INT331: History of Interiors

The era from the 1950’s to the 1970’s in modern design was a time of experimentation. Designers such as Charles and Ray Eames designed furniture with materials such as plywood and plastic, which was attractive and also affordable for the middle class. Eero Saarinen was another famous designer from this era. His designs brought the Scandinavian style to the United States. One of his best known pieces was the Womb Chair. Manufacturers like Knoll and Herman Miller emerged during this era. They specialized in modern office furniture and equipment. This was where we were introduced to pieces such as the Eames Lounge Chair and the Marshmallow Sofa.  Eero Saarinen Tulip table and chairs Eames Lounge Chair Current Applications: Eames Furniture in current application Artist, Lianne Nixon illustrates interiors inspired by Charles and Ray Eames REALLY COOL! Check it out here: https://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/lianne-nixon-illustration-100217 One step fur...

After World War II, many European countries were in a standstill with new architecture, as they were trying to revive. Because American soil was left untouched by the war, Americans were able to come out in good shape, especially economically. Founders of the modernism movement fled to America, along with journals and books that helped spread. Modernism before the war was theoretical and idealistic, but after the war modernism was more practical and applied. There was experimentation with disposable furniture, and a need for interior design arose. Molded plywood and plastic started to emerge as common materials. Modernism saw the work of Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, Walter Gropius, and Frank Lloyd Wright.  Frank Lloyd Wright The Milliard House The Schindler House Rudolph Schindler The Womb Chair Eero Saarinen Current Applications: Eastbrook Elementary School  Perkins + Will Modernist Inspired Interior Today One Step Further… ...

Rise of The Decorator and History of Women in Interior Design Around the turn of the century and through the early 1900’s, the profession of Interior Design started to become more common. It emerged through the profession of Architecture, which was learned through formal training, but many early interior designers were untrained. They claimed the name of Interior Decorator by collecting furniture and accessories. At this time in history, there was a growing need for professionals who could furnish homes according to a style. Interior designers filled the position for this need, that before, was mostly done by various craftsmen that were hired by architects. An interior designer, or perhaps more appropriately called decorator, could fully furnish a home and include art and floor coverings to create an overall scheme. The growing middle and wealthy upper classes were huge contributors to this need.              O...

The era of Art Deco was a rather quick movement in art, design, and culture. It was an emphasis on luxury, after WWI, almost like a celebration. It was right before WWII. Art Deco originated in France, and was heavily inspired by the advancements in electricity, transportation, and industrialism. Materials and themes also recognized as Art Deco were; the skyscraper profile, decoration, chevron, zig-zags, African tribal print, large mirror, lacquered wood, ebony, large light fixtures, polished metals, leather, and glass. There were two types of Art Deco, one being the more feminine side and the other considered the more masculine side. The small scale, dainty decorative aspect of design was considered feminine, with high quality decorations, and mostly hand-crafted lacquered woods. The larger scale aspect of design that was inspired by chrome, plastics, and the machine was considered masculine.             During the Art Dec...

The Modernism movement was a break from the past, a rejection of historical precedents, and an embrace of the present and future. Suddenly, everything was designed inspired by the machine, rather than nature. Materials such as glass, steel, and concrete were more common and mass production was embraced. Functionalism took precedent over ornamentation during this era.              The Bauhaus school in Germany began during this movement. It was founded by Walter Gropius, who became somewhat of a founding father for modernism. Bauhaus was fairly egalitarian, and at its core was all about unity of the arts. Not only does this name belong to the school, but it also defines a movement and a style.              Besides Walter Gropius, the modernist movement had many other influential leaders such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier, and Frank Lloyd ...

As many of the movements around this time, Protomodernisn began from a discontentment with the Victorian era. The main countries that this movement took place in were Germany and Austria. It was similar to Art Nouveau in the way that it was inspired by nature and had no historical precedent, but differed because Protomodernism was more linear. Materials such as plywood, aluminum, metals, beachwood, leather, and velum were used to make pieces like chairs, upholstered furniture, and tables. Ornamentation was almost completely rejected in this era, unless it supported the function of the design. It also was similar to the arts and crafts movement because of this, but Protomodernism embraced the use of the machine, as long has high quality design was produced. The Vienna Secession took place during this era. Artists and designers that were apart of this boldly had no tie to history, and believed that all arts were worthy of design. This included house hold objects. Many designers durin...