirrors, clean lines, chrome hardware and glass. This elegant style began as a Modernist response in opposition to Art Nouveau style which featured elaborate, flowing natural forms plus female imagery and Tiffany lamps.Art Deco makes use of angular, balanced geometric shapes, such as the classic skyline imagery of the 1930s Chrysler Building and Empire State Building. Renowned artists that helped to define Art Deco style includeErte, Adolphe Mouron (akaCassandre) andTamara de Lempicka.The term "Art Deco" is taken from the Exposition Internationale des Arts Dcoratifs et Industriels Modernes, which was a World's Fair held in Paris, France, in 1925, though the name was not used until after the 1960s. It is therefore also called Style Moderne or 1925 Style.The atmosphere of pre-World War I Europe was a major influence on this style, which was a reaction to the hasty societal and industrial advances of the early 20th century. Paris was the hub of Art Deco style, due in part to the artistic creations of Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann, Jean-Jacques Rateau, Eileen Gray, Edgar Brandt, Jean Dunand, Ren Lalique, Maurice Marinot and Cartier.After a 1926 hurricane ravaged Miami, Florida, architects designed whole city blocks in the Art Deco style. This architectural experiment resulted in Miami's distinctive tropical influenced Art Deco design.Art Deco StyleArt Deco is thought to be a diverse form of Modern decoration with eclectic influences coming from the primal arts of Aztec Mexico, Africa and Egypt, in addition to the powerful images of the Hi-Tech Age, like radios and skyscrapers. For example, the 1935 Victrola is a vivid and discernible Art Deco item.

Art Deco employs unique materials such as: Aluminum Inlaid wood Lacquer Shagreen Stainless steel Zebra skinDesignelements of art deco involve: Zigzagged and stepped patterns Sweeping curves and lines Chevron patterns Sunburst shapesArt Deco was frequently opulent in nature and was often featured in cinemas, theaters and ocean liners. A corresponding movement, called Streamline design, was taken from manufacturing and scientific advances in addition to sleek, aerodynamic shapes. Following the success of the Chrysler Airflow design of 1933, similar shapes began to be used for everyday objects, like pencil sharpeners and refrigerators.

Mediterranean Style Interior Design

BySarabeth AsaffKitchen and Bathroom DesignerMediterranean style interior design evokes the romance and cornucopia of smells, tastes and colors on the southern coast of Europe. The region's casual and friendly lifestyle is reflected in the relaxed design, rustic furniture and wall textures. It's a colorful and pleasing design style that brings a touch of the Mediterranean to even the most northern home.Mediterranean Design ElementsMediterraneanstyle refers, roughly, to the design style of the south of Spain, Greece and Italy. This region is known for its turquoise waters (hence, thecote d'azur), sparkling sunlit days and vibrant produce and flowers. These elements are mirrored in Mediterranean design.Unlike formal Parisian drawing room style or dark Florentine or Madrileno design, Mediterranean design is more similar toTuscan design; carefree and casual, emphasizing the colors and textures found in the surrounding landscape. Nature is apparent in the architectural elements and furnishings in Mediterranean style. Terra cotta tiles, rough-cut stone and pine wood are all used liberally.Ads by Googlepvc ceiling panelWe are professional pvc panel, pvc ceiling panels manufacturerswww.shenaozs.comKitchen&bathroom fit outHome improvement and remodeling. 15 years exp. Affordable high qualitywww.creatinghomes.netTEMPUR PromotionSave Now up to AED 6,000 on TEMPUR Bed Sets. Limited Time Offer!www.tempur.aeThe Colors of Mediterranean Style Interior DesignMediterranean colors are vibrant and earthy. Yellows, oranges and deep reds mirror the spectacular seaside sunsets. Lavender, deep purple (aubergine) and cornflower yellow evoke the fields of flowers that cover the foothills, just up from the coast. Greens, from lush forest green to light mint green, reflect the lush countryside.Textures and FabricsThe textures of the Mediterranean are rough and earthy, just like the colors. Walls are customarily made of textured white plaster or stucco. Floors are covered with roughly finished tile or plain pine planking. Large, dark wooden ceiling beams are commonly used, in stark contrast to the white-washed stucco walls.Water is another common Mediterranean design element, and many European homes include a courtyard fountain or other water feature. North American homeowners can capture this feel with a ceramic wall fountain or lavebo.Furniture and Accessories

Mediterranean-stylefurniture reflects the casual lifestyle and community of the Mediterranean. Light pine furniture is a signature of this design style, as are large pieces, such as a plank kitchen table, suitable for eight to twelve diners. Mediterranean kitchens are always open to neighbors and friends.Large, usually pine, armoires are common - they were a necessity in 18th and 19th century homes that had no closets. In modern homes, these massive pieces can double as entertainment centers or linen closets.Accessories in Mediterranean style interior design are also rustic and colorful. Door and furniture hardware are often made of rough-hewn iron. Additionally, mosaic tiles, taken from Spain's Islamic influences, are frequently found on tabletops, countertops and even stuck in plaster as wall adornments. Smaller accessories are mostly useful items, such as copper and iron cookware, colorful crockery and braids of garlic, peppers and onions. Flowers, either fresh, dried or simulated, add another source of color to a Mediterranean room.

Minimalist Home Design

BySarabeth AsaffKitchen and Bathroom DesignerArchitects and designers who favor a less is more approach often support minimalist home design. The concept of minimalism in buildings and interior spaces calls for the use of clean lines, simple color palettes and unadorned surfaces.Basics of MinimalismThe core goal of minimalist design is to break down forms and structures to their basic elements. The straightforward nature ofAsian design, particularly classic Japanese design, has been one of the inspirations for minimalism. Famous designers who pioneered minimalist ideas include Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and members of the De Stijl Dutch art movement. Mies van der Rohe focused on the exterior frame of buildings while adopting open floor plans on the inside.Minimalist designers and architects concentrate on removing dimension from spaces and connecting the intersecting visual planes of the building. This leaves room to diligently plan out the wide open spaces of the interiors. The initial push to rediscover pure forms is now supplanted by the desire to instill a sense of calm, harmony, and spirituality in interior spaces.

ART NOUVEAU

TheArt Nouveauarchitectural style developed in Europe between 1890 and 1914. This style grew out of a rebellion against classical ideals in architecture andart. It was based on the premise that nature was the best source of inspiration and aesthetic principals, or ideas about beauty. The major characteristics ofArtNouveau architecture andartwere curved forms and ornate embellishments with shapes from nature.ArtNouveau styles were found not just in architecture and paintings, but in the decorative arts as well, making it accessible to many people.Proponents ofArtNouveau architecture turned against references to classical Greek and Roman standards that had been popular during much of the 1800s. They were driven to throw off strict and formal philosophies ofart. Instead, architects who designedArtNouveau buildings found their inspiration in the expressive lines and shapes of nature, especially from flowers and other plant life.Curved lines and arches dominated the exterior ofArtNouveau architecture. An example is Casa Batllo in Barcelona, Spain, which was redesigned by Antoni Gaudi between 1905 and 1907 in theArtNouveau style. The exterior of Casa Batllo has curved, leaf-like balconies. The bottom of each balcony has a flower design that can be seen from the street, and the lower floors have undulating arches. Casa Batllo does not have many straight lines or geometric shapes, as even the corners of the building are curved.

Another example ofArtNouveau architecture is the Hotel Guimard, built by Hector Guimard in 1912 in Paris, France. Guimard built the house for himself and his wife Adeline Oppenheim. The windows of the Hotel Guimard are shielded by arches with root-like designs. A large balcony at the top of the building has an elaboratewrought ironrailing with flowery elements. The entryway to the house has an arch with asymmetrical, floral designs.Not only wasArtNouveau evident in external architecture butinterior designdisplayed its standards as well. Ornate moldings with relief sculptures of plants, flowers and birds were characteristic of building interiors. Opulent, winding staircases were common as well.Proponents ofArtNouveau intended it to be a non-elitist style ofartthat did not draw distinctions between fine arts like painting and sculpture, and applied arts like ceramics and metalworking.ArtNouveau style was applied to rugs, furniture, textiles, wallpaper, lamps andgraphic design. For this reason,ArtNouveau was a style available to a wide number of people.

Post Modern Interior Design

ByKim StoneInterior DecoratorIf you like contemporary updates of styles from the past, then you will probably enjoy post modern interior design. This contemporary style shuns minimalism in favor of decorative surfaces and designs.What is Post Modern Design?Beginning in the 1960's and lasting through today, the post-modern movement took root as a response to modernist design. This movement began in America and then spread internationally across the globe. Post-modern designers tend to reject the functional, minimal use of materials and lack of embellishment adopted by modernist designers. Seeking to free themselves of restrictive rules, post-modernists place form over function when desired.Another key theme in post-modern design is borrowing from the past to create eclectic designs in architecture, furnishings, and interiors. Wit and humor are also common elements in post-modern buildings and homes. Post-modernists seek to create comfortable spaces for the body, mind, and soul. This results in a mixture of various design styles, unexpected design materials, and unconventional angles. Post-modern design typically has an air of excitement and energy.Ads by GoogleHome Appliances in UAEAll Home Appliances 4 Low Prices! Warranty & Free Delivery. Shop Now.Mizado.com/home-appliancesLooking For Luxury HomesEquinox Realty Close to the City Far From Ordinary. Near MG RoadEquinoxrealty.in/Book-NowHomes R Us SaleCome to Homes R Us & enjoy 25% 70% off on everything!www.homesrusgroup.comPost Modern Design DetailsNotable post-modern designers include Robert Venturi, Michael Graves, Philip Johnson, and Robert A.M. Stern, to name a few. Some of the furnishings styles which define post-modern design are Craft Revival, ergonomic furniture, and art furniture. Post-modern furniture designer,Judy McKie, is known for her Craft Revival pieces which integrate stylized animal themes in distinctive, sculptural shapes. McKie's expressive, handcrafted pieces can also be described as art furniture due to her emphasis on beautiful shapes, images, and forms.Ergonomic furniture includes post-modern pieces for both the home and the workplace. The rise of the modern commercial office and the home office has lead to a need for comfortable seating and work spaces. An example of post-modern ergonomic home furniture is the Stressless collection fromEkornes. Their recliner was introduced in 1971 with an emphasis on comfort that provided proper support at the same time. Ekornes now offers their contemporary sofas in styles and finishes that coordinate with the Stressless line of furnishings. Their line proves that comfort can be stylish.

Art furniture employs form over function and includes unique designs such as pop art motifs and whimsical themes. Often times, art furniture stands alone from its function like a sculpture or object d' art. The furniture should be useful and somewhat functional, but the main purpose of art furniture is to add interest to a room through a theme, color, or shape. Sculptural chairs and coffee tables are common examples of art furniture. Bold shapes and interesting angles are also a major element of art furniture pieces.Some of the other trends inside the post-modern movement include: Classic modernism - borrows from the classical, graceful designs of the ancient Greeks. Memphis style - started by Ettore Sottsass in the 1980's, this style promotes freedom of expression in form and color. Deconstructivism - places emphasis on form and design without adherence to normal structural rules.Frank O. Gehry'sunique, whimsical designs are one example. High tech style - emphasizes the display of industrial and structural elements in a noticeable or decorative way.