Situated between 1890s and 1914, Art Nouveau is an international style that was popular across Europe, which is why today we known it under many different names.

Jugendstil was the name used in Germany, after the magazine Die Jugend published in Munich, on whose pages Otto Eckmann‘s art can be seen.

Modern Style was the term used in Great Britain, Stile Floreale in Italy and Sezessionstil in Austria.

The name most often used term, the French name, Art Nouveau, comes from the name of a gallery, Maison de l’Art Nouveau, by Samuel Siegfried Bing located in Paris.

Artwork by Otto Eckmann

Samuel Bing is considered to be a key figure in the development of Art Nouveau. He specialized in import and sale of Japanese artwork, but he also exported French goods to Japan.

In 1895 he opened his famous gallery, which became popular across Europe after its decorative displays were shown at the world’s fair in Paris, better known as 1900 Paris Exposition.

Its short duration was due to its high production costs. Craftsmanship and woodworking was very popular, and the designs were almost exclusively polished and varnished, featuring complex and curving shapes that were expensive to make.

In Art Nouveau use of flora and fauna as inspiration can be seen as a lot of flowing, often erratic, asymmetrical and complex lines and shapes are used in the designs.

It is perceived as very dynamic, gracious, stylized and symbolic. The lines can be seen as an expression of vitality and constant movement.

Color palette used in Art Nouveau varies, as it was used and interpreted internationally. In the Belgian and French style we can see a lot of pastel, softer and organic tones, while colors used by the Dutch and the Austrians tend to be brighter.

Besides the already mentioned Samuel Siegfried Bing, we also have Art Nouveau giants like Hector Guimard. Some of his many Art Nouveau works would be his Paris Metro entrances, Hotel Guimard (his private residence), the Coilliot House (Maison Coilliot) and Castel Béranger, the first Art Nouveau residental building in Paris.

The Porte Dauphine Métro entrance

The Coilliot House

Then we have the three Belgian Art Nouveau architects, painters and designers – Victor Horta, Paul Hankar and Henry van de Velde.

Victor Horta and Paul Hankar were both famous for their innovative use of steel, glass and iron, and all three used abstract and curved lines in their designs.

Victor Horta, Stairway and skylight of the Horta Museum

Paul Hankar, Hôtel Ciamberlani

Examples of Art Nouveau in today’s designs

Regardless of its duration being short, the influence of Art Nouveau can be seen featured in many of today’s designs.

Art Nouveau inspired elements featured on Sweetpea & Willow

Art Nouveau features by Sheffield Furniture & Interiors

In order to incorporate it in interior, one has to turn to nature for inspiration. Elements used will seem natural and organic. Which is why it will most likely be appreciated most by nature lovers.

A lot of contrasting materials, patterns and textures will be used – from wood to silk, and among furniture, floral inspired patterns and shapes will most likely dominate.

Ariel Upholstered Bed by Sweetpea & Willow

Eichholtz Las Palmas Gold Table Lamp by Sweetpea & Willow

In my opinion, a lot of the influence of Art Nouveau on today’s designs can be seen in flashes – furniture piece here and there or an occasional vintage piece. Most designs that we see today will be one gorgeous cohesive unit made out of pieces that belong to a variety of styles and trends. There is a lot of freedom when it comes to interior design today.

However, personally, I find this particular style very inspiring and wish to see much more of it. I find it deserves to be it’s own style once again, used to the maximum, especially considering just how diverse, rich and unique it can be.