Art Nouveau in Paris During the 1900s Influences Modern Interior Design & Decor

Art Nouveau in interior design and decor was at the height of its popularity in the 1900s, specifically in Paris.

The Frist Art Museum in Nashville, TN held a Paris 1900 City of Lights exhibition with various oil paintings, furnishings, trinkets and artwork from the time period showcasing the movement.  We see this style reemerging in our modern furniture, fixtures, decor and architecture.

The glorification of curved lines, asymmetry and preferred ornamentation inspired by living forms is simplified in many of the contemporary pieces furnishing modern residences and businesses today. For example, sofas and chairs upholstered in luxurious fabric such as velvet in bold colors paired with wooden frames.

Intricate wire sculptures as artwork adorning the walls. Ceramic and glass pottery, vases and display cases accented by decorative floral and spiral patterns. Touches of glitz and glamour that catch the eye but do not overwhelm the design creating both a sense of whimsical elegance and modern minimalism.

In the 1900s, the art nouveau movement brought the decorative and minor arts to the forefront of the public eye. Furnishings, decor and architecture began to adopt similar techniques incorporating these decorations in their designs.

Today, we see a reemergence of this art and design movement from large-scale projects such  as building and park design to small-scale projects like home furnishings and decor.