Arts & Crafts

 In the 1800’s Europe was in a period of peace and prosperity. Architects and other designers started focusing on new and experimental direction in design. They started rejecting academic models of history and started using nature as their inspiration, uniting them with other fine arts. Flowers, vines, birds were popular forms of nature used in their designs. As well as materials such as iron and glass. Art Nouveau means “New Art” and the most visible motif during this period was “whiplash”. “Whiplash is an ornamental curve that was very decorative, helped display movement throughout a space.   One step further Antoni Gaudi is my favorite interior designer of this time. The way he includes oriental art in his designs is very unique. but I especially liked when he became more organic with his curvature in the walls and ceiling.  Specifically, the Casa Bastllo building, it seems like a fantasy world almost with the illusions through the twists and arches. I like the ide...

  The Arts and crafts movement was one of the strongest anti-Victorian reactions. The book talked about designers and architects that were for the arts and crafts movement sought to counteract the ugly side of industrialization, focusing on humble objects. Including crafting furniture with integrity, this movement focused on craftsmanship and creating a welcoming, comfy, and homey feeling. This movement did well at creating unity in the arts. Not the hierarchy and dramatic ornamentation and overly decorative style of previous periods. Not that ornamentation is bad, but there needed to be a better balance, with a purpose to support the ornamentation. There was more admiration for simplicity and being clear and concise with their designs. This lead to some of the well-known architects, Voysey and Mackintosh, who included more geometric designs.    One of my favorite houses for interior design, that stood out to me was “The Red House". Its white walls and ceiling and contras...