A practical and functional kitchen in the Art Nouveau style fully meets the needs of a modern person. When at the beginning of the twentieth century the style replaced Victorian delights, who but the apartment owners immediately appreciated its unpretentiousness and perfection.
The essence is a competent combination of classics and modern trends, the absence of excessive decor and the functionality of each design item.
A little history
The style itself appeared at the end of the 19th century and became an excellent replacement for the elaborate and bulky Baroque and Rococo. Its appearance became possible thanks to a sharp leap in technology and the transition to mass production of necessary items.
Art Nouveau quickly gained popularity due to its fairly simple decorating process at the time.
However, the style did not last long on the podium and soon ceased to be in demand. One of the reasons for the rapid decline in popularity was the First World War, which required the industry to be transferred to a war footing. There was no time for the beauty of the decoration of the premises.
The second compelling reason was the transformation of initially simple decor into a rather complex style, which, in addition to creative decoration, began to require large financial costs.
By the way, Art Nouveau has quite a few varieties: it was called “Art Nouveau” in French, “Liberty” in Italian, “Tiffany” in American, and “Jugendstil” in German.
However, the modern kitchen design has retained the main features in all its varieties.
Main characteristics
Of course, modern kitchens in the Art Nouveau style differ from the original, but the originality of the style still distinguishes this design direction from all other options.
Art Nouveau is characterized by the presence of clearly defined geometric shapes with soft curves reminiscent of the delicacy of natural lines, smooth shiny surfaces, unusual combinations of colors, and asymmetry of design.
Characteristics of today's modernity
The interior of the kitchen in the Art Nouveau style has undergone quite a lot of changes. Modern technologies have helped to combine technical progress and the simplicity of natural elements, to combine new technologies and the purity of natural elements, simple ornaments and light lines, reminiscent of an elegant curl of a woman's hairstyle or a curved vine.
Modern style has become much closer to minimalism, moving further and further away from the classical design.
Kitchen renovation in the Art Nouveau style is perfect for a small space where it is important to create a cozy and functional space. This will be helped by the practicality of decoration and furnishings, the presence of the most modern technical equipment, and a minimal amount of textiles and decor.
Glossy surfaces, cheerfully reflecting the sun's rays or rays of artificial lighting, will add a little more space and light, fill the kitchen with a joyful mood, increase appetite and the desire to create.
Rational style: work area and dining room
The main goal of the Art Nouveau style is to organize the space as conveniently as possible. This is especially true in small spaces. When arranging a kitchen, first of all, pay attention to its functionality.
Kitchen set and dining group
When designing the kitchen interior, you can combine the work area set with the dining group into one whole. The table for eating can be made as a continuation of the set in the form of a round bar counter. Thanks to this approach, an additional workplace appears.
If the dining room is located in the living room, for example, combined with the kitchen, the dining group can consist not only of tables and chairs, but also of a soft corner or sofa. This solution will help organize a comfortable seating area in the kitchen, even in a small room.
Modernism should be dynamic, so when arranging a kitchen, blind areas should not be allowed. This means that when the living room and dining room are combined, open space remains and no partitions or doors are installed.
The dining area can be combined with a kitchen unit
Appliances and plumbing
A modern corner kitchen is most often equipped with built-in household appliances to create maximum functionality. The set should contain many compartments for storing things. It is not recommended to make a lot of shelves; in modern style everything should be concise.
Apron
For the classic Art Nouveau style, a solid apron with a bright texture is perfect. The shade can be matched to the color of the handles on the cabinet doors, but the most common design is ceramic tiles. The most interesting options are if the fibers in the array are located in a horizontal position.
If an array is used in the interior, it can also be used to decorate a recreation area, for example, to create functional shelves.
You can approach the design of the apron in a non-standard way, for example, lay it out with mosaics, or create a combination of glass and ceramics.
Mosaic designs, original ornaments and compositions look impressive.
Original combinations can be used for the apron
Materials for decoration
A traditional kitchen or kitchen-living room in the Art Nouveau style was distinguished by natural materials. However, today such finishing often becomes too expensive a way to decorate a room and is not always suitable for a room where humidity and temperature often change, splashes of water and grease fly.
Beautiful modern kitchens are increasingly using modern materials that perfectly imitate natural surfaces.
Modern kitchen: materials and color
In the process of choosing a kitchen, several aspects should be taken into account, in particular the mode of operation of the kitchen, environmental friendliness, and degree of load. When choosing between chipboard and MDF, preference should be given to the latter, since it has a higher density and strength. MDF is also characterized by increased moisture resistance, uniformity of structure and a higher level of overall quality. In addition, this material is environmentally friendly - individual particles of wood are held together using paraffin and natural tree resin.
In the manufacture of modern kitchen facades, acrylic, plastic, film, varnish, enamels and other synthetic materials are used. The main requirement for modern kitchen furniture surfaces is smoothness and shine. In the production of modern furniture for the modern kitchen, we use high-tech equipment, the best materials from well-known suppliers and the labor of qualified specialists.
The color scheme of a modern kitchen can be very diverse. The most common and popular shades are beige, white, milky, green, lilac and violet. The main condition is the dominance of only one tone. Kitchens Mr. Doors are presented in a wide range of colors, so you can always choose what suits your taste.
And, of course, you should not ignore the level of technical equipment of the kitchen. The presence of modern built-in appliances will add functionality, style and convenience to your kitchen. When modeling modern furniture for a modern kitchen, we will take into account all your wishes and requirements for the ability to equip it with the latest models of kitchen appliances.
Ceiling decoration
The ceiling can be decorated with almost any material. These can be wooden boards or their substitutes (if the size of the kitchen allows you to install such a ceiling decoration), plasterboard sheets with matte paint applied, regular painting or whitewash, suspended ceilings.
You shouldn’t get too carried away with decorating the ceiling: a plain, smooth, matte surface will make it as close as possible to the canons of design.
For a large kitchen, multi-level designs can be used, but they should also be easy to understand.
Floor decoration
Flooring also offers a wide choice for selecting the necessary elements. Modern flooring can be created from natural boards, ceramic tiles, waterproof laminate or proven linoleum.
The only requirement will be a calm finish. The floor should not have many elements or be variegated. But the color scheme is almost unlimited: the coating can be pure white, greyish, brown and even black. A white kitchen in the Art Nouveau style will look especially unusual with this color.
If it is possible to lay liquid linoleum, also known as a stretch floor, do not be afraid of such an experiment. The glossy surface will give the kitchen a “modern” touch.
Choosing furniture
A characteristic feature of the Modern kitchen is the uncluttered interior and its functionality. There is no fundamentality here, which is accepted in Classic, and, at the same time, there is no negligence inherent in the Country and Shabby Chic style. Tables and chairs are of strict and simple shapes, without any “flashy” details. Plastic chairs look surprisingly harmonious here. In the photo below you can see the most daring furniture ideas in the Art Nouveau style.
The furniture can be white or, on the contrary, bright - this is not fundamental. Kitchen sets are mainly made of plastic and MDF and, as mentioned above, they have glossy surfaces. As for the front handles, they are often missing and in order to open the drawers, you just need to press the door. However, hidden handles are not the most practical detail, which is especially evident on glossy sets, because there are always fingerprints on the facades that need to be wiped off. You can look at other interesting ideas for handles, including door handles, in the photos we have selected.
Regarding the kitchen apron, it is often made of plastic or glass and in the same color scheme as the countertop.
An apron can also be one of the main accents, contrasting with the set and countertop. Take a look at these photos, the white countertop and ornate backsplash look very impressive.
It is also permissible to insert frosted or transparent glass into facades. At the same time, they always remain straight in shape, without any drawings or stencils. If you are trying to keep up with progress, then keep in mind that such a kitchen can be filled with all sorts of technical innovations and useful gadgets - its appearance only benefits from this.
Window decoration
Curtains for a modern style kitchen should not attract much attention. It is best if their use is limited to a minimum of curtains. And they should be light and airy, not impede the penetration of air and light.
For classic curtains, the principle of asymmetry is used; light folds will help create some feeling of natural negligence and natural chaos.
Modern curtains are represented by Roman and roller designs, which allow you to quickly regulate solar flow; for lovers of minimalism, blinds are used.
Light colors will help not to focus attention on the decoration of window openings; they are often chosen only slightly darker than the wall decoration.
Flowers and polka dots will not be the most competitive design techniques. Plain canvases will look much better.
Curtains for a small kitchen
The main function of curtains in such a narrow space is to let as much sunlight into the room as possible. Therefore, the best choice for a small kitchen, regardless of its style, are translucent curtains made of plain light fabrics that will literally fill the room with air. Forget about complex shapes and pretentious details: curtains with lambrequins, rich draperies - all this is certainly beautiful, but it will only clutter the interior.
So, the basic rules for choosing curtains for small kitchens:
- The textile material should be light and weightless, ideally tulle or plain plain fabric. Say no to large drawings; discreet ornaments or small patterns are acceptable, but nothing more. Vertical stripes on the curtains will visually increase the height of the ceilings.
- In addition to traditional curtain models, Roman, French, Austrian, roller blinds, blinds and all their variations are also well suited.
Home blinds with a photo pattern printed on them will transform any kitchen, and also add depth and expressiveness to its interior. Tulle blinds will look great in a classic interior, and for ethnic cuisine, for example, bamboo blinds are best suited.
- In a small kitchen, every free space is worth its weight in gold! And the window sill is no exception: curtains should provide easy access to it, and not constantly get in the way. The ideal option is short curtains or roller blinds, Roman, French blinds, which are easy to lift if necessary.
- If the window is very small, you can visually enlarge it by hanging curtains that are wider than the opening itself.
Lighting
Natural-technological modernity must be well illuminated. For this, natural light penetrating through large windows is used (if possible, window openings are expanded or panoramic glazing is made), and artificial illumination.
A multi-level lighting system should be aimed at the working and dining areas, but at the same time illuminate every corner of the kitchen; dark and dusty corners are not for modernism.
Spotlights, a large central chandelier or additional pendant lamps above the dining table, fluorescent lamps above work surfaces, cozy sconces on the walls, and decorative LED strips will perfectly decorate the interior.
To recreate the natural character of the style, lampshades in the form of simple balls or ovals and plant elements are used.
Corner kitchens in Khrushchev
Almost every kitchen in a Khrushchev-era building is corner, since in an area of 5 meters it is simply impossible to fit all the furniture in one row. To use space more efficiently, it is advisable to choose narrower countertop options and use the technique of turning the window sill into an extension of the tabletop.
Most likely, you will have to give up a dishwasher that takes up too much space. But even in this case, there will most likely be no space left for a normal dining table, so it will have to be moved to other parts of the apartment.
Furnishings
Modern furniture has smoothed corners, and a corner kitchen must meet this requirement.
For a large room, a linear or U-shaped layout is used; for a small room, an L-shaped arrangement is more suitable. This will help leave more free space.
Solid wood furniture is perfect for expensive finishing; more modern options look great with furniture made of MDF or chipboard. Glass, plastic, and PVC film are used for finishing facades. All of them will give the kitchen additional shine and lighting, creating a feeling of spaciousness.
Door handles often imitate twigs or narrow leaves of trees. Often the facades are devoid of such decoration; a key mechanism is used to open them.
The smoothness of the doors can be emphasized by a small floral pattern, but it should be small. Open shelf space should be kept to a minimum.
A modular kit would be an excellent option: it will help fill the kitchen with only the necessary cabinets and cabinets, leaving maximum space for movement.
Advantages and disadvantages
Today Art Nouveau is one of the most popular trends. This style is suitable for people who value comfort and practicality of the environment and do not like unnecessary details. The design is universal, suitable for families with children and single people.
Advantages of a modern kitchen:
- visual increase in space;
- ease of cleaning - there are no small parts in the environment that collect dust;
- possibility of using inexpensive materials.
The only disadvantages of modernism include the asceticism of the decor and interior. Accessories that do not carry a functional load are inappropriate here. The use of textiles is also reduced to a minimum - no soft, airy sofas, pillows, or colorful towels on hooks.
Lunch group
For modernism, they choose a standard round table with the same rounded chairs, a bar counter with high stools, and massive wooden furniture.
Plastic furniture will look great, but not the cheapest. It is often decorated with unusual metal legs, giving the style a special unusualness and attractiveness. In this case, standard legs are replaced with curved elements or elements emanating from the center of the table or chair.
Appliances
A modern kitchen should bring pleasure, so it is equipped with a large number of modern appliances to make the housewife’s work easier.
When purchasing household appliances, special attention is paid to the versatility of the purchased items. So, a food processor will replace a meat grinder and a separate chopper; a multicooker will be a good way to remove a microwave oven, oven, steamer, or bread maker from the room.
For modernism, they try to select items with a slight bias towards recent antiquity: mechanical knobs and switches, analog controls, imitation brass, nickel, copper.
Color spectrum
The color of a kitchen in the Art Nouveau style is distinguished by its natural naturalness. The basis of the room is made up of light and soft shades of ash, gray smoke, cold winter sky, light brown earth, pearl shells, baked milk, fresh butter, golden mustard.
An example of the ideal color combination for a modern kitchen
Brighter shades will dilute some of the coldness of the kitchen in these rather boring tones. Red, green, and blue colors look great here, but you need to choose them from the natural spectrum. These colors are most often featured in a dining room set, textiles or wallpaper.
However, the golden rule of “three colors” should play a major role when decorating a modern kitchen. Too many different colors can make the kitchen a difficult place to enjoy.
Decor
Everything that is in sight must have a certain meaning. Everything that is devoid of practical value is put away in cabinets and cabinets. The basic rule of minimalism should also work in a modern kitchen.
The decor of such a room is distinguished by restraint. The ideal solution would be wall clocks of simple shapes, laconic vases, matte dishes.
Textiles are used to a minimum, choosing towels and potholders in calm colors, but it is better to replace the tablecloth with cute coasters for hot dishes.
The smoothness of lines and the charming simplicity of finishing, the soft flow of elements and the absence of right angles, floral elements, the use of shiny and smooth surfaces make Art Nouveau design an excellent solution for private houses and city apartments.
The practicality and functionality of each element will help you spend less time on cooking and cleaning the room; refined romance will add real comfort and warmth to the appearance of the kitchen. This photo of a modern style kitchen shows it perfectly.
Style Features
The word “moderno” literally translates from Italian as modern. Hence the confusion in interpretation: after all, modernity is different for each era, as is the understanding of beauty and convenience. And if in painting and architecture modernism, as a direction, has clearly come into use, then in interior design there is still no clear understanding. Let's try to understand these subtleties.
Art Nouveau at the end of the 19th – beginning of the 20th centuries
Modernism is not only a direction, but also an entire historical period of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which is associated with a rethinking of views on the world, on the way of life and its usual way of life. The accomplished industrial revolution, the progress of science, the development of technology - all this inevitably entailed changes in the way of life and the usual way of life of people.
Interest in the scientific achievements of industrialization, technical innovations and applied arts led to the main discovery and main idea of Art Nouveau, which was reflected in interior design - the union of aesthetics and practicality, beauty and functionality.
main features originated
:
- Asymmetry. There is absolute freedom in zoning.
- Smooth curves and wavy lines.
- Irregular, abstract and original, futuristic forms.
- Active use of the decorative possibilities of applied art: stained glass glazing, floral patterns in furniture design, textiles, copper chasing, wood carving, etc.
- Minimum accessories (emphasis on shapes rather than quantity of parts).
- Space and lightness. Even massive and richly decorated furniture no longer looks so bulky, pompous and monumental, thanks to the combination of functionality and art.
- Active use of glass, metal, concrete and natural, noble materials - wood and stone.
- Natural themed decor. Floral and plant themes can be seen in stucco patterns on the ceiling or walls, in ornaments, in the design of kitchen textiles, furniture upholstery, in the design of stained glass and finishing materials.
- Stylistic unity of all objects. Absolutely every detail in the interior must be subordinated to the general concept, one idea. In the decoration, in the decor, and in the design of furniture, one line, a single plot should be traced.
- Unity of interior and exterior.
Owners of private houses should pay attention to how important it is to maintain unity in the design of the facade of the house and the interior design (one color scheme, strict adherence to the unity of lines, shapes and general style).
You can also trace the classical elements, which in the modern style of the early 20th centuries would look simplified, but no less beautiful.
All these style features are manifested in finishing materials, decor, and the design of individual furniture. All together it was intended to create a new environment that would correspond to the era and lifestyle of modern man.
Some examples of modernist furniture, created in the middle of the last century, still inspire modern designers. For example, the Eames DSW kitchen chairs with a molded seat have become a legend and style icon in the design world and are still very popular today due to their versatility.
Modern 50-60s of the XX century
Art Nouveau sought to become a new style at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, but today its understanding is very blurred. Modernity has changed, and along with it new directions and ideas have appeared. Art Nouveau was inspired by national cultures and traditions; for example, Egyptian, African or Japanese features can be very clearly manifested in design. Art Nouveau has the imprint of national culture and is adapted to the way of life, geography and living conditions of a particular people.
For example, Russian Art Nouveau is no longer distinguished by its rich floral design, but by the brightness of its colors.
In different countries, Art Nouveau even has its own name: Art Nouveau in France, Modernism in Italy, etc.
In the middle of the 20th century, Art Nouveau was reborn again (the so-called “second Art Nouveau”), which was even more inspired by the ideas of simplicity, functionality and democracy of Scandinavian interiors.
Design in the Art Nouveau style of the 50-60s. of the last century became even lighter, more spacious, airy, and the shapes more simple, clear and angular.
