Arts & Crafts

 The modernism movement started in Germany and France and spread after World War 2. Many of the founders of this movement fled from European countries to Britain or America due to the wars. Before the war, modernism was theoretical and idealistic but changed after the war and became more practical, like how it is today. Modernism in America featured poured concrete with cast geometric ornament that included elaborate terraces and gardens. One of the most successful houses during this period was the Millard house, which included concrete blocks cast with decorative patterned faces and repeated patterns. There are many influential architects from this period, one of them being Rudolph Schindler.       One step further: Rudolph Schindler determined that architecture provides the structure, space, and design for interior spaces. He saw that architecture and interior design go hand and hand and wanted a compositional design throughout the structure, creating continuity....

 In 1900 a need arose for interior decorators, because of the eclectic architecture that lacked on that area. Interior decorators would add accessories, art, and furniture to create a cohesive interior aesthetic. Elsie de Wolfe was the first woman to pursue interior decorating by rebelling against Victorian interiors by creating bright spaces with French furniture. Wolfe made interior design become a separate entity from architecture. She valued comfort, beauty, and quality lighting. Some of her methods and materials she most commonly used were French furniture, the addition of animal prints on upholstery, and her interiors were inspired by nature, especially gardens. Wolfe not only separated interior design from architecture but has a style of how she decorated and created a way for women to enter the interior design profession. This was a difficult thing because like most professions it was difficult for women to be a part of one, especially in the world of design. In 1925 Doroth...

 Throughout history, we see a back and forth with design and styles. One style comes out, let’s take the emergence of modernism, and then art deco is the next one because someone somewhere didn’t like the idea of no ornamentation and decoration. Which is the same thing that happened before, from Victorian to arts and crafts, or Art Nouveau to protomodernism. In art deco, there was that same tension between functionalists and decorators. Functionalists valued function, simplicity, and mass production. Whereas decorators valued labor-intensive craftsmanship, and elite market, with elaborate designs. Art deco was largely influenced by fashion oriental styles and art nouveau, meaning it was more decorative. One of the most common patterns became very popular including zigzags and chevron. Light fixtures that complemented modern materials, as well as large mirrors, were elements commonly displayed in this style.  One Step Further: One of the popular art deco architects was Michel...