This sofa exemplifies the modern sensibility in design.
A loose definition of modern decor is any design scheme that exhibits clean lines, minimal ornamentation and mixes both man-made and natural materials. The effect of modern decor is one of open space, in which the spaces compliment the furnishings. The function of each piece used in the design is evident and the form of that piece is borne of its function. Does this Spark an idea?
History
Modern decor sprang from a confluence of post World War I designs, political unrest and the post World War II era of innovation in technology. Art deco fused the ornamental elements of traditional design with functionality, while the Bauhaus School in Germany shunned ornamentation and sought to create a style based solely on practical needs. Bauhaus as a style was more a political statement, a response to the class systems found throughout Europe: it was socialism expressed in design.
Significance
The innovations in technology following World War II influenced design in architecture and interior decor. What is now termed mid-century modern design is characterized by the use of synthetic fabrics, aluminum as furniture frames, glass and stone as textural elements and the use of plastic for house wares. This radical departure from the traditional materials of wood and wool marked the recognition of Modernism as a design style.
Function
The appeal of modern decor lies in its clean lines and defined color palette. The purpose, though, of modern decor is to celebrate the function of any given piece. The egg chair, for example, is certainly not a traditional chair, yet its purpose is obvious. The modern sensibility works to explore new configurations of necessary pieces, pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship and of the material themselves.
Effects
The machine age, an influencing factor in modern design, brought about mass production which led to the concept of inexpensive goods made available for those of modest financial means. Designers versed in modernism took advantage of this and produced high-style goods meant to be produced at low costs. Furnishings such as low-backed leather sofas, glass topped tables with metal legs and sunburst clocks were available in department stores at costs affordable to the average homeowner.
Features
In the evolution of modern decor, certain features have remained fixed within the design. Materials include glass and stone, leather and faux leather, synthetic fabrics such as polyester blends along with natural fabrics, metals and a minimum of wood. Furniture is designed with squared lines and simple hardware, if hardware is used at all. Decorative elements have geometric shapes reminiscent of art deco and accessories are kept at a minimum. Art work is abstract and bold in color and shape. The color palette includes high contrast mixes such as black and white, yellow and gray or red and black. Neutral color palettes are seen as well. These designs are often monochromatic and emphasize texture over contrast.
Tags: modern decor, clean lines, color palette, glass stone, modern decor, modern design