Design features
It is wrong to believe that Art Nouveau is analogous to the modern style (contemporary). Confusion is caused by the erroneous use of the French word "moderne" in the meaning of "fashionable", "modern", although modernity has little in common with current trends. This style has the following characteristics:
- Modern (or Art Nouveau) is characterized by flowing lines and whimsical ornaments.
- In the first place are natural motives that set the style for the entire interior.
- The interior of a living room with notes of fabulousness is not easy to implement on your own: exquisite furniture is usually made to order, representing a work of art.
- The functionality of the Art Nouveau furnishings is closely intertwined with its decorativeness.
- Large windows with arched curves, an abundance of light and space are welcome.
- There is practically no symmetry in the living room, the lines flow smoothly from one to the other.
Color spectrum
Since Art Nouveau gravitates towards nature, the palette for the hall is also discreet and calm. Aggressive tones are not used: beige, cream, brown shades (the colors of expensive wood species) prevail. There are no sharp contrasts, that is, it is impossible to find a monochrome Art Nouveau living room. But warm white, green and mustard tones are welcome.
Living rooms in cold tones are less common - but even they leave a feeling of coziness due to the combination of heavenly shades in the design of the walls and dark wooden furniture.
Materials and finishes
The Art Nouveau living room walls serve as a backdrop for decorative elements, so the best way to maintain the style is to paint them with light paint. It is not recommended to paste over the room with wallpaper: Art Nouveau is characterized by the absence of texture and small ornaments on the walls. You can decorate them with moldings and stucco moldings.
The Art Nouveau ceiling can be both unobtrusive (in order to avoid congestion), and active - with beams and arched elements. Often there are round two-stage structures, as well as stained glass ceilings, impressive in their beauty and originality.
The floor in the living room, as a rule, does not carry a decorative load, therefore parquet laid in squares or a herringbone is suitable as a floor covering. Laminate imitating wood is also appropriate, as well as tiles of natural shades, placed diagonally. It is worth giving preference to this option if the kitchen is combined with the living room.
Furniture
The easiest way to recreate or imitate Art Nouveau is using original furniture. It is characterized by soft lines, roundness, but at the same time functionality and distinct structure. When choosing furniture, it is important that sofas and armchairs not only match the style, but also remain comfortable.
Wooden furniture (cabinets and tables) is often complemented by glass details, giving the Art Nouveau interior an airy feeling. Metal is used only as unobtrusive touches, not accents: it can be golden furniture handles, chrome coffee table legs, bronze elements of lamps.
Furniture should not clutter up the living room, as the Art Nouveau style tends to open spaces. If the TV is built into a bulky modular wall, the rest of the area should be lightened by a headset with thin legs, elegant armchairs, and a small sofa. It is necessary that the elements are connected and combined with each other.
Lighting
The living room light sources are practical and decorative: chandeliers and wall sconces provide comfort, illuminating the recreation area, and their ornate forms with natural motives support the overall style. Luminaires can be made of glass, wood or metal.
The advantages of style will be most favorably emphasized by multi-level lighting. The chandelier will provide general lighting, and the spotlights will provide decorative. It will allow you to highlight the necessary areas, for example, paintings on the walls. A table lamp can act as one of the additional light sources, which will create a cozy chamber atmosphere.
Textiles and decor
Modern is rich in floral and floral patterns, which is reflected not only in the choice of pieces of furniture, but also in the design of the living room windows - in the Art Nouveau style, curtains with ornaments in the form of leaves, buds, flowers look harmoniously. It is desirable that the curtains are hidden behind a wide cornice, and the fabric has a simple shape. Furniture upholstery can be either plain or with prints. It is worth avoiding graphicality and severity, "dressing" the living room: the main theme of the drawings is nature.
A fireplace is a luxurious element of the living room in a modern house: it attracts everyone's attention, which means that it must correspond to the modern style. The fireplace with smooth lines looks great, which fits perfectly into the elegant interior.
A large number of different little things do not play into the hands of the interior of the living room in the Art Nouveau style. The decor should flow into the setting, not dividing the room, but bringing it together. That is why in houses so often you can see doorways in the form of fancy arches, moldings passing from the walls to the ceiling, curved wrought iron railings on the stairs.
The design of the living room can also include paintings - landscapes, still lifes and abstractions. A mirror is best decorated with a carved frame, and interior doors with glass or colored stained glass. Bouquets of fresh flowers - lilies, hydrangeas, irises - will revive the Art Nouveau atmosphere. You can also arrange figurines and complement the decor with an antique wooden clock.
Photo gallery
Modern looks as if it migrated into the interior from paintings or pages of legends about elves. Bringing it to life is not an easy task, requiring skill and not tolerating savings. In addition, this style is most appropriate in spacious apartments. The living room in the Art Nouveau style, created according to all design rules, maximally demonstrates the refined taste of the owner and his love for fine and decorative arts.